Kenyon Sadiq is the Crown Jewel of the 2026 Rookie TE Class

So far this week we’ve put the rookie RBs and the rookie WRs under the microscope, so we might as well keep things rolling with this 2026 class.

Last year we were very much spoiled with three high-end TE prospects—Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren and Harold Fannin—all of whom finished as top-8 tight ends in their rookie campaign. That’s honestly wild and likely won’t happen again for a long, long time. Including this year …

Similar to the dynamic of Jeremiyah Love and a weak RB class, there is one true gem in this TE class and that’s Kenyon Sadiq.

He’s the only TE projected to go in Round 1 and Freedman slotted him to the Panthers at pick No. 19 in his most recent mock draft.

Sadiq’s production score (74) is lower than the other truly elite TE prospects of the past 10 years, but he still grades out as the fifth-best TE prospect since 2017 behind only T.J. Hockenson, Loveland, Brock Bowers and Kyle Pitts. That’s pretty good company.

As Dwain puts it, the concern for Sadiq is that he’s a “traits-based prospect” who was never the alpha at Oregon. Anyone who has played fantasy for a long time knows that it is generally a losing proposition to chase these hyper-athletic TEs with weaker college production—remember Albert Okwuegbunam?

That said, the draft capital and opportunity should be there for Sadiq. I don’t mind Freedman’s thought with the Panthers—I think that would be OK for his fantasy value—but how about the Bucs at No. 15 instead? 1) because that would be a nice fit and 2) because I am really sick of drafting Cade Otton.

Let’s make it happen.

THERE ARE OTHER INTRIGUING TE PROSPECTS

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Editors’ Picks

Two more weeks until NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gets booed in Pittsburgh. Can you feel the anticipation? Meanwhile, our Big Board is up to 250 players, and there’s more great content …

Zero RB in Best Ball

Can you wait on RB in a best ball draft? Pete Overzet forced the strategy in a recent live draft and chronicled how it went.

Trading the 1.02 in Dynasty

You’ll likely miss out on Jeremiyah Love, but what’s the value of pick #2? Jonathan Fuller runs through all the scenarios surrounding that high pick.

Malik Willis top-10 QB?

It’s never too early for some bold predictions. Ian Hartitz looked into his crystal ball for five takes that will come true this season. Or not.

Worst Landing Spots For NFL Draft Prospects

We all have dream landing spots for the incoming rookie class. Jeremiyah Love to the Commanders would be epic. Makai Lemon to the Rams … absolute cinema. But if those dreams don’t come true, could it get bad? Yes, it very well could, as Chris Allen landed on some worst-case scenarios for several top NFL Draft prospects:

KC Concepcion to the Steelers

Analysts have the Texas A&M product billed as an all-around player. His +80% slot rate at NC State would have him pigeonholed as an interior-only receiver, but OC Holmon Wiggins moved him all around the formation. And at 7.2 YAC per reception (at 12.3 air yards per attempt!), defenses paid the price. But here’s why I’d want to see Concepcion in any color scheme other than black and yellow.

DK Metcalf: 6-foot-4, 230 pounds
Michael Pittman Jr.: 6-foot-4, 223 pounds

Let’s say the Steelers get back to using 11-personnel groupings more often (31st in the NFL last year). The size disparity between Concepcion and his theoretical teammates would have him in the slot more often than not. And the chance to make plays downfield? Aaron Rodgers tied with Cam Ward in deep-ball rate last season. Admittedly, his options likely drove the decision, but adding Concepcion to the mix would only stifle his growth as a full player, not maximize it.

WE DON’T WANT OMAR COOPER LANDING HERE

Bounceback Players: Lock In On Justin Jefferson

We all remember the good times with Justin Jefferson. From 2020-24, the all-world WR never dipped below 88 receptions and 1,400 receiving yards in a full season. Then came the dark times of 2025, which we don’t like to talk about.

Now entering the QB fray in Minnesota is Kyler Murray, and we’re looking for the good times to start rolling again so that Jefferson can get back among the elite WRs. Adam Pfeifer helps us remember what prime Jefferson is capable of with at least baseline QB play:

In five games with Carson Wentz under center, Jefferson averaged 10 targets, 6.8 receptions, 95.4 receiving yards and 16.3 PPR points per game. And the fantasy production is even more impressive when you consider Jefferson didn’t score a single touchdown during those games. Jefferson should benefit from the addition of Kyler Murray, who helped DeAndre Hopkins haul in 115 passes for 1,407 yards back in 2020.

There are others we’re looking to bounce back in 2026. ⤵️

JUST GET HEALTHY, LAMAR JACKSON

Around the Watercooler

Our merry band of football nerds is back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …

🎯 Should you target Parker Washington in dynasty? He could be a sneaky play.

🔮 A projected receiving line of 95 catches for almost 1,300 yards is more like it for this elite WR. Last year was rough.

😴 What do you think of these rookie RB sleepers? A rookie might get an opportunity.

😡 This post made me very angry. Please delete, Ian. I’m triggered.

🤔 Our generation’s Tyler Allgeier? Sounds like it.

✂️ NHL players living that Fantasy Life … the hard way.

🚨 Sign up for Fantasy Life text alerts for the latest updates in our content.

Getting the Upper Hand on SF Rookie Mock Draft

We’ve been so excited about the NFL Draft, we haven’t spent much time on the rookie drafts that will follow. That’s about to change, as Ian Hartitz invited Upper Hand Fantasy’s Faraz Siddiqi to take part in a superflex rookie mock draft.

FERNANDO MENDOZA A LOCK AT 1.02?

Players Mentioned in this Article

DKMetcalf
WRPIT
PPG
10.18