Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel took nearly two-thirds of his snaps out of the slot as a rookie after seeing nearly a 75% rate at Iowa State, but his path to playing time in 2025 was often blocked by veteran Christian Kirk. Kirk signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in free agency, and the primary slot duties in Houston should now fall to Noel. 2023 third-round pick, and a personal favorite target of quarterback C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell is expected back after missing all of his third season with a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments. Despite his small frame, Dell has spent most of his time on the outside since turning professional, and while 2026 will mark his first time working in offensive coordinator Nick Caley's system, history would suggest that, despite their radically different body types, he will present more of a competition to Jayden Higgins in two-receiver sets. Noel should still see plenty of run as the third receiver on the field in 11 personnel, and at RotoBaller's WR72, it's possible he's being severely slept on after showing significant flashes in the two mid-season games missed by Kirk.

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Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson led the team in targets and receptions out of the backfield as a fourth-round rookie in 2025, and his role appears to be secure heading into his second season. After double-dipping at the position last year, the Browns made no additions to the running back room in the 2026 NFL Draft, though they did make improvements to the offense as a whole, which could create more scoring opportunities for both Sampson and 2025 second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who appears to be on track for the season opener after suffering a dislocated ankle in Week 16. Cleveland spent the ninth overall pick on offensive tackle Spencer Fano before adding wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston within 15 picks of one another in the first and second rounds, transforming a position of weakness into one of potential strength. The Browns still head into 2026 with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation, though negative game scripts could work in the favor of Sampson if he's able to fully take hold of the dedicated passing back role, and at RotoBaller's dynasty RB51, he offers clear upside as a low-cost trade target or add-on to a larger deal.

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a two-year deal to serve as a bridge quarterback until first overall pick Fernando Mendoza is ready to take over. At the NFL's Annual League Meeting, new head coach Klint Kubiak shared his belief that a rookie quarterback should learn behind the scenes for as long as possible, and shortly thereafter, Cousins was brought in on a team-friendly contract. Kubiak also expressed a desire to split backfield carries before adding Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, so he appears to have a clear plan in his first year at the helm. The Raiders have made notable improvements to the offensive line and defense a year after earning the first overall pick by going 3-14, so Cousins could be provided ample leash to allow Mendoza to develop into an NFL professional. As a quarterback expected to start more than a handful of games in 2026, he could be drastically underpriced as RotoBaller's dynasty QB47, and how he looks to open the season could determine his future value should the Raiders allow him to hit free agency again in 2027 at the age of 38.

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Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani served as the primary backup to Kenneth Walker III in both the NFC Championship and Super Bowl after Zach Charbonnet was lost to an ACL injury in the team's Divisional Round victory over the 49ers. With Walker departing for Kansas City in free agency and Charbonnet's recovery timeline likely to see him miss games in 2026, dynasty managers who were able to scoop up Holani were hoping he could maintain a meaningful role to begin his third season while still expecting the Seahawks to add competition through the NFL Draft. With Seattle holding only four picks entering the draft, there was a thought that they could miss out on one of the true difference-making backs in a weak class, but with so few needs, they were able to be aggressive and spend the final pick of the first round on Notre Dame prospect Jadarian Price. With Price expected to handle lead back duties to begin the year, and Charbonnet likely to complete the committee upon his return, Holani's potential fantasy impact looks to be limited and minimal, and he has fallen to RB99 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings.

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New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller was a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but a frustrating rash of injuries has limited him to only 21 games played and 497 career rushing yards. The Saints spent big in free agency, bringing in former Jaguar Travis Etienne Jr. on a four-year, $48 million deal, and unless they make a move to thin their ranks, it appears that Miller will head into training camp fourth on the depth chart behind Etienne, 10-year veteran Alvin Kamara, and 2025 sixth-round pick Devin Neal, who handled lead back duties down the stretch of his rookie season. When active, Miller has played a role on special teams, which could be his best shot to stick with the team, but as RotoBaller's dynasty RB90, he is no longer a must-hold for managers looking to clear bench spots for the incoming crop of rookies.

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Dynasty | The Vikings have exercised the fifth year option on wide receiver Jordan Addison. Dynasty Analysis: Addison has been a little hit and miss throughout his young career but the talent is clearly evident. The Vikings desperately need new quarterback Kyler Murray to get back to his old form and if he does, Addison could represent a solid bargain as his ADP has slid based on his up and down performances and some off-the-field concerns.

Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Dynasty Analysis: MVS has bounced around the league mostly following Aaron Rodgers over the past few seasons but simply hasn't found much success. This has the looks of a depth signing for Dallas and if MVS is really part of the rotation next year, something may have gone horribly wrong. He's a roster clogger at this point in his career, regardless of where he may be playing.

Dynasty | The Titans drafted running back Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: This landing spot is an interesting one as Tennessee was rumored to have interest in Jeremiyah Love before he was taken third overall. While Singleton isn't nearly the player Love is, the Titans are at least considering we're nearing the end of the Tony Pollard era. Singleton is going to be a sneaky rookie pick and while he has a low floor as a late round draft pick, you can see a path to relevance here.

Dynasty | The Washington Commanders selected running back Kaytron Allen in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Allen was drafted by the Commanders in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A true bruiser, he landed in a great spot as the Commanders have a host of running backs like Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and Jerome Ford but none of them are true road graders like Allen. He should have a chance to make the team and possibly carve out an early role as a rookie.

Dynasty | The Vikings selected running back Demond Claiborne in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Claiborne fell all the way down to the sixth round before the Vikings finally took him. It's an interesting pick given the fact the Vikings really only have Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason at the moment. However, the draft capital used on Claiborne doesn't really guarantee him much, including a roster spot. He'll likely battle the likes of Zavier Scott and a few others for a roster spot but still looks like a mid-to-late rookie pick based on a decent landing spot.

Dynasty | The Jets drafted quarterback Cade Klubnik in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The Jets took Klubnik in round four of the NFL Draft. While nobody would have expected him to go this late just one year ago, the reality is he now lands in a solid spot to develop and possibly even get some starts if Geno Smith fails to impress this season. Klubnik won't have long to prove himself with a loaded class of quarterbacks coming in but he makes for a pretty fun 2QB rookie draft pick this season.

Dynasty | The Raiders drafted running back Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: This was a very disappointing development for Washington, who many thought could be the second running back off the board this year. He'll now be stuck behind Ashton Jeanty, fighting to earn the backup role next season. He's certainly in line to be one of the biggest fallers in terms of pre- and post-draft value.

Dynasty | The Saints drafted wide receiver Bryce Lance in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The brother of Trey Lance, Bryce will have a chance to carve out a role in the Saints pass catching corps that currently boasts Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson. Lance seems like a total boom or bust prospect but he could have certainly landed in worse spots. He'll be a decent late round dart throw in rookie drafts.

The Denver Broncos have selected Utah tight end Dallen Bentley with the 256th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Tight end was considered a major need for the 2025 AFC West champions, and after spending a fifth-round pick on NC State's Justin Joly, the Broncos doubled up at the position. After making only three catches across his first two seasons at Utah, Bentley was one of the team's leading receivers in 2025, finishing his final season with 620 yards and six touchdowns on 48 receptions. While not a dominant blocker, he has the traits of an NFL tight end and has a real chance to make the team as the final offensive player selected in 2026. With Denver holding the final two picks of the draft, Bentley also has some claim to split the Mr. Irrelevant title with new teammate Red Murdock.

The Cleveland Browns have selected BYU tight end prospect Carsen Ryan with the 248th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Ryan played for three different schools throughout his college career, culminating in one lone season with BYU. It was easily the best season of his time in the NCAA as he caught 45 passes for 620 yards and three touchdowns. The Browns have not been shy about their desire to add a ton of names to the tight end room. They brought in free agent Jack Stoll to offer depth behind Harold Fannin Jr. and Blake Whiteheart, and now they've drafted both Ryan and Joe Royer on Day 3. With such a crowded position group, Ryan is low on the pecking order and faces an uphill battle to achieve meaningful playing time. He can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues

The Tennessee Titans have selected Oklahoma tight end Jaren Kanak with the 225th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A one-year starter at tight end, Kanak was a high school quarterback who spent most of his time in college on the defensive side of the ball. After logging 103 career tackles as a linebacker, he mved to tight end in 2025 and made 44 receptions for 530 yards. A tough and versatile player, he could find the field in a variety of ways for new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, a la Taysom Hill. While he will almost certainly go overlooked in dynasty rookie drafts, Kanak's is a name to remember as an eventual contributor in deeper leagues.

The Washington Commanders have selected Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Kaliakmanis spent two years at Rutgers after two seasons with Minnesota, and he showed improvement year over year. He completed more than 60% of his passes for the first time in 2025, setting career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. Kaliakmanis has NFL size at 6'2" and 216 pounds, and his improved processing could help him stick on the Commanders roster as a third quarterback behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Navy running back prospect Eli Heidenreich with the 230th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A three-year contributor in college, Heidenreich posted elite numbers in the passing game. Last season, he had 499 rushing yards, 51 catches, 941 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns. He also set a new all-time program record with six touchdown receptions in a single season. The pass-catching numbers are very impressive, and he should continue to have a role on passing downs at the next level. There's a decent chance that he'll be able to carve out some third-down snaps in the Steelers' backfield behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

The Washington Commanders have selected Penn State running back Kaytron Allen with the 187th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington was one of the teams linked to Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love at the top of the first round, but instead, they addressed the position 180 picks later with the big-bodied Nittany Lion. For four seasons, Allen shared Penn State's backfield with Nicholas Singleton, who went to the Titans in the 5th round. Without possessing the speed or natural athleticism of Singleton, Allen leaned on his vision and physicality to make him the school's all-time leading rusher. He regularly got stronger late in games, leading the FBS with 8.2 yards per carry in the fourth quarter as a senior. In a room featuring Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and Jerome Ford, Allen has both the experience and ability to earn a meaningful role out of the gate.

The Dallas Cowboys have selected East Carolina wide receiver prospect Anthony Smith with the 218th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. An older prospect at 24 years old, Smith spent four seasons at NC State, followed by two at ECU. During his sixth and final collegiate campaign, he caught 64 passes for 1,053 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had a 45-yard rushing touchdown. His 40-yard dash time is in the low 4.40s, and he has the ability to stretch the field on offense. At the moment, he projects as a developmental depth receiver in Dallas, where he'll be blocked on the depth chart by players like CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Ryan Flournoy, among others. He can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues.