Every year, the NFL draft ushers new talent into the league, which provides fantasy football managers new players on whom to speculate. The potential these players possess and when they are expected to receive the opportunity to produce is what separates the rookies you should consider drafting from those who will require more patience.
This draft class was pretty lean at the offensive skill spots, but there are players who are in a position to produce viable numbers in redraft leagues of varying sizes. We'll also identify the dynasty targets to put on your fantasy radar.
Redraft leagues
Quarterback
Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
Mendoza has the traits to operate and produce under new head coach Klint Kubiak. We'll see rhythm play-action throws and movement concepts that cater to Mendoza's accuracy and timing as a passer. He led the nation with 41 touchdown passes in his final season at Indiana. But with the Raiders adding veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the mix this offseason, Mendoza's 2026 ceiling in redraft formats is somewhat limited. He's best served as a target in 2QB and superflex leagues.
Running backs
Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals
Love should be viewed as a three-down playmaker, similar to Jahmyr Gibbs, with the ability to produce immediate numbers as a rookie. Love, who scored 21 total touchdowns for Notre Dame in 2025, is a sudden and explosive runner, with 39 rushes of 10 or more yards last season at Notre Dame. There's home run juice here. Plus, Love had 63 receptions during his college career, and his route tree will expand in the Cardinals' offense. Love has top-10 upside at the position.