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2026 NFL Draft: Fantasy football rankings, projections, takeaways for first-round prospects
TL;DR
Yahoo’s Justin Boone analyzes the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on fantasy football rankings and projections for key prospects. Notable selections include QB Fernando Mendoza, who has a projected 2,743 passing yards and 18 TDs.
Key points
- Justin Boone breaks down fantasy-relevant selections in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Fernando Mendoza is the first overall pick by the Raiders
- Mendoza has a fantasy potential rating of ★★★★☆
- Klint Kubiak is the new head coach for the Raiders
- Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to improve the offensive line
Mentioned in this story
Fernando MendozaKlint Kubiak
Tyler LinderbaumRaiders
Yahoo’s Justin Boone breaks down every fantasy-relevant selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, including their projections and rankings moving forward. Follow along all Thursday night for live updates during the first round.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Raiders (1st overall)
- Fantasy potential: ★★★★☆
- 2026 projection (13 starts): 2,743 passing yards, 18 TDs, 14 INTs, 251 rushing yards, TD
- Redraft ranking: QB26
- Dynasty startup value (Superflex): QB17 (fourth*-round pick)*
- Dynasty rookie value (Superflex): 1.02-1.05
Mendoza isn’t the kind of dominant quarterback prospect that can singlehandedly change the fortune of a franchise, but his arrival in Las Vegas comes at the perfect time. New head coach Klint Kubiak has gotten the most out of the offenses at his last couple stops, including turning Sam Darnold into a Super Bowl winning QB.
The Raiders have also made an effort to upgrade the offensive line this offseason, including the signing of top free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum - an important addition for a rookie passer.
With the presence of two young superstars in Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty (who are both 23 years old), as well as the likely selection of at least one rookie receiver on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft, Mendoza has enough weaponry to succeed whenever he steps under center.
Though veteran Kirk Cousins will do his best to hold him off, Mendoza will be starting sooner rather than later. The Heisman Trophy winner has the ability to return fantasy QB2 value in his starts as a rookie, with a chance to reach low-end QB1 production in future years.
Prospect profile: Mendoza has proven himself to be a good leader with excellent on-field awareness who displays the toughness needed to overcome adversity during games. He has a strong arm to make any throw, but it’s his touch passing that stands out.
Though the 22-year-old has enough speed to scramble his way out of trouble and pick up yards on the ground, he’s not fast enough to be a meaningful runner in the pros.
He profiles as a long-term NFL starter, who will need the right environment around him to become a star.
Fantasy stock up: Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Raiders WRs
Fantasy stock down: Kirk Cousins
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
Q&A
What are Fernando Mendoza's fantasy football projections for 2026?
Fernando Mendoza is projected to have 2,743 passing yards, 18 TDs, and 14 INTs in 2026.
How does Fernando Mendoza rank among quarterbacks in fantasy football?
Mendoza is ranked QB26 for redraft leagues and QB17 for dynasty startup value.
What impact will new head coach Klint Kubiak have on the Raiders' offense?
Klint Kubiak is expected to maximize the offense's potential, similar to his success with Sam Darnold.
What improvements have the Raiders made to support their rookie quarterback?
The Raiders have upgraded their offensive line, including signing top free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum.
