Fantasy football managers are currently staring at a very weird crossroads. We just came off the 2025 season where Ashton Jeanty and the high-end QB class dominated the conversation, but the vibe for this upcoming cycle is shifting. If you’re sitting on a top-three pick in a superflex rookie mock draft, you’ve probably noticed that the "obvious" 1.01 isn't as clear-cut as it used to be. Usually, the QB1 is a locked-in consensus. This year? It's a debate between a Heisman winner with a lower ceiling and a group of wide receivers who might actually be safer bets for your dynasty roster long-term.
The 1.01 Dilemma: Love vs. Mendoza
In most 2026 superflex rookie mock draft scenarios, the conversation starts with Jeremiyah Love. Honestly, it's rare to see a running back challenge for the top spot in Superflex, but Love is that kind of prospect. At Notre Dame, he put up a breakaway run percentage of over 50%. That's absurd. He’s basically the only "blue chip" prospect in this class who doesn't have massive question marks about his transition to the pro game.
Then there is Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana signal-caller just won the Heisman, and in a Superflex format, he should be the 1.01. He threw 41 touchdowns to only five interceptions last season. He’s the "safe" pick. But if you talk to scouts or deep-dive into the analytics, there’s a nagging fear that he’s more of a high-end game manager than a fantasy superstar. He doesn't have the rushing floor of a Jayden Daniels or the pure arm talent of the elite guys we saw in 2024. If he lands with a team like the Saints, he’s a starter, but is he a top-10 fantasy QB? Maybe not.
- Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): The consensus RB1. Elite contact balance.
- Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana): The safe QB play. High floor, questionable ceiling.
- Arch Manning (QB, Texas): The wild card. Some analysts (like those at SI) think he might return to school and be a 2027 prospect, but if he declares, he’s the 1.01 based on name value and raw tools alone.
Breaking Down the Tier 1 Wide Receivers
If you’re drafting at the 1.04 or 1.05, you're basically smiling. This wide receiver class is deep, even if it lacks a "Marvin Harrison Jr." level generational talent. Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State is the name everyone is circling. He’s got the size and the route running to be a WR1 for an NFL franchise immediately. The only red flag is the injury history—hamstring issues slowed him down last year, but when he's on the field, he's a target hog.
Then you have the USC product, Makai Lemon. I’ve seen people compare him to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and honestly, it’s not a reach. He’s a technical wizard. He averaged 3.02 yards per route run, which is usually the threshold for "this guy is going to be a star." In a PPR league, he might actually be more valuable than Tyson because he’s going to live in the slot and rack up 8-10 catches a game.
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The Ohio State Connection
You can't have a draft without an Ohio State receiver. Carnell Tate is next in line. He played second fiddle to Jeremiah Smith (who is a 2027 God-tier prospect), but Tate’s tape is clean. He’s a prototypical "X" receiver. He wins deep, he wins in the intermediate, and he has a massive catch radius. In a superflex rookie mock draft, Tate usually goes around the 1.05 or 1.06, which feels like a steal given the history of Buckeye receivers in the NFL.
The Quarterback Scarcity Problem
Here is the thing about 2026. It’s a bad year to need a quarterback. Beyond Mendoza, you’re looking at Dante Moore and Ty Simpson. Moore has the highest ceiling in the class—the talent is undeniable—but his consistency has been all over the place at Oregon. Simpson had a brilliant six-game stretch for Alabama, but is he a franchise guy? It’s risky.
In most of my mocks, I see managers reaching for these QBs because they're desperate for a second starter in Superflex. Don't do it. If you’re at 1.07 and the choice is Ty Simpson or a stud like KC Concepcion, take the playmaker. Concepcion is a YAC monster who forced 39 missed tackles in his career. He’s the kind of player who makes a mediocre QB look good.
Tight End Value: Kenyon Sadiq
We have to talk about Kenyon Sadiq. He’s the TE1 for almost everyone, but he's a polarizing prospect. He’s an athletic freak who will probably crush the Combine and post a high RAS (Relative Athletic Score). However, his production at Oregon was... fine. He’s not Brock Bowers. He’s more of a project. If you’re in a "Tight End Premium" league, he’s a late first-round pick. In standard Superflex, I’d wait until the second round.
Second Round Sleepers to Watch
The second round of a superflex rookie mock draft is where you actually win your league. While everyone is fighting over the mid-tier QBs, look at the running backs. Emmett Johnson from Nebraska is a name that isn't getting enough love. He had over 1,800 yards from scrimmage last year. He catches passes (40+ receptions) and he runs with a violence that NFL coaches adore.
Also, keep an eye on Jadarian Price. He’s Jeremiyah Love’s teammate at Notre Dame. He’s a bit of a "luxury" pick because he hasn't had the full workload, but his efficiency numbers are through the roof. If he lands in a spot like Minnesota where Aaron Jones is aging out, he could be a league-winner.
Final Strategy for Your Draft
Don't get blinded by the "Superflex" label and reach for a bad quarterback just because they have a Round 1 NFL draft grade. This year, the value is in the "Big Three" wide receivers (Tyson, Lemon, Tate) and the elite RB1 (Love).
If you don't have a top-three pick, your best move might be trading back. The difference between the 1.06 and the 1.10 in this class is much smaller than in previous years. You can pick up an extra 2027 second-rounder just by sliding down four spots and still land a guy like Denzel Boston or Jonah Coleman.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Declaration Status: Keep a close eye on the deadline for underclassmen. If Arch Manning or Dante Moore stays in school, the QB value in this draft craters.
- Monitor Landing Spots: Use a mock draft simulator that incorporates real NFL landing spots. A player like Jadarian Price becomes a first-rounder if he lands with a high-volume offense like the Vikings.
- Tier Your Board: Group the top 5 receivers together. If you're at the end of a tier, that's your cue to trade out and accumulate future assets.