10 Dynasty Rookie Draft Targets | QB & TE Studs, Values, and Lottery Tickets (Ep. 2010)

May 6, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

This episode of the FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast wraps a three-part dynasty rookie series by examining the 2026 quarterback and tight end classes. Hosts Joey P. Zapia, Pat Fitzmorris, and Jake Seely assess top targets, weighing athletic traits, college tape, landing spots, and paths to fantasy relevance in superflex and dynasty formats, while noting the lack of clear elites at either position.

Quarterback Standouts and Ceilings

Fernando Mendoza tops discussions as the QB1 rookie target, with potential for top-10 fantasy production despite not being an alpha Day 1 starter. The Raiders' approach—holding him behind Aidan O'Connell or others unless he forces his way in—allows development time, as seen with successful sitters like Jordan Love. His efficiency, low turnovers, and rushing (more than Jared Goff) draw Dak Prescott and peak Baker Mayfield comps for upper-end QB1 upside, especially if the defense falters and weapons improve, like adding Jeremiah Smith in 2027. Lacking a true WR1 (Brock Bowers and Brock Wright are solid but not elite) caps his immediate floor, making him a QB2 with QB1 spikes rather than Josh Allen territory.

Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.

Read Full Summary →

Free • No credit card required

Listen to Audio Summary Open in App

What you'll learn

1 (01:07) **Episode Intro** - Hosts Joey P, Pat Fitzmorris, and Jake Seely preview QB and TE rookies for dynasty drafts
2 (02:24) **Fernando Mendoza Evaluation** - Debate Mendoza's elite QB potential despite college tape concerns
3 (05:22) **Mendoza Upside Path** - Compare to Dak Prescott/Baker Mayfield for QB1 ceiling via rushing and efficiency
4 (07:28) **Dynasty Draft Strategy** - At 1.02 in superflex with QBs/WRs set, take Mendoza or trade?
5 (09:11) **Ty Simpson Breakdown** - First-round capital to Rams raises value, but risky long-term
6 (12:44) **First-Round QB History** - Caution on draft capital; more misses than hits over 20 years
7 (16:01) **Top TE Debate: Sadiq vs. Stowers** - Sadiq higher ceiling, Stowers better floor/production

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Join Joe Pisapia, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Jake Ciely as they break down ten rookie quarterbacks and tight ends that they are targeting in their upcoming 2026 fantasy football drafts!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Fernando Mendoza - 0:01:40

Ty Simpson - 0:08:04

Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers - 0:14:55

FantasyPros My Playbook - 0:20:15

Cole Payton - 0:20:53

Drew Allar - 0:26:06

Hard Rock Bet - 0:27:38

Eli Raridon - 0:28:37

Oscar Delp - 0:29:33

Justin Joly - 0:33:10

Outro - 0:34:35

Helpful Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hard Rock Bet - Sign up for Hard Rock Bet and make a $5 bet and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if you win. Head over to Hard Rock Bet, sign up and make your first deposit today. Payable in bonus bet(s). Not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-888-ADMIT-IT. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, NJ, OH, TN, VA)

Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator - Our Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator lets you complete a mock in minutes with no waiting between picks! Customize your league settings to match your league’s exact format. Premium subscribers can test trade scenarios by mocking with their traded draft picks. Prepare for rookie drafts AND dynasty startup drafts in one place! Use the Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator to dominate your rookie draft today at fantasypros.com/simulator!

Trade Analyzer - Evaluate trades with confidence using FantasyPros' Trade Analyzer. Instantly see the impact of trades on your team and get expert recommendations. Whether you're making a 2-for-1 deal or swapping a couple draft picks for that stud who will help you win now, the Trade Analyzer will help you optimize your roster and make smarter decisions. Try the Trade Analyzer today at fantasypros.com/myplaybook or on the Fantasy Football My Playbook app and dominate your league!

Join us on Discord - Join our FantasyPros Discord Community! Chat with other fans and get access to exclusive AMAs that wind up on our podcast feed. Come get your questions answer