No matter what your views are about this year’s incoming rookie class, the 2026 NFL Draft will be one of the more entertaining drafts we’ve ever witnessed due to the absolute unpredictability that will occur after the first overall pick. 

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the top selection by the Raiders, but there is very little consensus about how things will go beyond that. 

The likelihood that we see several trades in Round 1 is extremely high, with teams valuing prospects very differently and five clubs holding multiple first-rounders.

So, before Roger Goodell gets to the podium in a few weeks, let’s look at some of the most interesting fantasy football questions you should be considering as draft season heats up. 

How many WRs will be drafted in Round 1? 

While this draft might not be as robust as some recent classes, the 2026 crop of receivers is filled with talented prospects, including six wideouts deserving of Round 1 draft capital. 

Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, KC Concepcion, Omar Cooper Jr. and Denzel Boston will all likely hear their names called in the opening round, especially with so many teams in the market for help at the position. 

The Titans (fourth), Browns (sixth), Dolphins (11th and 30th) and Patriots (31st) are all in need of a No. 1 receiver. The Saints (eighth) and Chiefs (ninth and 29th) are in the perfect spot to scoop up Lemon or Tate in the top 10. 

The Ravens (14th) could be in the Round 1 WR mix now that they have their first-round pick back after the Maxx Crosby trade fell through. 

The Giants (fifth), Jets (second and 16th), Panthers (19th) and Bills (26th) could use another quality starter. 

Meanwhile, the Cowboys (12th and 20th), Rams (13th) and Eagles (23rd — more on them shortly) could be luxury shopping for a cost-effective, high-end talent at a position that’s earning some very expensive contracts once they reach their prime.

We might also see some of those receiver-needy teams select a pass-catching tight end instead, with Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers looking like future difference-makers worthy of going in the first round.

You can make a strong case for almost half the teams in Round 1 drafting a receiver, so don’t be surprised when at least six go off the board. 

Will the Eagles draft a WR early to prepare for an eventual A.J. Brown trade?

There has been a lot of speculation about Brown being traded this offseason, with the Patriots being the most mentioned destination for the star receiver who turns 30 this summer.  

If the Eagles do intend to move Brown, which might involve waiting until after June 1, when it makes more sense for them contract-wise, there will be a significant hole in their offense. 

DeVonta Smith is more than capable of becoming the top target for Jalen Hurts and Dallas Goedert has been underutilized playing behind the two outstanding wideouts, but it would be a mistake to go into next season with the recently signed Hollywood Brown as the Eagles’ second-best receiver. 

Even if Brown doesn’t get traded, the writing is on the wall that his time in Philadelphia is coming to an end sooner rather than later, and finding a replacement should be a priority. 

The good news is that, in addition to having one of the best rosters in the league, general manager Howie Roseman also has four picks in the first three rounds (23rd, 54th, 68th, 98th) to work with this year. 

Though Brown might still be on the roster during the draft, you should expect one of those picks on Day 1 or Day 2 to be used on a wideout. 

Which backfield will Jeremiyah Love shake up? 

Normally when it comes to fantasy, we’re most excited about the new group of running backs entering the league since it’s arguably the easiest position to make an immediate impact as a rookie.  

Unfortunately, this year’s class of ball carriers has just one borderline elite talent in Love and then a massive drop-off before we get to the rest of the RB prospects. While I’m intrigued by some of the other backs like Jonah Coleman, Nick Singleton and Mike Washington Jr., they will have to prove themselves at the next level if they’re going to carve out a meaningful role in Year 1. 

However, Love is more than ready to take over a backfield and is expected to get ideal draft capital going inside the top 10. 

The Titans (fourth), Giants (fifth) and Commanders (eighth) are the favorites to secure his services. But don’t rule out the Cardinals (third) as a landing spot or possible trade scenario where another team could move up to get him. 

I recently wrote about 10 players whose fantasy value is at risk heading into the draft, with Tony Pollard, Cam Skattebo and the combination of Rachaad White/Jacory Croskey-Merritt all making the list. 

Regardless of Adam Schefter's comments on the matter, Tennessee has the best odds to be Love’s next home, which makes a lot of sense. Pollard will be 29 this season and playing in the final year of his contract. Not only would Love give the Titans a long-term three-down star in the backfield whom they could build the offense around, but he would also make life easier on last year’s top pick Cam Ward. 

Wherever Love ends up, it will create a notable ripple effect — with one of the aforementioned starters seeing their fantasy value sink instantly, while the other two starters become immediate values.

I’m currently operating as if Love will be a Titan. 

How many starting NFL QBs are in this draft class? 

There’s been a lot of discourse lately about the quarterbacks in this year’s draft and I think we should make one thing clear — this is not a great year for QB prospects. 

Mendoza is the best of the bunch, but he’s not a dominant passer who’s going to singlehandedly turn around an organization. He’s a good leader with a decent arm (especially on touch passes), who displays excellent awareness and the toughness to overcome adversity. 

Though Mendoza can be a long-term NFL starter, any excitement about his fantasy potential is directly associated with his connection to new Raiders coach, Klint Kubiak. Mendoza will need quality coaching and a solid supporting cast if he’s going to emerge as a star in the pros. Most years, a player with his profile would not be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. 

After Mendoza, we have a lot of household names who were difference-makers in college, but will have an uphill battle earning starting jobs at the next level. 

Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck and Drew Allar will all need serious development before they get a chance to start an NFL game. While it’s possible Simpson could sneak into the first round, I expect to hear his and Nussmeier’s names called on Day 2 of the draft, with Beck and Allar falling to Day 3. 

Bottom line, this isn’t the year to be a QB-needy team, which is likely why we’re still hearing trade rumors around current backups who have flashed, like Tyson Bagent and Tanner McKee.