2026 NFL Draft: First-Round Dynasty Rookie Mock
Here, I break down a very early 2026 rookie mock draft for dynasty fantasy leagues.
Let’s get to it…
1.01 – Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU
Nussmeier has had a really good season in his first year as a starter at LSU replacing Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Nussmeier could come out in 2025, but I think he still needs a little work. If he heads back to school, he will have an opportunity to be the top pick in next year’s draft. Nussmeier has thrown for 3,126 yards with 22 touchdowns to 11 interceptions entering week 13 of the college football season.
Nussmeier has a good pocket presence, strong arm and the ability to make all the throws. One more year of seasoning at the college level and facing SEC defenses should prepare him to make the next step to the NFL.
1.02 – Arch Manning, QB Texas
We haven’t gotten to see a lot of Manning so far in his college career, but what we have seen has been impressive. Quinn Ewers is expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft which should give Manning the chance to start the 2025 season for Texas.
Is there a chance Manning could return to school for another season in 2026? Absolutely. But if he is expected to be a top-five pick in the NFL Draft, he would have to consider coming out early.
1.03 – Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama
Milroe is going to be a divisive prospect for many. He could come out early in the 2025 NFL Draft, but I think he returns to Tuscaloosa to keep working on his game. He has thrown for 2,232 yards and 15 TDs with just six INTs, but has rushed for an impressive 608 yards and 17 TDs.
Milroe reminds a lot of experts of former Crimson Tide quarterback and current Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. I see a mix of Hurts and Justin Fields. Milroe has huge upside for fantasy because of his rushing ability. He also throws a nice deep ball, but he needs to work on his overall accuracy. Another year in school could shoot Milroe up draft boards next year.
1.04 – Evan Stewart, WR Oregon
Stewart is another player who is draft-eligible in 2025. If he comes out early, I think he can be a possible second or third-round pick on talent alone. But if Stewart comes back to Oregon, I think he has a legitimate shot at being the top wide receiver in the 2026 Draft Class.
A former five-star recruit, Stewart struggled to break out at Texas A&M with inconsistent QB play, but has seen things turn around a bit with the Ducks. Stewart has gone over 500 yards receiving in all of his three seasons in college but has yet to top 700 yards. One more year in college as the go-to target in an explosive Oregon offense could raise Stewart’s profile big time.
1.05 – Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State
With all the talent that has flowed through the Ohio State wide receiver room over the last decade, sometimes really good players get lost in the shuffle. That has somewhat been the case for Tate.
The former five-star recruit has been a more primary receiver in his sophomore season. He has had to share the wealth with fellow studs Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith this season, but has carved out a role in the Buckeyes offense. With Egbuka a likely first-round pick in the 2025 Draft gone next season, Tate will have a chance to shine alongside Smith, who is potentially the 1.01 pick in 2027 Draft.
1.06 – Kevin Concepcion, WR North Carolina State
Concepcion came out of nowhere in 2023, surprising everyone with a big-time true freshman season. The Wolfpack team around him has been suspect and that has hurt his value.
The coaching staff has had to manufacture touches for him any way they can. That has meant a lot of handoffs, reverses, and bubble screens. Concepcion reminds me a bit of Missouri’s Luther Burden.
1.07 – Nico Iamaleava, QB Tennessee
Most lists have Iamaleava as the 1.01 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Do I think he has that kind of talent? Yes. Is he there yet? No. In his first season as a starter, Iamaleava came out firing for the Volunteers, but he has slowed down as the schedule has gotten tougher later in the season.
The tools are there, and at 6-6 he has the height. But he still needs to put on weight as he is just above 200 pounds. Iamaleava has to prove that he isn’t just a system quarterback and can really elevate his skills. I need to see a lot more in 2025 or else he will be a candidate to return to school in 2026 for his senior year.
1.08 – CJ Baxter, RB Texas
This one is a tough one for me. I think Baxter is the most talented running back in this draft class, and could end up going much higher in the draft, but there are some question marks. After an impressive true freshman season where he rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns, while also catching 24 passes for 156 yards, Baxter seemed primed to have a huge 2024 season, but tore his ACL in the preseason.
How he bounces back from the injury in 2025 will determine if he moves up or down this board. If he is slow out of the gate, he might be a candidate to return to school for the 2026 season.
1.09 – Eugene Wilson III, WR Florida
Wilson has dealt with injuries this season, and has only played in four games. The QB play has been below par, but with phenom DJ Lagway taking over late this season, the future looks bright for this QB/WR combo.
Wilson has elite traits. He just needs to stay on the field to show everyone in the country what he is capable of. I expect a big season for Wilson in 2025.
1.10 – Darius Taylor, RB Minnesota
Taylor only played six games as a true freshman, but was ultra-productive with 799 yards and five touchdowns. He was expected to have a big sophomore season, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. He has been good, but just in a different way. He has 672 yards and nine touchdowns but has also added 45 receptions for 312 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.
Taylor’s receiving profile is what helps him stand apart. At 6-0, 215 pounds he has the size and athletic ability to be a three-down back in the NFL.
1.11 – Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
The sophomore running back has had a nice year. He is one of the most elusive running backs in the country this year and has been the best in the country at breaking tackles.
Love has over 700 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns and also has 18 catches for 162 yards and one touchdown. If Love can continue this success in his junior year, he has a chance to be one of the top RBs drafted in 2026.
1.12 – Mason Taylor, TE LSU
Taylor is eligible to come out in 2025. Right now he looks like a late second-round or early third-round pick. If he returns to school with Nussmeier at QB, Taylor has the chance to be TE1 in the 2026 Draft and be a first-round pick.
Taylor has great size at 6-5, 255 pounds. He is extremely athletic for his size and could test out really well at the NFL Combine. Taylor has 49 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has had over 30 catches and 300 yards in all three of his collegiate seasons, showing just how productive he has been in college.
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