4 NFL Draft Bold Predictions That Greatly Impact 2026 Fantasy Football

We are eager to see where Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate land, among other players on our high fantasy football hopes list.

Alabama's Ty Simpson (15) rushes in the second half of the College Football Playoff game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday Dec. 19, 2025. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

April has arrived, and while they say that it brings spring showers, we know that it brings the NFL Draft. All of you fans await which big move your team will make. I can assure you that for over 90% of teams, the eventual first-round pick may surprise you. Today, we focus on the more fantasy football viable players of the bunch. As we await the destinations of Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate, we can float some bold predictions as to their eventual drafters.

Gaints Select Jeremiyah Love at 5th Overall

The Tennessee Titans are certainly the favorites to draft Love. However, it is not a lock. The Titans very well may go defense amid their recent offensive signings and the fact that Robert Saleh loves his linemen. Instead, the Giants go with another star running back, flashes of Saquon Barkley.

In fantasy football, of course, Love will trend highly. The new coaching staff will render Cam Skattebo and Tryone Tracy Jr. obsolete. Love is the high-workload player and a top-10 fantasy football running back.

Rams Select Ty Simpson at 13th Overall

We really have no clue where Simpson will be drafted. There had been speculation that he would go to the Jets at No. 2, but that will not happen, as the Jets are rumored to be okay skipping on a quarterback in 2026. The Rams, however, really need not only a backup to Matthew Stafford but a successor. Who better than Simpson? He has a bright mind and a very similar arm action to Matthew Stafford's. McVay will make Simpson a weapon.

In fantasy football, Simpson has no value. However, in dynasty fantasy football, he has tremendous value. As a Ram, Simpson could trend very highly if and when he eventually took over for Stafford. We know what Sean McVay is capable of, and it makes us very giddy.

Chiefs Draft Carnell Tate at 9th Overall

The Chiefs have some rebuilding to do. After missing the playoffs a year ago, Mahomes must get back to the playoffs. We know that when Kansas City plays in January, they are Lombardi Trophy threats. To get back there, Mahomes needs more trustworthy weapons, and Tate shall be one. Besides Rashee Rice, Tate very well can become a top-15 fantasy football wide receiver, although he would likely lack that ranking off the bat.

Jets Draft Makai Lemon at 16th Overall

While many Jets fans hope to see Simpson at 16, it is not too likely. With Simpson off the board, the Jets will pivot to wide receiver. Outside of Garrett Wilson, they lack much. AD Mitchell is solid, but Frank Reich may want someone new and someone with tremendous upside. While Wilson vouches for Tate, he won't get his Ohio Stater, but he will get a USC weapon in Lemon.

Lemon will be volatile in fantasy football. We do not know if Geno Smith will be any good on the Jets. We do not know if Reich can cook up a good or abysmal offense. Lemon can become a top-20 fantasy football wide receiver, or he can easily stumble outside of the top-50. That will become clearer as September nears.