2026 NFL Draft: Fantasy Football Sleepers to Watch Now
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a strong one for the trenches, but finding potential fantasy football stars beyond the obvious top picks will require digging deeper. While names like Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, and Kenyon Sadiq are expected to be off the board early, several under-the-radar prospects could emerge as valuable contributors, particularly in dynasty leagues. Scouts and analysts are beginning to identify players who, while not immediate stars, possess the traits to develop into impactful fantasy assets.
Dual-Threat Potential: Taylen Green
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green is quickly gaining attention as a potential sleeper, particularly for those in fantasy leagues prioritizing points. At 6-foot-6 and 224 pounds, Green possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism. He’s a true dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs, and is projected to run the 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds. His arm strength allows him to make throws even when under pressure, compensating for any slight delays in his release. Analysts believe that a year or two spent learning behind a veteran could be invaluable for Green’s development, making him a prime dynasty league stash.
Green’s skillset draws comparisons to Randall Cunningham, a quarterback known for his improvisational ability and dual-threat capabilities. Several teams could be a good fit for Green, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts, all of whom could be in the market for a quarterback with his potential.
Running Back Depth: Randall, Faison, and Washington
The running back class in the 2026 draft presents several intriguing options beyond the top-ranked prospects. Clemson’s Adam Randall, a unique prospect who transitioned to running back after initially being recruited as a four-star wide receiver, offers versatility and mismatch potential. At 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, Randall’s background as a receiver gives him an advantage against linebackers and safeties. While he needs to add strength to withstand more contact, his potential is undeniable.
South Carolina’s Rashul Faison stands out for his patience and ability to read blocking schemes. Despite not putting up massive numbers in college, his 1,109 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2024 at Utah State demonstrate his three-down potential. Given his age – he’ll be 26 as a rookie – teams will need to maximize his immediate impact, but his film suggests he has the talent to be a solid RB2.
Arkansas’s Mike Washington Jr. Is another running back whose stock could rise significantly after the NFL Combine. Washington posted 1,070 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, adding 226 receiving yards. His explosive running style and acceleration are evident on film, and while he could benefit from lowering his pad level, his upside is considerable. He’s considered by some to be the running back with the most potential in the entire class.
Randall’s potential fits well with the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, and Buffalo Bills. Faison could thrive with the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, or Tennessee Titans. Washington, with his explosive potential, could be a valuable addition to the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, or Washington Commanders.
Wide Receiver Prospects: Brazzell and Branch
The wide receiver class also offers several intriguing sleepers. Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, a 6-foot-5 receiver with long speed, projects as a “Z” receiver – a flanker often used in motion to create favorable matchups. His size and speed combination make him a dangerous deep threat, particularly in offenses that utilize pre-snap motion.
Georgia’s Zachariah Branch is a dynamic playmaker who excels in short-yardage situations. Many of his receptions at Georgia came behind the line of scrimmage, and he’s expected to continue that role in the NFL, making him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. His quickness and long speed make him a threat to turn short passes into significant gains.
Brazzell could be a good fit with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Branch’s skillset aligns well with the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals.
Mississippi State’s Brenen Thompson is a track star with a personal best of 10.18 seconds in the 100-meter dash. His speed alone could significantly boost his draft stock after a strong performance at the Combine. While he needs to add muscle, his explosiveness and natural hands make him a player to watch.
Tight End Potential: Trigg and Dinkins
Baylor’s Michael Trigg offers a massive catch radius and the potential to be a reliable target for quarterbacks. His size and athleticism make him a mismatch for defenders, and he could develop into a valuable “move” tight end.
Penn State’s Khalil Dinkins, while not heavily utilized in the passing game in college, possesses outstanding athleticism and body control. A strong Combine performance could significantly raise his profile and make him a potential late-round steal.
Trigg could be a good fit with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots, or Denver Broncos. Dinkins’ potential could be unlocked by the right offensive scheme.
The 2026 NFL Draft promises a wealth of talent, and while the spotlight will be on the top prospects, these under-the-radar players offer intriguing potential for fantasy football success. Keep a close eye on these names as they prepare for the Combine and Pro Days – they could be the sleepers who emerge as valuable assets in the years to come.