The Rookie Guide will be updated as the draft happens!
📝 Comprehensive analysis on EVERY fantasy-relevant rookie
🤖 Pre-NFL Draft, as well as Post-NFL Draft Rankings curated by Walter’s data science, as well as our team of experts
🌱 The Guide is a LIVING document! It’s constantly updated and will be completely altered once the NFL Draft happens to provide insights into their 2026 expectations
🏈 Ideal landing spots for every prospect, as well as ceiling and floor player comparisons
🏆 While Samps is the head writer, the entire WalterPicks team has “My Guys” in the guide! These are players that we have the most belief in. Every contributor has added reasoning behind their selections that can also be found within the guide
Predicting Landing Spots for Top Fantasy-Relevant Draft Prospects
For landing spot analysis for EVERY SINGLE fantasy prospect check out our Rookie Guide in the WalterPicks app!
Omar Cooper Jr.
With the 1st overall pick, the Las Vegas Raiders select…
Fernando Mendoza - QB - Indiana
Why:
Fernando Mendoza has been the #1 pick this entire offseason. The Jets have been on the clock for months. While Mendoza may not start the season as the Vegas starter, he will likely get some run at some point in the season.
With the 5th overall pick, the New York Giants select…
Jeremiyah Love - RB - Notre Dame
Why:
Based on my own reading of the tea leaves, I have an inkling that Jeremiyah Love is the direction the Giants will go. He doesn’t really make sense for any of the Titans, Cardinals, or Giants. But, he’s the top weapon in the class, and John Harbaugh appears to be particularly enamored with the young RB.
Carnell Tate
With the 7th overall pick, the Washington Commanders select…
Carnell Tate - WR - Ohio State
Why:
On a team bereft of weapons, the Commanders take the WR I believe is the best in the class. They could go defense, taking someone like Caleb Downs or Sonny Styles. But, I believe they opt to help their young QB.
With the 11th pick, the Miami Dolphins select…
Jordyn Tyson - WR - Arizona State
Why:
There’s been lots of smoke around Jordyn Tyson and the Giants. I believe that there’s no fire where that smoke resides. I am predicting the Dolphins to make a splash, drafting the highest-ceiling WR in this class.
Makai Lemon
With the 16th pick, the New York Jets select…
Makai Lemon - WR - USC
Why:
In this scenario, the Jets would fly to the podium to select Makai Lemon. His slot skill set pairs impeccably well with Garrett Wilson, and they’d actually have a group of weapons to write home about. A rookie QB would enter the fold with Makai Lemon, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and Mason Taylor at their disposal in 2027.
With the 19th pick, the Carolina Panthers select…
Kenyon Sadiq - TE - Oregon
Why:
The Panthers have been without an elite tight end for several years now, and Kenyon Sadiq can fill the void with flying colors. Check out the Rookie Guide for more info on what Sadiq brings to the table!
With the 21st pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…
Omar Cooper Jr. - WR - Indiana
Why:
At pick 21, the Steelers find themselves in a position to select a WR that I believe has as high a ceiling as any in the class. His strengths mesh incredibly well with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. This addition will also greatly assist whoever is quarterbacking the Steelers in 2026.
Denzel Boston
With the 24th pick, the Cleveland Browns select…
Denzel Boston - WR - Washington
Why:
Boston is the big-bodied WR the Browns need. Getting more weapons on their offense is a good idea, and Boston’s skills pair well with the other targets on the team.
With the 27th pick, the San Francisco 49ers select…
KC Concepcion - WR - Texas A&M
Why:
With the departure of Brandon Aiyuk, the Niners could use another dynamic weapon to pair with George Kittle and Mike Evans. Concepcion, one of my favorite WRs in the class, fits the bill.
With the 32nd pick, the Seattle Seahawks select…
Jadarian Price - RB - Notre Dame
Why:
In the weakest RB class in recent memory, Price is almost certainly going to be taken in this spot, assuming the Seahawks don’t trade out. He’s a bruiser that pairs well with Zach Charbonnet, who happens to be coming off an injury.
