The 2026 NFL Draft is underway and the first round should be filled with players who will have an impact on fantasy football next season — whether in redraft or dynasty leagues. Yahoo analyst Joel Smyth is going to provide his fantasy football grades for every relevant prospect drafted in the first round on Thursday night. Follow along for live updates.

Rankings, projections and takeaways for 1st round fantasy prospects

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Round 1QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

With Klint Kubiak taking over the Raiders, Mendoza’s chances of succeeding at the next level improve greatly. Kirk Cousins, who will be Mendoza’s mentor in Las Vegas, was the fantasy QB12 with Kubiak calling plays in Minnesota. For 1QB leagues, Mendoza’s upside could be limited in a run-heavy offensive attack. For example, even though Sam Darnold played great in Kubiak’s system last season, he only averaged 14.2 fantasy PPG.

RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

James Conner was extended last season, Tyler Allgeier signed this offseason and now Jeremiyah Love was added this draft season. Allgeier will play a role he’s very successful in, similar to how he did in Atlanta, but Bijan Robinson showed that it doesn’t mean you can’t be a top-five fantasy RB while sharing the load. The last time head coach Mike LaFleur had a rookie RB was Breece Hall, who averaged over 15 half-PPR fantasy PPG prior to his injury. It may take time, but Love’s talent should make him an established RB1 on an offense figuring out its future.

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WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

The first shock of the night! The commonly mocked landing spots for Tate looked grim, but the OSU WR lands in Tennessee with very little competition. It is yet to be seen if Cam Ward is the answer, but Tate getting top-five draft capital and volume up for grabs, it was one of the best options possible. Ward’s aggressive play style can pair well with Tate’s downfield contested catch ability. Brian Daboll’s offense supplied Malik Nabers with 170 rookie targets; hopefully, Tate can get at least near the 125 mark.

WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Once Tyler Shough stepped into the starting role, WR Chris Olave averaged 15.8 half-PPR PPG the rest of the way. Tyson had a ridiculous 33.0% target share at Arizona State in 2025, including the two games limited with injury. With him sliding in on the opposite side of Olave, there should be plenty of volume to go around in this WR-centric offense. Outside of the Chiefs, this was the best option for a receiver early in the draft.

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… More to come as Round 1 keeps going!