Rookies matter. Last season, three running backs, two wide receivers, and four tight ends finished in the top 24 at their position as rookies. Oftentimes, rookies will come on strong at the end of the season, but here are five fantasy rookies to have on your radar for 2026 drafts.
RB Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals just spent the number three overall pick on Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. Every single running back drafted in the top ten of the real NFL draft has finished as a top 12 fantasy running back as a rookie (except Melvin Gordon III) since 2015. One of Love's best attributes as a prospect is his pass-catching ability, and in PPR formats, he should provide a safe floor as a receiver even if he splits time with Tyler Allgeier as a rusher.
RB Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks
While Price's teammate Love will have to compete with Allgeier and even Trey Benson, Jadarian Price will compete with George Holani and Emanuel Wilson. Price's 2026 fantasy outlook is strong compared to other rookies, mostly due to the wide-open room and quality offensive environment he's about to enter. With Zach Charbonnet on IR and a team desperate for someone to tote the rock, Price could start the season hot on volume alone. Don't just take my word for it, even Dave Kluge thinks there's a comparison that should make fantasy managers excited at RB3 prices.
I think the Jadarian Price situation is pretty comparable to Clyde Edwards-Helaire's. A team feeling themselves off a Super Bowl win reached for an unworthy prospect as a luxury.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) May 11, 2026
Even if that is true, Price is being drafted as RB33. CEH was RB22 his rookie season!