Fantasy Football Guide: Draft NFL Rookies Using Dane Brugler’s 7‑Round Mock Draft Rankings

Veezstream’s draft analyst released a seven‑round mock of the 2026 NFL Draft, prompting a focused two‑round fantasy‑football draft of skill‑position rookies for a 12‑team Superflex league.

Brugler’s mock places a diverse mix of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and a handful of tight ends across the first seven rounds, offering a clear view of where each prospect may land and how that impacts fantasy value.

To translate those projections into actionable fantasy strategy, I selected the top 12 picks (round 1) and the next 12 (round 2) based solely on their projected landing spots, team offensive schemes and depth‑chart context.

Each selection is evaluated for its immediate fantasy upside, potential workload, and the competitive environment that could shape a rookie’s role in his inaugural season.

Below is a concise table summarizing the 24 drafted players, their positions, and the teams that will initially hold their rights.

Round	Pick	Player (Pos., Team)
1	1.01	Fernando Mendoza, QB, LV
1	1.02	Jeremiyah Love, RB, WAS
1	1.03	Mike Washington, RB, SEA
1	1.04	Carnell Tate, WR, NO
1	1.05	Elijah Sarratt, WR, LV
1	1.06	Denzel Boston, WR, WAS
1	1.07	Chris Bell, WR, MIA
1	1.08	Makai Lemon, WR, NYJ
1	1.09	KC Concepcion, WR, CLE
1	1.10	Jordyn Tyson, WR, LAR
1	1.11	Ty Simpson, QB, ARI
1	1.12	Malachi Fields, WR, PHI
2	2.01	Omar Cooper, WR, PIT
2	2.02	Jonah Coleman, RB, BAL
2	2.03	Jadarian Price, RB, HOU
2	2.04	De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, NE
2	2.05	Bryce Lance, WR, ATL
2	2.06	Ted Hurst, WR, WAS
2	2.08	Kaytron Allen, RB, NYG
2	2.09	Kenyon Sadiq, TE, BAL
2	2.10	Chris Brazzell, WR, IND
2	2.11	Germie Bernard, WR, SF
2	2.12	Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, MIA

Starting with the first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza is a high‑risk, high‑reward quarterback prospect for the Las Vegas Raiders. If a fantasy manager already possesses three long‑term QB options, passing on him is advisable; otherwise, his career‑long QB1 ceiling justifies the gamble.

The downside noted by Brugler is that Mendoza is not projected to be the Raiders’ starter beyond 2029, limiting his value in a Superflex format that rewards early‑career production.

Jeremiyah Love, selected 1.02 by Washington, mirrors a larger Jahmyr Gibbs and promises a clear path to an RB1 finish. The Commanders’ projected depth at running back—Rachaad White, Jacory Croskey‑Merritt, and Jerome Ford—creates a favorable committee that still leaves Love with 15+ touches per game.

Washington’s offense, expected to be among the league’s most productive if healthy, should enable Love to emulate Gibbs’s rookie backend RB1 performance, making him a top‑tier fantasy pick at the very start of the draft.

Mike Washington, taken 1.03 by Seattle, steps into a backfield missing Kenneth Walker and potentially Zach Charbonnet. His physical profile resembles Chris Carson, suggesting a high‑end RB2 ceiling with the possibility of surpassing it if he becomes the primary ball‑carrier.

Seattle’s depth chart, featuring Emanuel Wilson as a capable backup, provides Washington with a realistic chance to earn a significant share of carries, especially if Charbonnet’s injury concerns persist.

Carnell Tate, the 1.04 pick for New Orleans, offers a George Pickens‑style deep threat for a Saints offense that could elevate him to a top‑25 rookie wideout. The presence of Tyler Shough and a balanced passing attack gives Tate a platform to challenge Chris Olave for the No. 2 spot.

Should Tate break out, his career‑long ceiling exceeds Olave’s, making him a valuable early‑round asset for fantasy managers seeking upside at the receiver position.

Elijah Sarratt, drafted 1.05 by Las Vegas, brings a strong rapport with his former Indiana quarterback, a factor that often translates to early NFL success. The Raiders could see Sarratt lead the team in targets or sit just behind rookie quarterback Brock Bowers.

His 24/7 “Waffle House” nickname underscores the expectation that he will be a constant presence in the passing game, a trait that aligns well with fantasy production models for rookie receivers.

Denzel Boston, the 1.06 selection for Washington, is projected as a Courtland Sutton‑type complement to Terry McLaurin. However, a second‑round Washington pick could create competition for targets, slightly tempering Boston’s immediate outlook.

If the Commanders prioritize a balanced receiving corps, Boston may still secure a solid WR3 role, offering depth and upside in a Superflex league.

Chris Bell, chosen 1.07 by Miami, inherits a thin receiving corps that could afford him a starting role from day one. His skill set blends Brandon Marshall’s physicality with Robert Meachem’s route running, positioning him as a potential top option despite the Dolphins’ overall offensive uncertainty.

Bell’s value is amplified by the lack of immediate competition, making him a plausible WR2/WR3 in a league where Miami’s quarterback situation remains fluid.

Makai Lemon, the 1.08 pick for New York Jets, resembles a 90‑percent Amon‑Ra St. Brown in talent but faces a precarious quarterback environment. The Jets’ inconsistent QB play adds risk to Lemon’s rookie season and his future beyond 2026.

Nonetheless, pairing Lemon with a developing Garrett Wilson creates an enticing upside for fantasy managers willing to accept the quarterback volatility.

KC Concepcion, drafted 1.09 by Cleveland, would thrive as a top rookie wideout if the Browns’ quarterback situation were clearer. Currently, the Browns list Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond ahead of him, and the starter’s identity remains uncertain.

This lack of clarity diminishes Concepcion’s immediate fantasy appeal, though his talent suggests a high ceiling once a stable QB environment emerges.

Jordyn Tyson, the 1.10 selection for Los Angeles Rams, would need to wait for veteran Davante Adams to depart before assuming a primary role. The uncertainty surrounding the Rams’ 2027 quarterback adds another layer of risk for this prospect.

While Tyson possesses the raw ability to become a top receiver, the combination of roster depth and quarterback ambiguity makes him a later‑round flyer in most fantasy drafts.

Ty Simpson, taken 1.11 by Arizona, presents a classic Superflex lottery pick. His pre‑injury performance hinted at a fringe QB1 ceiling, but concerns about his health and development keep his fantasy upside speculative.

Given the Cardinals’ potential need for a rookie starter, Simpson could see early playing time, yet managers should treat him as a high‑risk, high‑reward option.

Malachi Fields, the final first‑round pick for Philadelphia, hinges on whether the Eagles trade A.J. Brown before the draft. If they do, Fields could assume a red‑zone focal role, translating to WR3/WR4 fantasy value in 2026 and a possible Top‑25 trajectory.

Absent a trade, Fields remains behind Brown and DeVonta Smith, limiting his immediate upside but preserving long‑term potential.

In the second round, Omar Cooper (1.01, Pittsburgh) adds depth to a Steelers receiving group already featuring DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback—Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, or a third option—means Cooper will likely start as the No. 3 receiver.

His Tyler Lockett‑like skill set offers a reliable slot‑receiver upside, valuable for fantasy teams seeking depth at wideout.

Jonah Coleman, selected 2.02 by Baltimore, mirrors Frank Gore’s durability and could back up Derrick Henry. If Henry suffers injury, Coleman could emerge as a Top‑20 fantasy RB, providing crucial insurance for teams counting on a strong rushing attack.

His long‑term upside also includes a potential starting role after Henry’s projected retirement post‑2027.

Jadarian Price, taken 2.03 by Houston, is a Raheem Mostert‑type runner positioned behind David Montgomery. Should Montgomery be sidelined, Price could ascend to a Top‑20 RB with immediate fantasy relevance.

His contract situation—Montgomery on a two‑year deal with minimal dead‑cap—suggests Price could become the primary back sooner rather than later.

De’Zhaun Stribling, the 2.04 pick for New England, fits the Patriots’ penchant for down‑field threats. Although the team already has Romeo Doubs, Stribling’s Romeo‑Doubs‑meets‑Jalen Tolbert profile could vault him to a No. 2 slot, offering volatile WR4 fantasy value.

His upside lies in the Patriots’ willingness to rotate multiple receivers in a spread offense.

Bryce Lance, drafted 2.05 by Atlanta, resembles Rashid Shaheed and could fill the void left by Darnell Mooney. If he stays healthy, Lance is projected as a solid WR4 with the potential to become a reliable second‑string target.

His role will be shaped by the Falcons’ quarterback stability and the development of the receiving corps.

Ted Hurst, the 2.06 Washington selection, is a Georgia State prospect compared to Alec Pierce or Michael Wilson. Although he may need time to adjust, the presence of Denzel Boston as a higher‑profile rookie could push Hurst into a deeper WR3 or WR4 slot.

His upside remains tied to the Commanders’ offensive scheme and the eventual distribution of targets among the wideout group.

Kaytron Allen, taken 2.08 by New York Giants, offers a Tyler Allgeier‑style power running style. With Cam Skattebo’s health in question and Tyrone Tracy in a timeshare, Allen could either be buried or emerge as a lead back depending on his performance in training camp.

His potential to lead a timeshare makes him a high‑upside RB2 candidate if he outperforms the incumbents.

Kenyon Sadiq, the 2.09 pick for Baltimore, provides a pure upside chase at tight end, comparable to Vernon Davis. The Ravens’ extension of Mark Andrews through 2028 suggests limited immediate playing time, but a time‑sharing scenario could yield valuable fantasy upside.

His development will be contingent on the health and usage of Isaiah Likely and the broader tight‑end rotation.

Chris Brazzell, selected 2.10 by Indianapolis, brings a Metcalf‑like physical presence to a Colts offense that could benefit from an additional deep threat. If he can surpass Josh Downs on the depth chart, Brazzell may become a valuable WR3/WR4, especially if Daniel Jones remains healthy.

The quarterback situation adds risk, but the potential reward aligns with fantasy managers looking for high‑floor receivers.

Germie Bernard, the 2.11 pick for San Francisco, faces competition from Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle and even Christian McCaffrey in the passing game. His Golden Tate‑like skill set suggests a 2028‑and‑beyond value rather than immediate fantasy impact.

Bernard’s best scenario involves injuries to the established receivers, allowing him to slip into a WR5 role.

Ja’Kobi Lane, taken 2.12 by Miami, parallels a lesser Tee Higgins. If he can secure a top‑three spot alongside Chris Bell, Lane could become a solid WR2/WR3, but the risk of being forgotten like Donovan Peoples‑Jones remains.

The Dolphins’ willingness to develop young talent gives Lane a plausible pathway to meaningful fantasy production.

The overall composition of this two‑round fantasy draft highlights the importance of fit between rookie talent and team context. Players such as Jeremiyah Love and Mike Washington benefit from clear depth‑chart openings, while others like KC Concepcion and Ty Simpson face uncertainty that could delay their fantasy impact.

In Superflex leagues, the value of quarterback prospects rises, explaining the inclusion of both Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson despite their associated risks. The decision to draft a rookie QB hinges on roster composition and the manager’s tolerance for volatility.

Running backs selected in the second round, Jonah Coleman and Jadarian Price, illustrate the strategic benefit of targeting committee backs who can step into starting roles due to injury or contract turnover. Their potential to become Top‑20 fantasy RBs adds depth to a typical 12‑team roster.

Wide receivers dominate the early rounds, reflecting the modern NFL’s pass‑heavy trend. However, the presence of multiple receivers on the same team—Washington’s Denzel Boston and Ted Hurst, New York’s Makai Lemon and a yet‑unidentified quarterback—demonstrates the necessity of evaluating target competition when assessing rookie upside.

Overall, Brugler’s mock draft provides a valuable blueprint for fantasy managers to align rookie projections with team dynamics, ensuring that early picks maximize both floor and ceiling potential in a competitive Superflex environment.