NFL teams have completed OTAs and minicamps, giving us our first look at the 2026 rookie crop in action. Training camps begin next month, and before you know it a new season will be upon us.
What can we expect from this year's rookie class? Here's a look at our favorite prop bets that stand out and what is expected according to Mike Clay's 2026 fantasy football projections.
Odds by DraftKings
and subject to change.
Jump to: RB | WR | TE | QB | ROY odds
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Running backs
Jeremiyah Love to record 1,000+ rushing yards (+120)
Clay's 2026 projection: 255 carries, 1,129 yards, 7 TDs; 65 receptions, 490 yards, 2 TDs
Matt Bowen: The first running back taken in April's draft (No. 2 overall), the former Notre Dame standout should become the focal point of the Arizona Cardinals' offense.
Fantasy impact: Fantasy's preseason RB10, Love will see a steady workload rushing and receiving. He is being drafted high, so naturally the expectation is for him to flirt with low-end RB1 numbers as a rookie.
Wide receivers
Jordyn Tyson to record 6+ receiving TDs (-130)
Clay's 2026 projection: 67 receptions, 917 yards, 5 TDs
Liz Loza: Former Arizona State Sun Devils wideout was the No. 8 overall pick and the second WR selected. Former Ohio State WR Carnell Tate went No. 5 to the Titans. Yes, Chris Olave is the Saints' WR1, but Tyson should immediately start opposite him, and he has the skills to be productive in the red zone right away.
Fantasy impact: Tyson will do this or that on an offense seemingly on the upswing.
Tight ends
Kenyon Sadiq under whatever prop (odds)
Clay's 2026 projection: 67 receptions, 691 yards, 4 TDs
Pamela Maldonado: Sadiq has big upside but is still a developmental player on the Jets. The Jets added to the receiver room in the draft, selecting Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr., also in the first round, and the team will still rely on Breece Hall and the run game.
Fantasy impact: Sadiq should improve as the season goes along and be a serviceable tight end for managers.
Quarterbacks
Fernando Mendoza to record 3,000+ passing yards (+135)
Clay's 2026 projection: 283-of-448 passing, 3,052 yards, 14 TDs, 10 INTs; 52 carries, 226 yards, 2 TDs
Eric Moody: The Heisman Trophy winner from national champion Indiana was taken first overall in April's draft, but there's no guarantee he'll start right away with the Raiders adding Kirk Cousins to the QB room. I don't think he'll reach this number unless he plays 15 games.
Fantasy impact: It will take time to adjust to the NFL game, so it would be hard to expect Mendoza to be a viable option outside of 2QB leagues.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jadarian Price +750
Clay's 2026 projection: 221 carries, 915 yards, 8 TDs; 28 receptions, 223 yards, 1 TD
Walder: Even in a shared backfield, Price should see plenty of work right out of the gate, especially with the health of Zach Charbonnet an issue. It doesn't hurt that he's playing for the defnding Super Bowl champs. I expect him to have a chance to beat his old Notre Dame teammate for the award, and he comes at a much nicer price.