Fantasy Football Rookie Fallers Who Could Cost You on Draft Day Featuring Makai Lemon

There are indications that these rookies won't live up to any high expectations, at least for 2026.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) looks on during training camp as fantasy managers wonder what he can contribute in fantasy football for the 2026 season. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Training camp moves fast, and fantasy draft boards move faster. Between sudden injury setbacks, surprise depth-chart climbs, and pre-draft hype meeting regular-season reality, tracking the 2026 rookie class is the difference between drafting a league-winner and burning a bench spot. Here is the lowdown on the biggest rookie fallers and why you should avoid them on draft day.

Kenyon Sadiq: TE, New York Jets

The Setup: A big-name rookie boasting exciting, elite athletic upside (6'3", 241 lbs, 4.39 40-yard dash).

Fantasy Reality: The primary concern is immediate target volume and how much the Jets' offense will actually feature him. With quarterback Geno Smith leading a passing attack not projected to generate elite overall volume, Sadiq must compete for targets behind established options like Garrett Wilson, Mason Taylor, and fellow rookie Omar Cooper Jr.

Kenyon Sadiq Still Not Practicinghttps://t.co/pG497jLMRQ

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) August 11, 2026

Outlook: Missing a chunk of training camp amplifies the typical early-season learning curve for rookie tight ends adjusting to NFL speed and scheme demands. Sadiq remains a high-upside target in Dynasty formats, but Redraft expectations should stay tempered. He is currently a late-round bench stash in redraft leagues. If he returns fully healthy for Week 1 and builds chemistry as the year progresses, his elite athleticism could yield significant second-half return-on-investment.

Fernando Mendoza: QB, Las Vegas Raiders

The Setup: Highly regarded for his elite processing and accuracy, Mendoza enters the NFL as a traditional, pocket-passing field general who lacks true dual-threat rushing upside.

Raiders HC Klint Kubiak says that Fernando Mendoza will get “plenty” of reps in their first preseason game Thursday👀

Its time to see what the number one pick has learned this offseason#Raiders #Mendoza pic.twitter.com/IoXshGrX9F

— Hailmarypass (@Hailmarypass_) August 11, 2026

Fantasy Reality: Head coach Klint Kubiak opened training camp with veteran Kirk Cousins running the first-team offense, making Mendoza a developmental option out of the gate. Outside of elite tight end Brock Bowers, the Raiders' passing attack lacks proven depth and firepower at wide receiver, capping Mendoza's immediate passing yardage and touchdown ceiling.

Outlook: Mendoza is a top-tier target in Dynasty rookie drafts (valuable long-term as a QB1/QB2). In single-year Redraft leagues, he's purely a late-round flyer on Superflex QB3 who will need to earn the starting job from Cousins to become fantasy-relevant this season.

Makai Lemon: WR, Philadelphia Eagles

The Setup: A highly regarded rookie receiver whose fantasy appeal relies heavily on how quickly his role inside the Eagles' offense develops. Capable of lining up both in the slot and on the outside, Lemon is a versatile weapon.

Fantasy Reality: Philadelphia's deep offensive ecosystem creates a crowded target distribution. Lemon missed valuable spring OTAs with a hamstring injury, and the missed practice reps has slowed his ability to build rapport with quarterback Jalen Hurts in offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's system. With the offense running primarily through Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith, target availability is tight as the Eagles added veteran depth by acquiring Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Dontayvion Wicks, creating immediate competition for snaps once Lemon returns to full health.

Outlook: Lemon is an intriguing late-round stash in Dynasty formats due to his raw skill set, but his pathway to immediate Redraft relevance is blocked by injury setbacks and veteran depth.

Jonah Coleman: RB, Denver Broncos

The Setup: Steps into a crowded running back room and opens training camp battling for rotational reps, short-yardage work, and backup duties behind J.K. Dobbins.

Fantasy Reality: Given Dobbins' extensive injury history, opportunity could open up quickly for Coleman. He boasts elite contact balance, power, and exceptional ball security alongside strong pass-blocking prowess, making him an ideal candidate for situational packages, goal-line, and red-zone work. He lacks top-end breakaway speed to consistently outrun NFL defensive backs in space, capping his big-play upside and making his fantasy ceiling largely volume-and-touchdown- dependent.

Outlook: Coleman is currently going off the board as a late-round flyer (RB50-RB55 range) in Redraft leagues. In Dynasty formats, he is an appealing Round 3 rookie pick who could secure high-value-short-yardage role or step in as a primary backup early in his career.