The 2026 NFL draft is behind us and rookies have started to take part in team activities. Now it is time to turn our attention to what’s really important…Fantasy Football! This is a feature on the wide receivers, covering all rookies from the first 3 rounds. I also have many rookies from the back half of the NFL draft along with a few undrafted players that should be on the fantasy radar.
1.04 Titans - CARNELL TATE - OSU - 6’2” 192 4.54
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Outside X WR. Tall & Lean, uses height to high point catches in coverage. Good concentration & body control with elite hands. Lacks desired speed to beat NFL defenders outside consistently. Overcomes lack of top end speed with good release & twitch to get open deep. While not a dominant end zone threat (9 TDs last season) has the physical size to be a red zone weapon.
Pro Comp = Tee Higgins
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Tate lands in a terrific spot, pairing up with the 2025 #1 overall pick CAM WARD. The two of them are locked up with the Titans for years to build a 1-2 punch in Tennessee. The competition is limited to 31 year old CALVIN RIDLEY, slot receiver WAN’DALE ROBINSON and 2nd year tight end GUNNAR HELM. What makes Tate’s landing spot very appealing is that Ward didn’t develop a real rapport with any other player in 2025. That means Tate should immediately assume the team’s #1 role. While the other 3 players are not likely to prevent Tate from a team high target share they are a strong enough group to keep defenses from only focusing on Tate.
With a mediocre run game, the Titans offense will move through Ward & the pass game which means higher volume targets for Tate. He has a chance to be a top 20 fantasy WR based on volume.
1.08 Saints - JORDYN TYSON - AZ ST - 6’2” 200 4.50
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Route running demon. Can play inside & outside - will get open all over the field. Great concentration, body control & hands. Great on field awareness. Injuries have been an issue for him staying on the field with 3 different injuries in 4 years (‘22 = ACL/MCL/PCL injury, didn’t play ‘23, in ‘24 had a broken collarbone in last game, then in ‘25 had a hamstring injury that caused him to miss 3 games & kept him out of NFL combine drills). When healthy & at his best, looks like an elite receiver with traits that will transition to the pro game.
Pro Comp = Justin Jefferson
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
The Saints are re-tooling the passing game weapons in New Orleans, starting with Tyson. They also drafted tight end OSCAR DELP in the 3rd round and buzzy combine riser BRYCE LANCE in the 4th. They will join CHRIS OLAVE and tight end JUWAN JOHNSON in what now looks like a fairly crowded receiving room. Tyson has the talent to be the top target earner of them all but Olave is the clear #1 on this team.
While I like the upside of Tyson as an elite profile, it’s a crowded room with an established top target. Availability will be a big factor in Tyson’s fantasy value. The more he can stay on the field the better chance he has to be a fantasy producer. I don’t expect instant results but could be a back half of the season or fantasy playoff hero…if he can stay healthy.
1.20 Eagles - MAKAI LEMON - USC - 5’11” 195 4.50
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Slot receiver that plays tough, good hands & concentration. Runs well in short and intermediate routes. Will make tough catches in sticky coverage. Lacks breakaway speed but shows nice burst with ball in his hands. Won’t be a game wrecker but should prove a reliable productive receiver for years to come.
Pro Comp = Tyler Lockett
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
The landing spot isn’t ideal for a player like Lemon. Veteran holdover DALLAS GOEDERT (who already has a strong rapport with JALEN HURTS) and fellow rookie (listed tight end but more of a big slot receiver) ELI STOWERS will vie for targets in the middle of the field where Lemon was most productive. All signs point to AJ BROWN exiting Philly but DEVONTA SMITH will assume the top WR role and likely command the highest target share.
The projected offense under Sean Mannion will be run focused but pass game designed for simplicity & high percentage passes, which bodes well for Lemon. What is concerning for me is the competition for targets, especially if AJ Brown surprises everyone & stays in Philly. Without AJB, Lemon can push for top 25 in PPR formats but if AJB stays, he’s going to be a TD dependent option for 2026.
1.24 Browns - KC CONCEPCION - A&M - 5’11” 190 4.45
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Reliable Y receiver with good body control concentration & hands. Punt return experience. Astute with slants & crossers. Tough for his size. Lacks elite speed but good initial burst to separate quickly. Drop rate at Texas A&M was a concern (10% which is typically a scouting red flag) but impressed at combine.
Pro Comp = Stefon Diggs
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
I love KCC. He’s a terrific talent & a great human. Cleveland has typically been a terrible spot for players because they’ve had very poor & inconsistent QB play. That might be the concern this season too. Right now DESHAUN WATSON is leading the camp battle but his game has really fallen off. In addition, there’s still considerable target competition where KKC is most effective. Knowing where Concepcion ends up in the target pecking order is tough to predict.
Long term, I like the upside of Concepcion but developing a rapport early & eliminating drops to prove reliable will be key to his 2026 success. I would consider him more of a fringe WR3 in PPR formats.
1.30 Jets - OMAR COOPER JR - IN - 6’0” 200 4.43
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Slot receiver that shows good hands, body control & Contact balance. Not a fast or explosive receiver but good release on routes & knack for YAC. Still developing a route tree & run blocking skill needs improvement. Rises in big moments. Should prove to be a reliable secondary option at the NFL level.
Pro Comp = Jarvis Landry
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
The Jets bolstered their offensive weapons adding both Cooper and tight end KENYON SADIQ in the first round. They will join GARRETT WILSON, ADONAI MITCHELL and 2nd year tight end MASON TAYLOR. It’s a crowded room without a great QB, as journeyman GENO SMITH will be under center who graded 36th out of 43 qualifying QBs last year. Scary considering there are only 32 teams.
Cooper’s role as a slot weapon will be difficult to get consistent targets especially with projected sub par quarterback play. His long term value is better than 2026, which is a long shot to be flex worthy.
2.33 49ers - DE’ZHAUN STRIBLING - MISS - 6’2” 207 4.37
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
X receiver that can line up all over the formation. Tremendous catch radius and hands. Long strider with elite speed to finish in open field. Has length to high point catches which is good for red zone work. Great blocker. Lacks creativity in routes & after the catch. Most of success on go routes or comebacks which won’t work vs pro DBs
Pro Comp = Tyquan Thornton
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
One of the more surprising draft picks, Stribling went earlier than many projected. The 49ers moved on from JAUAN JENNINGS who was regarded as one of the better run blocking WRs. In need to fill that void, Stribling profiles as one of the better blocking WR prospects on the 2026 class. Getting on the field as a rookie will be difficult behind MIKE EVANS & RICKY PEARSALL on the perimeters. Both are injury risks so potential to see early action if one of them goes down.
Stribling projects more of a long term asset for the 49ers. Assuming he can become the next Jennings for the Niners, that isn’t going to be more than a low end WR3 or bye week fill in player. For 2026, it is unlikely he is consistent enough for fantasy purposes.
2.39 Browns - DENZEL BOSTON - WA - 6’4” 209 4.52
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Big WR with excellent hands and concentration. End zone target adept at using size to win. Had a TD on 16% of his receptions (20 total) over the last 2 seasons. Plus speed for his size to get open but lacks speed & athleticism for consistent separation. Ideal as an outside X receiver but doesn’t possess elite traits to be considered a top target option but profiles as a strong #2 WR with TD upside.
Pro Comparison = Jayden Higgins
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
I could have thought of plenty of better spots for Boston than Cleveland. He joins 1st round KC CONCEPCION as two high draft pick receivers added to the Browns in this draft. While they are the future at WR, the current QB room does not appear to have a franchise option so just like with Concepcion, questionable QB play will be an issue.
The Browns WR room along with tight end HAROLD FANNIN make for a questionable fantasy outlook. He plays on the outside which bodes well for his chances at snap share but wouldn’t consider him more than a TD dependent play for 2026.
2.47 Steelers - GERMIE BERNARD - AL - 6’1” 206 4.49
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Versatile playmaker. Great with ball in his hands. Plus agility and body control. Solid on field awareness. Lack of elite speed and agility but makes up for it with hands & reliability. Moderate production in college. Nothing pops about his game but nothing I dislike. Landing spot will be factor in success but more of a team’s WR3
Pro Comp = Tyler Boyd
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Bernard does get a nice spot as the 3rd receiving option for the Steelers behind DK METCALF and newly acquired MICHAEL PITTMAN JR. Announcing his last year, AARON RODGERS is back for one last ride in Pittsburgh. Bernard has limited competition to slide into meaningful snaps.
There’s a likelihood that Bernard could replicate the RANDALL COBB role for ARod from his time in Green Bay. For the most part, that will make for inconsistent fantasy production as more of a 40 yard a game role player with spike weeks from sporadic TDs.
3.71 Commanders - ANTONIO WILLIAMS - CLEM - 5’11” 190 4.42
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Reliable Slot receiver works well underneath & on screens. Not highly creative but follows blocks well. Good twitch to get open. Has return game skillset. Lacks elite traits to be more than a #3 receiving option. Could be productive for PPR in a high volume system.
Pro Comp = Jayden Reed
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
As far as system goes, Williams got a great landing spot. Outside of TERRY MCLAURIN there’s not much competition in the WR room in Washington. New Offensive coordinator David Blough comes from the Ben Johnson scheme tree which works well for AW’s game. Out of all the rookies taken in the draft, not many had the draft capital & landing spot to be considered an immediate impact but Williams is one.
Williams isn’t an elite player but JAYDEN DANIELS is. Williams is in a great position to be a weekly WR3 with the Commanders for 2026.
3.74 Giants - MALACHI FIELDS - ND - 6’4” 218 4.62
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
A big outside receiver, at 6’4” Fields’ size is noticeable. Impressive catch radius & hands. Uses size to win 50-50 balls & tough catches in coverage. Not fast but good on field speed for his size. Not a separator or creator in the open field. Will have problem vs DBs that match is physical traits.
Pro Comp = Keon Coleman
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Fields gets a nice placement in an ascending offense led by 2nd year QB JAXSON DART. The WR room doesn’t have a lot of depth at the X receiver position, where it appears ISAIAH HODGINS is the only other real big bodied receiver to contend with in New York. Still, his role could be limited for 2026. When Nabers is at full health, he’s the top target in this offense. The Giants acquired WR DARNELL MOONEY and TE ISAIAH LIKELY in the offseason, where both are capable second options.
I didn’t love what I saw from Fields. Again, the size is noticeable but in the NFL there are a lot of defensive backs that can match physicality. Stuck behind a lot of other solid receiving options, I think he will be a TD dependent play, at least in his rookie season. There are other late round fliers I would prefer this year.
3.75 Dolphins - CALEB DOUGLAS - TT - 6’4” 205 4.39
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Outside receiver with terrific size and hands. Elite straight line speed although doesn’t show in routes. Tape looks smooth & effortless. Solid blocker in the run game. However the smoothness sometimes looks lackadaisical. Has top receiver traits but didn’t show that consistently in college. The inconsistency made him one of the more difficult evaluations.
Pro Comp = DeAndre Hopkins (at his best)
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Many viewed this pick as an overdraft and has been dismissed. I wouldn’t be so quick to write him off. Again, at his best has moments of domination. The question is can he ascend to do this consistently in the NFL? The landing spot in Miami definitely affords him that chance. JALEN TOLBERT is his primary competition on the outside and the best of Douglas can certainly pass him on the depth chart. The only other big name in the passing game is fellow rookie CHRIS BELL, who is still recovering from an ACL injury suffered last year. That gives Douglas the leg up to build a rapport with new Dolphins QB MALIK WILLIS.
Time will tell if Douglas can live up to his ceiling, but considering the lack of offensive weapons in Miami outside of DEVON ACHANE I think Douglas is an underrated last round dart throw with upside.
3.79 Falcons - ZACHARIAH BRANCH - GA - 5’9” 177 4.35
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Dangerous with ball in his hands. Shifty, sort space elusiveness. Elite speed - if he gets loose is gone. Small but tough for his size. Best in short game when ball gets in his hands quickly for him to create. Lacks size and route tree (51% of routes were screens) so could be limited to return game & expanded WR sets until he develops.
Pro Comp = Zay Flowers
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
I always worry about these smaller receivers because in the NFL you are facing some seriously big defenders. Yes, Branch is quick and fast but so are linebackers who have a massive weight advantage. One false move could mean a spot on the IR. That said, I love the landing spot for Branch. DRAKE LONDON is the clear #1 and KYLE PITTS is a terrific mismatch tight end that can play outside & deep well. Branch doesn’t have a route tree desired for the next level which will make it difficult for him to see playing time behind secondary receivers OLAMIDE ZACCHEUS and JAHAN DOTSON.
The latter two receivers are not tough to pass for a dangerous player like Branch If the Falcons use his skillset properly he makes for an intriguing weapon in the NFL. His size & lack of route diversity will make it tough to see significant snaps as a rookie.
3.80 Ravens - JA’KOBI LANE - USC - 6’4” 200 4.47
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Tall lean outside receiver. Wins jump balls with height, boxing out and great hands. Moments of “Lane down there somewhere” plays where the QB simply threw it downfield to give Lane a chance. Runs smooth (albeit limited) routes. Not great off the line or quick to separate. Must improve run blocking. Will benefit playing opposite true #1.
Pro Comp = Quentin Johnston
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
It feels like every year the Ravens search for that outside X complementary receiver with ZAY FLOWERS as the go to #1. Lane did exactly that at USC (opposite MAKAI LEMON) and can do that in Baltimore. Healthy LAMAR JACKSON makes for a high scoring offense so that bodes well for Lane. However, the offense runs though Lamar & DERRICK HENRY in the ground game. Flowers and veteran tight end MARK ANDREWS should remain the top 2 targets for Lamar in the pass game. In addition, Lane will have to contend with fellow rookie ELIJAH SARRATT (more on him later) playing a similar style & position on offense.
Lane lands with an elite QB which is a plus. The offensive scheme and projected competition for targets will make it tough to see Lane as anything more than a TD dependent option for year one.
3.83 Panthers - CHRIS BRAZZELL - TN - 6’5” 200 4.37
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Tall lean outside WR. Great hands and uses height to win 50-50 balls. Limited route tree. Lacks explosion and shiftiness which could be an issue. Should add weight to dispell injury concerns over lean frame. Profiles as a downfield threat unless he can develop route tree.
Pro Comp = Marquez Vales-Scantling
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Gotta say, I don’t exactly love the landing spot in Carolina. BRYCE YOUNG hasn’t been a high volume passer, throwing for over 199 yards in only 5 of his 18 games (including the playoffs) played last year. TETAIROA MCMILLAN remains the top pass catcher. JALEN COKER has proven to be a steady contributor. And while 3rd year XAVIER LEGETTE appears falling out of favor, he is still a former 1st round pick.
Brazzell is capable of big plays but considering his skillset, I think he profiles more of a field stretcher to open up the field for other players like Tet & Coker. Like MVS, I think we will see some flash plays but I expect few and far between to be a meaningful fantasy contributor.
3.84 Buccaneers - TED HURST - GA ST - 6’3” 200 4.42
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Lean outside receiver. Mostly go routes but has the speed to get behind DBs & track the long ball. Uses height to win 50-50 balls. Pro ready frame & speed for next level. Playing against weaker competition, tbd if he can leverage size & speed vs NFL DBs. Young (turns 22 this summer) and still developing, will need to broaden his route tree or role at the NFL level will be limited.
Pro Comp = Michael Gallup
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
MIKE EVANS departure from Tampa leaves a big hole on the outside. Enter Hurst, who was a buzzy prospect at the NFL combine. He should push for immediate work on the outside where the Bucs have a real need. JALEN MCMILLIAN has showed flashes but has struggled to stay healthy, playing just 17 games over the past 2 seasons. EMEKA EGBUKA is currently the expected #1 with veteran CHRIS GODWIN & TEZ JOHNSON manning the slot. I expect McMillan start the year as the outside receiver but if he misses time, Hurst can be a snap count surprise.
I really like the potential of Hurst but two big questions remain. Can he produce against tougher competition and can he pass McMillan on the depth chart? We know BAKER MAYFIELD relied a lot on Evans as an end zone target which bodes well for the outside receiver replacement. Based on that & the injury history of McMillian, Hurst is an intriguing late round flier to stash.
3.89 Bears - ZAVION THOMAS - LSU - 5’10 190 4.28
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
If he gets loose you aren’t catching him. Unlike most elite speedsters, he is not a slight frame. Versatile to play outside, in the slot, running reverses & screens. Return game skillset with big play (3 career return TDs) potential. Shows solid route construction and concentration. Lack of production (41 receptions, 488 yards 4 TDs) is a red flag but shares that distinction with another former late round “project” turned superstar. Profiles as a big play specialist if he gets with the right QB until he can develop.
Pro Comp = Shades of Tyreek Hill
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
I am a big fan of Thomas as a prospect. Like TYREEK HILL, will be dismissed for lack of production as a one trick receiver or return man. But I saw more to the Zavion story than the stats show. His speed is undeniable so getting a QB with a cannon like CALEB WILLIAMS is a great landing spot much like Tyreek got in KC with PATRICK MAHOMES. Fighting for targets will be the biggest issue for Zavion as a rookie. ROME ODUNZE, LUTHER BURDEN and COLSTON LOVELAND are outstanding and will dominate target share.
For 2026, Zavion holds little value because of the talent ahead of him. In keeper or dynasty leagues, he’s an intriguing stash. Most players of Zavion’s profile fail to make a fantasy impact but his upside is different than most I have seen. Unlike XAVIER WORTHY and BRENAN THOMPSON who play at 165 pounds, Thomas is more thickly built with similar elite speed. Because of the route tree upside and QB pairing, he’s one to watch.
3.94 Dolphins - CHRIS BELL - Louis - 6’2” 220 4.44
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Noticeable stocky frame can play inside and out. Like a RB, hard to take down when in the second level. Surprising speed for his size although more fast than elusive or quick. Turns short catches into YAC gains. Limited route tree needs development. ACL tear in November but torched Miami before that. In fact, his 3 games before the injury (2 vs ranked opponents) Bell had 31 receptions for 441 yards & 5 touchdowns. The biggest concern ofr Bell outside of the injury is that his profile shows historical wide range of outcomes.
Pro Comp = AJ Brown / Treylon Burks
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Like CALEB DOUGLAS (noted earlier), Bell lands in a great spot to have immediate success based on the lack of WR talent on the Miami roster. And unlike Douglas, had some dominating moments at Louisville. The ACL injury is a concern but at the time of this writing, he is ahead of schedule with a real chance to be ready week 1. However, that still means he is behind the practice curve. Also concerning is his profile. AJ BROWN is the ultimate upside comp of a player like Bell. In fact, Bell could have pushed for first round consideration had he not gotten hurt. But the list of players that fit the profile but failed is lengthy like TREYLON BURKS, JONATHAN MINGO, XAVIER LEGETTE and many more.
Landing spot alone is outstanding for Bell. But health status and historical success of the profile make him hard to trust as a rookie. Still, based on landing and upside he is worth a late round flier. In fact, good chance he starts the season on PUP which means he can be a late round draft & IR stash.
4.105 Chargers - BRENEN THOMPSON - MISS ST - 5’9 164 4.26
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Super Tiny & Super fast. Can really fly on go routes. If he gets loose he’s gone. But has to get loose first. Size is a real issue to get past & around NFL DBs. Size also makes him a liability as a blocker or special teamer (outside of being a return man), which will further limit his potential to see the field. He profiles as a depth receiver and deep play threat.
Pro Comp = John Ross
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Unlike ZAVION THOMAS (listed above) players who are built like Thompson rarely pan out. But like Thomas, Thompson lands with a cannon armed QB that IF he can get loose, JUSTIN HERBERT can deliver shots downfield. Getting meaningful snaps will be tough in this offense. The Chargers invested heavily in the run game this offseason, signing another RB (KEATON MITCHELL) and the top available blocking tight end (CHARLIE KOLAR) and fullback (ALEC INGOLD) as the team continues to focus a rush heavy attack. LADD MCCONKEY, QUENTIN JOHNSTON and second year 2nd rounder TRE HARRIS are expected to dominate receiver snaps so Thompson’s path to playing time will be limited.
Thompson’s speed is everything but the landing spot is not. I wouldn’t expect to see much from Thompson in this offense.
4.115 Ravens - ELIJAH SARRATT - IN - 6’2” 213 4.53
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Prototypical size to play as an outside WR in the NFL. Strong hands helps him win in tight coverage. Nicknamed “Waffle House” as an ‘always open’ reliable target. Lack of speed and open field agility limits his upside. Proven TD scorer, with 15 TD catches on 63 receptions (24%) last season. Profiles as a possession receiver with red zone savvy.
Pro Comp = Michael Wilson
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Like fellow rookie JA’KOBI LANE (listed above), Sarratt is yet another Ravens stab at an outside WR complement. He doesn’t have the physical upside traits as an open field weapon in the pros but makes up for it with route savvy and blue collar work, which likely what drew the run first Ravens to him. Like Lane, he will be competing for target share with ZAY FLOWERS and MARK ANDREWS in a run first offense.
The position battle of Lane & Sarratt will be one to watch. There’s a scenario where both get on the field with Flowers in 3 receiver sets but odds are just one gets meaningful snaps. Sarratt’s physical attitude & receiving reliability could get him on the field more. His red zone prowess makes him an interesting late round flier.
4.124 Bills - SKYLER BELL - CT - 6’0” 194 4.40
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
24 year old undersized outside receiver with 80% of catches within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Uses quick feet to get open on routes, mostly slant routes. Plus speed to maintain separation & finish. Good concentration and body control to make tough catches. Liability as blocker. Played a mid tier schedule but finished 4th/2nd/3rd in receptions/yards/TDs across the entire NCAA, totalling 101 receptions for 1278 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Pro Comp = Kyle Williams
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Some have compared his game to KHALIL SHAKIR, the current Buffalo receiver. That could be what drew the Bills to take a shot for their offense and what makes this landing spot intriguing. He has certain deficiencies you want in a pro prospect however even against weaker competition, the production is undeniable. Shakir and newly acquired DJ MOORE should dominate receiver target share but JOSH ALLEN is known for spreading the ball around. Still, unless Shakir misses time it’s tough to see Bell make an impact as a rookie.
4.136 Saints - BRYCE LANCE - NDSU - 6’3” 209 4.34
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Big, strong, fast outside WR. Does most work on boundary. Over 2100 yards & 25 TDs last 2 years. Big play demon averaging over 21 yards per reception last year. Elite speed to get behind DBs & finish. Great hands & concentration to make tough catches. Elite combine & RAC score. Not much to his routes so limited to outside deep ball until he develops route tree & blocking technique. Will be an older prospect (age = 24) and played weak competition so can his game translate?
Pro Comp = Adonai Mitchell
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
The combine put Lance on a bigger radar and got him inside the top 150 draftees. He gets added to a rebuilding WR room in New Orleans, joining fellow rookie JORDYN TYSON (listed above) in a thin receiver room. CHRIS OLAVE is the current WR1 for the Saints and Tyson will be a starter. For Lance to get on the field, his biggest competition is DEVAUGHN VELE. I don’t think he will be a tough player to beat out.
I liked what I saw from Lance in my evaluation and lands in an underrated spot for fantasy. Both Olave and Tyson have been prone to injuries so Lance could get significant snaps should one go down. The biggest question is whether his abilities will translate against stiffer competition. If it does, he will be a big hit. He’s well worth a late round flier.
4.143 Cardinals - REGGIE VIRGIL - TX TCH - 6’2” 185 4.57
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Outside receiver with balanced route tree. Big hands & height to win 50-50 balls but weight an issue for consistently winning contested catches. Transitions from catch to go up field well. Shows instinct to dodge or fight for extra yards although not the most elusive WR. Lacks desired weight & speed for the pro game but natural feel to be an NFL receiver.
Pro Comp = Xavier Hutchinson
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
It’s not a grea spot for Virgil as an outside receiver playing behind MARVIN HARRISON JR. and MICHAEL WILSON. It doesn’t help that the QB situation does not have a franchise player under center. Journeyman JACOBY BRISSETT is the expected starter and at the time of this writing is holding out for a better contract. But I liked what I saw from Virgil’s game and the Cardinals WR room isn’t deep, so he should make the roster. However, I don’t expect a lot in year one. He’s likely a 4th option for the Cardinals for now which takes him off the fantasy radar. I do think there’s promise for him in year 2 or 3, so could be a useful stash in dynasty leagues.
5.176 Chiefs - CYRUS ALLEN - CIN - 5’11” 180 4.47
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Route savant. Footwork is exceptional. Reliable hands. Good burst in and out of breaks. TDs on 25% (13 of 51) of receptions. Size limits his ability to win in sticky coverage or as a blocker. Ideally suited as a slot in a west coast offense.
Pro Comp = Christian Kirk
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
There has not been much talk about Allen but he lands in a great spot for fantasy. The Chiefs are devoid of pass catchers, especially with the uncertainty surrounding RASHEE RICE, currently in prison serving a 30 day sentence. Outside of XAVIER WORTHY, there is not much competition in the WR room for Allen to push for playing time. What I like most is his reliability. He isn’t an elite player, physical dominator or speed demon. But one thing Mahomes will need is a reliable weapon.
In a weak WR room with an elite QB, opportunity could play into the hands of Cyrus Allen to be a sneaky WR4 for PPR. At a minimum, he should stay on the waiver radar.
5.177 Dolphins - KEVIN COLEMAN - MO - 5’10 179 4.49
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Slot receiver. Shows ability to get open on shallow routes. Nice quickness to turn upfield. Fearless over the middle. Lacks size to push defenders. Sometimes too bouncy after the catch. Not much outside of screens & short routes. Profiles as a team’s 3rd or 4th option.
Pro Comp = Greg Dortch
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Interesting that I saw him as a team’s 3rd option and here he is landing in Miami as the team’s 3rd drafted WR of the 2026 draft. I wouldn’t expect a Coleman takeover but could find a place if he can develop a rapport with MALIK WILLIS quickly. Like CALEB DOUGLAS and CHRIS BELL, it’s a weak WR room for Coleman to make a case for playing time. Again, with Bell rehabbing that gives Coleman some extra time with Willis and the team.
Coleman will likely be competing with 3rd year receiver MALIK WASHINGTON, who possesses a similar stature & skillset. Coleman will have to outperform Washington to get the starting slot role. I don’t think that’s a slam dunk for Coleman but possible. This is a camp battle to watch but I don’t know even if Coleman wins that job he will be effective as a fantasy asset.
7.255 Colts - DEION BURKS - OK - 5’10” 180 4.30
Pre Draft Evaluation Quick Take
Good on field awareness to get open. Elite speed, can get yards in a hurry. While fast, elusiveness is not as good & play speed doesn’t show his 40 time speed. Can play outside but better suited for inside / short game. Plays tough but size could be a concern at the next level. Even with his speed, wasn’t highly productive & didn’t have many big plays. His combine and high RAS score puts him on the draft map.
Pro Comp = Rondale Moore
Post Draft Landing Spot Spin
Burks has a long way to go in order to make a real push at the NFL level. However, I do like the landing spot. ALEC PIERCE and current slot receiver JOSH DOWNS sit atop the depth chart but there are not a lot of playmakers or serious depth at the position in Indy. Speed makes him very interesting but size limitations and solid slot receiver ahead of him makes Burks more of a waiver watch candidate.
UDFA Chiefs - JEFF CALDWELL - CIN - 6’5 216 4.32
Big outside receiver with surprising straight line speed. Red zone target & knack for scoring. Physical specimen that had a great combine. Not much to his routes or skills once the ball is in his hands. Drops & 50-50 ball success are both a concern. Played most of his college career at Lindenwood out of the OVC with 1 season at Cincy, posting 478 yards & 6 TDs. Developmental project with on field training needed to match his physical tools you can’t teach
Pro Comp = D’onte Thornton
Like I said above about CYRUS ALLEN, landing in KC with an elite QB in PATRICK MAHOMES and a suspect WR room gives Caldwell a fighting chance. His physical tools are undeniable but has a lot of work to do in order to become a reliable NFL receiver.
More of a project, he is a watch and see player but considering his unreachable traits & landing spot, he’s worth keeping on the radar.
UDFA Cardinals - HARRISON (TRE) WALLACE - MISS - 6’1 200 4.55
During the my pre-draft evaluation process I remember seeing NFL analyst Louis Riddick talk about this guy Tre Wallace. I didn’t have him on my evaluation player list but when Riddick speaks, I take note. Here’s what I saw. Good size and speed. Solid route tree. Good on field awareness before and after the catch. Reliable hands. Terrific ball tracking. Lacks desired speed you want at the next level. Lack of speed could impact ability to get open vs pro defenders.
Pro Comp = Jalen Tolbert
I was surprised he went undrafted and the landing spot isn’t ideal. However, I did like what I saw in my evaluation. The Cardinals don’t have a deep WR room behind MARVIN HARRISON JR and MICHAEL WILSON but Wallace still has an uphill battle to even make the team.
What does give Wallace a fighting chance is being productive in the slot, where he would be a big slot weapon. That is also not competing with Harrison or Wilson on the outside. Keep an eye on any training camp buzz and consider him a waiver watch list candidate for now.
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