MUST DRAFT Running Back & Quarterback Rookies | Impact Players, Dynasty Holds + Late-Round Sleepers (Ep. 2006)

April 30, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

"Over the past fifteen seasons, running backs drafted on day three who had at least 120 points... there's been twenty-two," says Jake Seely. "It's about one and a half per season." That statistic frames the entire episode: the 2026 rookie running back and quarterback classes are thin on immediate fantasy impact, but that doesn't mean they are worthless. The hosts—Joey P., Jake Seely of The Athletic, and Derek Brown (DeBro)—spend the episode walking listeners through which rookies could matter in 2026, which are dynasty holds for 2027 and beyond, and which deep sleepers are worth a late-round flyer. Their throughline is a sobering one: do not get excited for this year, but do not write these players off entirely, because many day-three backs go on to have productive multi-year careers starting in year two.

The Immediate Impact Players: Love and Price

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What you'll learn

1 (01:05) **Show Introduction & Thesis** - Joey P. introduces the episode's central argument: the 2026 rookie RB and QB classes are weak, and the show aims to steer listeners away from overhyped, bad advice.
2 (04:57) **Jeremiah Love (Arizona Cardinals)** - The group analyzes the top rookie RB, his talent, and the crowded backfield concerns with James Conner and Tyler Algier.
3 (08:42) **Jadarian Price (Seattle Seahawks)** - The panel discusses Price's ideal landing spot in Seattle's run-heavy offense, with Zach Charbonnet recovering from an ACL injury.
4 (12:36) **Mike Washington (Las Vegas Raiders)** - A deeper look at a late-round RB who could see work in a rebuilding Raiders offense.
5 (15:05) **Fernando Mendoza (Las Vegas Raiders)** - The only quarterback the panel endorses, with a debate on when he'll start and his fantasy ceiling.
6 (19:15) **Emmett Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs)** - A deep dynasty stash who could carve out a role as a pass-catching back behind Kenneth Walker.
7 (22:31) **Dynasty Holds: Cole Payton (Philadelphia Eagles)** - A long-term QB stash with high upside, sitting behind Jalen Hurts.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Jake Seely Derek Brown

Show Notes

Join Joe Pisapia, Derek Brown, and Jake Ciely as they highlight the rookie quarterbacks and running backs that need to be on your target list ahead of your 2026 re-draft and dynasty drafts!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Jeremiyah Love - 0:03:45

Jadarian Price - 0:07:40

Mike Washington Jr - 0:11:30

Fernando Mendoza - 0:14:10

Emmett Johnson - 0:18:10

Hard Rock Bet - 0:19:19

Cole Payton - 0:20:26

Jonah Coleman - 0:25:20

Nic Singleton - 0:27:20

FantasyPros Draft Simulator - 0:28:52

Kaytron Allen - 0:29:53

Kaelon Black - 0:31:20

Seth McGowan - 0:33:37

Demond Claiborne - 0:34:05

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