2026 NFL Draft: Day 2 Fantasy Football Recap

Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft started slow for enthusiasts of the primary fantasy positions, but it picked up steam as the second round concluded and the third round progressed. With even more prospects finding new homes, fantasy managers need to start forming opinions about the impact they will have next season.

While fantasy draft season may not be close to hitting its crescendo, hardcore gamers have been selecting players since the conclusion of the collegiate bowl season. So let's not waste any time.

(This article will focus primarily on rookies from a redraft perspective. We will have rookie and dynasty rankings on the site early next week. Our initial redraft rankings will hit the site later in the week. My signature Big Board - a draft day tool that is one of the principal reasons why I have yet to suffer a losing money season in 25 years of high-stakes fantasy football - will likely be finished sometime in June and updated daily after that.)

Also see: Day 1 | Day 3

The 2026 NFL Draft is widely expected to be a down year for fantasy purposes, so there is not much reason to go into great detail on many of these players - despite the fact that Day 2 usually has plenty of potential contributors.

Round 2

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

33) WR De'Zhaun Stribling, San Francisco 49ers

Team Fit: The Combine confirmed the explosiveness that was present during Stribling's dominant finish to the 2025 season. His hands improved over the course of his college career and he has the strength to avoid getting knocked off his route, although that happens more than it should. Stribling is also a willing blocker, which is the part of his game that appealed a lot to head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch shortly after selecting him. However, the lack of route-running nuance and ability to create separation makes it hard to believe he is going to find much playing time as a rookie, barring injury to Mike Evans and/or Ricky Pearsall. The problem is that Stribling would still fall behind Christian McCaffrey, Christian Kirk and George Kittle (assuming his recovery from an Achilles tear remains on track) in that circumstance.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Stribling can be avoided in most 18-round drafts. He appears to be no better than the No. 4 receiver for the 49ers.

Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

39) WR Denzel Boston, Cleveland Browns (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: New head coach Todd Monken and the Browns are getting serious about improving the offense. Boston is a big-bodied X receiver who will be hard to take off the field because he is such a big and trustworthy target in the short and intermediate game. He understands how to use his size to his benefit down the field and in the red zone. Boston is also very comfortable tracking the ball over either shoulder. Especially on this depth chart, he will be Cleveland's best contested-catch receiver on the same day he signs his contract. He is certainly worthy of a Michael Pittman Jr. comp and figures to play more of a full-time role for the Browns than first-round pick KC Concepcion - at least early - because he is also a very good blocker.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Boston should step into a juicy every-down role for the Browns, but he probably should be considered no more than a fantasy WR5 considering the quarterback situation in Cleveland. If that is not enough, Harold Fannin Jr, Concepcion and Jerry Jeudy will likely see more targets - at least for most of 2026.

47) WR Germie Bernard, Pittsburgh Steelers (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: If the Steelers had to miss out on Makai Lemon on Day 1, Bernard is not a bad consolation prize. The Alabama product tested out as an average NFL prospect at the Combine, but don't be fooled. He is one of the best in this draft class at playing through contact and gaining tough yards that most receivers cannot. As he showed in 2025, he can handle a few carries out of the backfield and even be an asset as a runner near the goal line. There is also no question that he enjoys getting his hands dirty as a blocker. He's not the second coming of Deebo Samuel, but he possesses a lesser version of the skill set that allowed Samuel to thrive during his days with the 49ers.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. should have the perimeter receiver jobs locked down for the foreseeable future, so Bernard will have to settle for slot work and third receiver duties. With head coach Mike McCarthy in town, there is a chance that role materializes into a flex-worthy option. More likely, Bernard is more of a WR5/6 consideration as a rookie.

Oct 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch against the Missouri Tigers during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

54) TE Eli Stowers, Philadelphia Eagles (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: General manager Howie Roseman typically does a great job of addressing future weaknesses, and that appears to be the case here as well. Dallas Goedert agreed to return for one more year, but bear in mind that Stowers is a completely different kind of tight end. Stowers is a mismatch weapon that lines up more often in the slot than a complete tight end. His measurables are similar to those posted by Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson about two decades ago. What safety/linebacker/slot corner is going to be able to match up with that? Especially in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's offense (he of the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay coaching tree), there is a chance that he redefines what is expected from an "F" tight end.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Stowers probably will not be selected in most 18-round drafts, but he is one of maybe a handful of tight ends that fantasy managers should keep on watch lists. The sky is the limit for him. While he is not in the greatest position to maximize his talent in 2026, he could become a fantasy force if used correctly as soon as 2027.

58) TE Marlin Klein, Houston Texans

Team Fit: Much like Nate Boerkircher a few picks earlier, Klein is an investment for 2027. The pick is a clear sign that Dalton Schultz is what the Texans want in a tight end, as Klein may be the player most like him in this draft class. Schultz is under contract through the end of the 2027 season, which is about the time Houston will expect to see something of note from Klein.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Move along. Nothing to see here.

61) TE Max Klare, Los Angeles Rams

Team Fit: As much as the Rams received criticism for their first-round selection of Ty Simpson, it made much more sense than the pick of Klare. Terrance Ferguson is a much better version of Klare as a move tight end, while Colby Parkinson is coming off a banner season. Klare faces long odds of contributing much in 2026, even for a team that uses a lot of 13 personnel - unless the Rams first remove Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen from the roster.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Move along. Nothing to see here.

Round 3

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) passes the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

65) QB Carson Beck, Arizona Cardinals

**Team Fit:**Beck rebounded from a poor season behind a questionable Georgia offensive line in 2024 (that ended with him undergoing elbow surgery) to lead Miami (Fla.) to a national championship appearance. The 2025 season showed him at what he does best most of the time. He processes quickly and typically shows patience while doing so. Another feather in his hat (that typically translates to the NFL) is his comfort with play-action passing (72.7% completion rate, 30-to-4 TD-to-INT ratio). Beck will occasionally fall apart when he is pressured (48.3% completion rate, 3-to-3 TD-to-INT ratio in 2025). He has a chance to overtake Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew in 2026 and be a decent NFL short-term starter, although operating behind a poor offensive line isn't going to help his cause. He feels more like a long-term backup for whatever QB the Cards draft next year.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? There is a small chance he could find himself in low-end QB2 territory if he beats out Brissett at some point, but the odds of him being startable in any one-quarterback league are long.

61) TE Sam Roush, Chicago Bears

Team Fit: The trend of teams drafting tight ends who either don't need tight ends or are looking for blockers at the position continues with the Bears' selection of Roush. Cole Kmet is under contract for at least one more year, so this feels like Chicago's attempt to save some money down the road and prepare for his departure. He figures to be the long-term blocking complement to Colston Loveland.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Move along. Nothing to see here.

71) WR Antonio Williams, Washington Commanders (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: The Commanders didn't exactly need another slot receiver with Luke McCaffrey flashing at times last year, but they do need receivers who are good route-runners. Williams is that. He lined up in the slot 93% of the time in 2025 for Clemson and doesn't offer much in the way as a blocker at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, so it would be a mistake to view him as anything more than a slot at the next level. He is almost certain to contribute right away as a punt returner after returning 39 of them in his career with the Tigers. Williams will likely battle McCaffrey in camp for the right to begin the season as the team's primary slot option. The winner of that battle should be considered a strong threat to be the team's second-most productive pass-catcher in 2026.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Williams figures to be more of a solid player in the NFL than someone who becomes a star in fantasy. He will not need to be drafted in most leagues.

73) TE Oscar Delp, New Orleans Saints

Team Fit: Delp has a good chance to emerge as the long-term answer at tight end in the Big Easy. His path in the short term is much more cloudy, as he joins a depth chart with proven and productive veterans Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant. At least for 2026 (and as long as Johnson and Fant stay healthy), Delp should be expected to fill the role that Foster Moreau occupied last season.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Delp has much more upside than Moreau, so he could find his way onto the fantasy radar if Johnson and Fant get hurt. With that said, it is extremely rare that a team's third tight end makes or breaks a fantasy season.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) goes airborne while hauling in a pass while being covered by Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Rashad Battle (15) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on November 15, 2025.

74) WR Malachi FIelds, New York Giants (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: The depth chart at WR in New York looks more daunting than it is, especially if Malik Nabers' recovery from a torn ACL does not go as planned. He also offers the Giants something different than anyone else the team has at receiver: a contested-catch wizard like Fields to complement the playmaking of Nabers and the speed of Darius Slayton and Darnell Mooney. Except for maybe a handful of NFL cornerbacks, his primary defenders at the next level will struggle to match his size (6-foot-4) and vertical explosiveness (38-inch vertical). While that may not be enough to be an alpha receiver, he should be an effective long-term complement to Nabers.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Fields will likely share snaps with Slayton and Mooney as a rookie, so it is hard to have much confidence in him becoming a fantasy option. Something approaching 40 catches and 4-5 touchdowns figures to be his ceiling in 2026, leaving him well off the fantasy radar.

75) WR Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins

Team Fit: Douglas gives Miami something it doesn't have much of at receiver (6-foot-3), but he is so wiry that he figures to struggle against physical coverage in the NFL. Miami likely views him as a field-stretcher and contested-catch option, but the talent is not so great that he should be expected to push Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert or Malik Washington for snaps this year.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Especially in what figures to be a low-volume offense led by Malik Willis, there is nothing to see here.

76) QB Drew Allar, Pittsburgh Steelers

Team Fit: Of all the non-Fernando Mendoza quarterbacks available in this draft, Allar probably has the best toolkit to become a decent starter in the league down the road. He has great size and arm strength for the position, adds a bit as a runner and can throw with anticipation. His decision-making is usually on point, particularly when it comes to avoiding turnovers (career 1.7% turnover worthy play rate, per PFF, and a school-record 1.3% interception rate). His most obvious issue is how often he misses on easy throws (flats, screens, slants and check-downs). Pass-rush pressure tends to bring out the worst in him. It is also hard to understand how a 35-game starter isn't more developed as a progression passer. He will benefit greatly from a year to develop under new head coach Mike McCarthy, whether Aaron Rodgers plays or not. Allar will make the team based on his draft capital, but there's no guarantee he will be active most weeks if Rodgers comes back. Mason Rudolph likely isn't going anywhere and the team seems to like Will Howard.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? If it wasn't already obvious, Allar is not on the redraft radar.

79) WR Zachariah Branch, Atlanta Falcons

Team Fit: Branch is an interesting fit in Atlanta on a depth chart that has little of note behind Drake London. Jahan Dotson will likely start opposite London, while the pesky Olamide Zaccheaus will likely begin the season as the primary slot. With that said, Branch is a dynamic playmaker who was limited by his college coaching (68 targets on screens; he was targeted on hitches 23 times - his next most targeted route). He is small (5-foot-9 and 177 pounds), but he is a big-play machine who has experience returning kicks and punts. That will likely be his primary function in 2026.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Barring an injury to Zaccheaus, there is nothing to see here.

74) WR Ja'Kobi Lane, Baltimore Ravens

Team Fit: Lane is the Ravens' latest attempt to find a big-bodied complement to Zay Flowers. Perhaps the new regime is down on Rashod Bateman or doesn't want to take their chances with his durability. Even if they expect a lot from Bateman, Lane will be hard-pressed to beat out Devontez Walker for No. 3 duties. Lane's primary service to the team in 2026 figures to be putting his 6-foot-4 frame and 80 3/4-inch wingspan to use in the red zone.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? The Ravens have struggled to make more than one receiver (Flowers) viable in fantasy for years. Move along.

83) WR Chris Brazzell, Carolina Panthers (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: Carolina is officially putting Xavier Legette on notice. Brazzell gives the Panthers another field-stretcher who should open things up for Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Considering how low a bar Legette has set, Brazzell should push for WR3 duties right away. Unlike the Volunteers' recent NFL entrants at receiver (most notably Jalin Hyatt and Dont'e Thornton), Brazzell is more than just a tall speedster. He has some nuance to his game, such as the fluidity he shows on routes that require something approaching the 90-degree cut needed on an out route or the aforementioned footwork along the sideline. His biggest drawback right now is that Tennessee's offense is so focused on space and pace that it does not prepare receivers for many of the complexities in the NFL, meaning there is not much nuance to his route running.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Brazzell figures to be mostly a splash player for the next year or two, so fantasy managers should expect him to be a highly volatile player most weeks - assuming he overtakes Legette in camp.

Nov 1, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Georgia State Panthers wide receiver Ted Hurst (16) makes a touchdown catch against the Connecticut Huskies in the second quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

84) WR Ted Hurst, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: Hurst isn't going to make the Bucs forget Mike Evans, but there might not be another receiver in this draft who is more like him. (If it says anything, his closest athletic comp is Christian Watson.) The Georgia State product fared remarkably well on contested catches in his two seasons with the Panthers (63% success rate in 2024, 59.3 in 2025), but drops were an issue. He also had a lot more contested catches (27 such targets in both seasons) than one would expect for such a great athlete playing in a non-Power Four conference. He will likely be asked to stretch the field as a fourth receiver as a rookie behind Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Hurst would be someone to place on watch lists and remember if one of the aforementioned three receivers were to miss time this year, but there's no guarantee the team wouldn't opt for Tez Johnson anyway. He is unlikely to contribute more than a few splash plays in 2026.

87) TE Will Kacmarek, Miami Dolphins

Team Fit: No offense to Kacmarek, but fantasy managers should be able to ignore him in Miami. Not only is Malik Willis unlikely to support more than one pass-catcher per week, but Kacmarek is primarily a run blocker who will start his career behind Greg Dulcich on the depth chart.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Move along. Nothing to see here.

89) WR Zavion Thomas, Chicago Bears

Team Fit: There is a glimmer of hope for Thomas to contribute in 2026, although his likely role in 2026 is as the sacrifical deep threat for Luther Burden, Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland. His biggest immediate problem is how well Jahdae Walker played down the stretch. His primary responsibility as a rookie might be as a punt returner.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Thomas is unlikely to contribute more than a few splash plays in 2026. Move along.

90) RB Kaelon Black, San Francisco 49ers

Team Fit: Kyle Shanahan can't help himself, investing in the running position seemingly every year in Round 3 or on Day 3. Black's physical style should complement Christian McCaffrey very well, which gives him a shot to beat out Jordan James in camp and become CMC's handcuff. With that said, Black is more of a grinder who the 49ers might see as a third running back instead of a No.2.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? Black needs to remain on fantasy radars, as any potential handcuff in a Shanahan offense does. James should be considered the favorite for the job, but Black would be worth taking at some point in the double-digit rounds if he wins the backup job.

Oct 17, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Chris Bell (0) carries the football for a touchdown against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jr. Romanas Frederique (29) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

74) WR Chris Bell, Miami Dolphins (Film Profile | Analytical Profile)

Team Fit: Bell may be the most intimidating receiver in this draft class at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. Were it not for his pre-Thanksgiving ACL tear, the conversation regarding Bell might have been different this spring. While he has potential alpha upside (and flashed it at times in 2025), Bell already had issues with explosiveness and creating separation, which makes him more likely to be a complementary receiver in the NFL. With that said, Miami may be a great landing spot for him since the Dolphins are in full rebuild and can probably afford to redshirt him. Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington should not be a difficult group to overcome when Bell is healthy.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? A lot depends on whether Miami decides to redshirt him. With that said, it is hard to imagine any receiver emerging as a fantasy starter this season, especially in a low-volume offense led by Malik Willis.

74) TE Eli Raridon, New England Patriots

Team Fit: Raridon makes sense for the Patriots as a replacement for Austin Hooper and the eventual three-down replacement for Hunter Henry. He needs time in the weight room if New England wants 2027 to be the year he takes over, but he should be able to contribute as a pass-catcher right away - much in the same way Hooper did in his time with the team.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams, non-Superflex)? If Hunter Henry misses time, Raridon could be worthy of a spot start in fantasy. With that said, he will not be drafted in most leagues.

This article originally appeared on The Huddle: 2026 NFL Draft: Day 2 Fantasy Football Recap