Fantasy Football Roundtable: Rookie sleepers we're keeping an eye on in 2026

Bell wasn’t the first receiver the Dolphins drafted; that would be Caleb Douglas earlier in the same round. However, I like his fit as a run-after-catch option in a play-action-heavy offense with Malik Willis under center. Bell is someone to keep on waiver-wire speed dial for redraft if he’s destined to start the season slow after coming back from his ACL. In dynasty drafts, he’s someone to consider high in the second round to properly weigh the risk-versus-reward proposition.  — Matt Harmon

Denver’s lead RB role ripe for the taking?

Jonah Coleman, RB, Denver Broncos. The running back talent in 2026 was narrow, with very few prospects being seen with three-down potential after Round 1. Jonah Coleman was one of those few. With 34 rushing touchdowns and 87 career receptions, the Husky RB is set up with a great landing spot in Denver, although there is lots of competition.

In the receiving game, Sean Payton uses his running backs heavily, with only San Francisco (for obvious reasons) having a higher RB target share since Payton became head coach in 2023. Coleman is also rumored to have an immediate short-yardage role, a valuable opportunity for a good offense with J.K. Dobbins returning from another injury.

The selection of RJ Harvey in Round 2 of 2025 is the biggest fork in the road, but after a bottom-tier season in efficiency, one or two strong weeks could place Coleman on par with the sophomore back. He won’t be valuable early in the season, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s sliding into fantasy managers’ FLEX positions come playoffs. — Joel Smyth

There’s work aplenty for a talented WR in Washington

Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders. While fantasy managers wait to see if Brandon Aiyuk will end up in Washington or if one of the remaining free agents like Stefon Diggs finds their way to the nation’s capital, they might be overlooking the potential of the team’s third-round pick.

Williams is a savvy slot receiver who can also play outside thanks to his strong route running, reliable hands and short-area quickness. The 21-year-old (22 in July) also comes down with more contested catches than you would expect for his size (6-foot, 187 pounds) and is adept at generating extra yards with the ball in his hands. In his last two years at Clemson, he showed versatility by adding 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

Though everyone believes Aiyuk will eventually end up in Washington, for the time being, the WR depth chart is wide open behind Terry McLaurin. This is an ideal pairing of a promising prospect and a team that desperately needs playmakers in the passing game. I’ll be targeting him heavily as a late-round sleeper for 2026 and at the Round 1-2 turn in dynasty rookie drafts. — Justin Boone