2026 Superflex Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft

Arch Manning | © Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Rob Willette Posted On September 26, 2024

We are only a few weeks into the NFL season, yet many fantasy managers are already throwing in the towel as they realize their team does not have what it takes to thrive this fall. Some may look to next year’s draft class as a barometer to see how they can rebuild their sorry roster. Feeling more ambitious? You can look to 2026, mapping out the course of your team for years. It is easy to dream of the future, especially when the present is anything but a gift.

Forecasting two years out is obviously a foolhardy venture, but nobody has ever accused me of being of sound mind. We map out a potential 2026 first round for superflex rookie drafts below.

1.01 – Nico Iamaleava, QB Tennessee

He is 6’6”. His background as a volleyball star shows up whenever he moves around the field, and he has a massive arm. His teammates rave about his leadership and makeup. Nico Iamaleava looks like a quarterback developed in a lab and he has started hot in his first year under center, throwing seven touchdowns versus only two interceptions and averaging 10.1 yards per attempt over four games. It is still early yet, but Iamaleava is an early favorite to go first overall in 2026 and has immense upside given his tools and character.

1.02 – Arch Manning, QB Texas

You know the last name. As of this past weekend, you may know his game as well. Manning has the frame of his uncles and pairs it with immense arm talent, showcasing the ability to dot the field with big-time throws, eviscerating defenses if given time to hang in the pocket. His first start was a mixed bag, but the talent was evident, and he has more mobility than you would expect from someone with Manning on the back of their jersey. He and Iamaleava have 2026 shaping up as a potentially strong quarterback class.

1.03 – Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State

Sandwiched in between Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith as far as draft eligibility is concerned, Carnell Tate may be a bit overlooked yet he has developed into a key offensive piece in his sophomore season. Tate is a long, lean receiver who thinks the game at a high level, finding soft spots in the defense while showcasing the athletic ability to make tough catches. Of to a strong start with 11 receptions for 167 yards and a score over three games, Tate could be the WR1 in the 2026 class.

1.04 – CJ Baxter, RB Texas

Unfortunately, we will not see Baxter create any draft buzz in 2024. A multi-ligament injury suffered in fall camp has wiped away his season, one which should have been fruitful behind one of the nation’s best offensive lines on what may be the best team in America. When he is right, Baxter is a size and speed dynamo who flashed as a true freshman, piling up 659 rushing yards and being very active in the passing game. Losing a season is a tough break but he should be full go in 2025 as he works his way back onto the 2026 draft radar.

1.05 – Zachariah Branch, WR USC

Branch has yet to string together dominant games, yet the talent is evident every time he touches the football. Few players accelerate and decelerate like Branch; he leaves defenses grasping for air as he navigates in the open field. His athleticism is showcased as a return man, a position in which he was named an All-American in 2023. With Miller Moss looking like a plus quarterback early, Branch should produce some breakout performances as he matures within the Trojan offense.

1.06 – Kevin Concepcion, WR North Carolina State

A surprise breakout freshman in 2023, Concepcion has continued as a high-volume receiver in 2024, though he has been limited to plays near the line of scrimmage for a disappointing Wolfpack team, averaging only 8.3 yards per reception. Concepcion has a strong, compact build with explosive short-area skills, allowing him to be a menace after the catch and a versatile weapon (320 rushing yards in 2023). He can win as a versatile chess piece who can still win as a traditional receiver.

1.07 – Eugene Wilson III, WR Florida

Wilson is a player NFL teams will likely fall in love with, a blur on the football field who can press defenses off the line of scrimmage with his instant explosiveness. Despite the general mess the Florida football program is, Wilson has found a way to thrive. His advanced route running makes him a player who can contribute from day one. He lacks the hype of some of his peers due to the Gators being an afterthought these days, but he could surpass many come draft day.

1.08 – Dante Moore, QB Oregon

Moore requires a lot of projection at this point. He started games as a true freshman at UCLA but proved overmatched, eventually losing the gig before transferring to Oregon. While his Bruin tenure did not work out, he still showcased the big-time talent that made him such a sought-after recruit out of high school. With ideal size, a quick release, and high-end accuracy, the ceiling is still high for Moore and he should start for Oregon in 2025 once Dillon Gabriel moves on.

1.09 – Justice Haynes, RB Alabama

Working in tandem with Jam Miller, Haynes has showcased the patience and well-rounded skillset that made him one of the 2023 cycle’s best running back prospects. Haynes does everything well, possessing the tools to be a three-down workhorse at the collegiate level and a legitimate NFL prospect. If time in Alabama’s weight room adds to his explosiveness, he could develop into one of 2026’s best running back prospects.

1.10 – Darius Taylor, RB Minnesota

When on the field, Taylor has done yeoman’s work for a Golden Gopher team which has scuffled on offense, to say the least. Taylor is one of the nation’s most elusive runners, effortlessly sliding off tackles and weaving through tight spaces. His natural gifts as a runner are impressive, and he has added good bulk to his frame while expanding his game as a receiver. Health will be paramount moving forward, as heavy workloads have led to plenty of dings over two seasons. However, Taylor is a natural at running back and a big player in the 2026 class.

1.11 – Eric Singleton Jr, WR Georgia Tech

After an impressive freshman season, Singleton Jr is off to a big start in 2024. He has 401 total yards and a pair of scores through five games, once again operating as a centerpiece for the Yellow Jacket offense. Singleton is only 5’11” and 173 pounds yet plays much bigger, demonstrating a high compete level that complements his natural speed and athleticism. Singleton may not be a true number one type of receiver, but his toolkit speaks to someone who can be a complementary receiver who lands on day two.

1.12 – Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame

After playing apprentice to Audric Estime in 2023, Love has emerged as a key player for the Irish as a sophomore. His track background shows up on the field, as Love glides past defenders and has the juice to hit the big play on any touch. He has worked on his frame and now sits comfortably over 200 pounds, making him well-equipped to handle a significant workload. Love is a dynamic athlete who should lead Notre Dame’s backfield for the next two seasons, making him an intriguing prospect in devy leagues.