While many of us have the dynasty bug, nearly all of us got our fantasy football start in redraft. While you don’t get the thrill of a rookie-only draft in redraft, you can target rookies to bolster your team’s chances of winning. I’m going to provide some insight into rookies that you can target in your redraft leagues.
PlayerProfiler is home to award-winning dynasty rankings and tools. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty Rankings, Rookie Rankings, Trade Analyzer, Draft Planner, Mock Drafts, and more. Check it out.
The Youth Movement
Jeremiyah Love doing his rookie duties bringing pizza on the team plane to the joint practice.
(Ankle lookin good👀🙏) pic.twitter.com/lcEXn973qZ
— K1SinceDay1 (@KSzn2021) August 26, 2026
Jeremiyah Love | RB, Arizona Cardinals
This one is stating the obvious, but if the team situation or injury scares you away, let me be the first to tell you not to be afraid. Jeremiyah Love will be splitting time with Tyler Allegier, but there aren’t many running backs who get the entire offense to themselves. Love has a unique ability to take over a game with his speed and agility.
On top of that, he is an accomplished pass-catcher at the position, and there are more ways for him to create fantasy points than just rushing plays. The Cardinals’ offense was a fantasy point factory last season, but all the fantasy point production came through the air. Love will make sure that more fantasy points come from the ground this season.
KC Concepcion | WR, Cleveland Browns
Investing in the Cleveland Browns’ passing game: what could go wrong?! KC Concepcion has an ADP settled in the 10th round on Underdog, and while the buzz and reports have been positive, his environment doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. The Browns have a crowded group of young pass catchers, with fellow rookie Denzel Boston and second-year tight end Harold Fannin Jr. also fighting for targets.
What makes Concepcion so intriguing is his versatility. His agility and speed allow you to move him all over the formation, and he even had over 400 yards rushing in college. He’s a do-it-all threat who can create yards after the catch, work as a short-area target for the quarterback, and even contribute on the ground.
KC is my guy. I loved what I saw in his first little bit of NFL action. Give me KC here.
Who are you swiping on here ? pic.twitter.com/uiMNQfVRme
— The FF Dynasty (@TheFFdynasty) August 17, 2026
The Browns should find themselves in plenty of passing situations this season, and Concepcion is the type of player who can turn those opportunities into fantasy production. The quarterback situation and overall offense are legitimate concerns, but at his current price, I’m willing to bet on the talent. I’m incredibly bullish on him this rookie season.
Makai Lemon | WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Makai Lemon is coming from USC, where he put together two solid seasons in California before being drafted by Philadelphia. He’s a quality wide receiver who is primarily built for slot snaps, but he can go outside when called upon. With the departure of A.J. Brown, there is a massive need for targets and snaps available at receiver.
A hamstring injury has kept any hype on Lemon from growing this offseason. The only reason I haven’t gotten more shares of the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner (as the nation’s top wide receiver) is the receivers available in Rounds 5-7.
I would be hesitant to throw him into the starting lineup in Week 1, but once he gets some reps and experience with Hurts and the offense, he can give your team a massive advantage. Also, this Eagles offense should be much improved with Sean Mannion as the new offensive coordinator. I’m excited to see Lemon develop as the season progresses.
LAST CHANCE, DRAFTERS!
Still got a few redraft, best ball, or guillotine loose ends to tie up? You’re gonna need this:
De’Zhaun Stribling | WR, San Francisco 49ers
No player in the NFL has had a hotter start than De’Zhaun Stribling, and drafted inside the top 40 picks in the NFL draft by a team that has historically always been at the top of team offensive ranks.
Then came positive beat reports, followed by injuries to fellow wideouts Ricky Pearsall and Mike Evans. Then, the preseason performances: 11 receptions for 109 yards in two games. He wasn’t being spammed with targets in the fourth quarter of these games; no, this production came in the first half.
De’Zhaun Stribling‘s preseason start is truly unbelievable.
He’s the first player in at least 20 years to total 11 catches within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason games.
The next closest:
• Dez Bryant, 2013 Cowboys: 10
• Demaryius Thomas, 2014 Broncos: 10
•… pic.twitter.com/GKrOZVbwHr— Ryan Paganetti (@RyanPaganetti) August 21, 2026
Stribling does carry some risk with his profile. He’s not an elite separator, but what sets him apart from other receivers is his blocking ability. There are many ways this season can end for Stribling, but right now he’s the hottest rookie riser of the preseason.
Ted Hurst | WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ted Hurst has some sneaky upside that many fantasy players haven’t caught on to yet. Tampa Bay selected the Georgian in the Round 3 of the draft, and the team instantly stated that he would be operating as the team’s X receiver.
The Bucs have been a pass-friendly environment with Baker Mayfield at the helm, and now there’s no Mike Evans on the outside. Hurst won’t be a primary target while sharing the field with emerging superstar Emeka Egbuka and established vet Chris Godwin. Still, he will have some weeks of productivity that can boost your lineup if you need a wide receiver.
He’s worth a dart throw at the end of your draft, so place him on your bench and see how things go. If your league has keeper rules, he becomes even more interesting.
Mike Washington Jr. | RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Now that the Ashton Jeanty “Ankle Watch” is winding down, I must address Mike Washington Jr. Washington was drafted in the fourth round by the Raiders and was immediately slotted in as the backup to Jeanty. Once Jeanty had his injury scare, everyone was looking for his backup—and all eyes were on the Arkansas alum.
Turns out Mike Washington Jr. could have a TON of standalone value. https://t.co/uAnUU8c2Bq
— Dynasty FF Wolf (@DynastyFFWolf) August 23, 2026
Washington boasts a 126.9 (100th percentile) speed score paired (4.33 40yd) with a 130.3 Burst Score (92nd percentile) and has an impressive speed-size combination. At this time, it sounds like Jeanty avoided major injury, but Washington is a fine stash to take at the end of your draft if you want to add a handcuff to the end of your bench.
Recently, the team has talked up a more solid role for Washington, so they clearly like what they have seen in his limited action while Jeanty rests.
Jonah Coleman | RB, Denver Broncos
Jonah Coleman slides towards the end of this list, and I’m unsure how to feel about his situation. He’s behind JK Dobbins, and the team likely views him as equal to second-year back RJ Harvey, if not better. I would say he has the potential to overtake the backfield if Dobbins goes down; it will more likely be a committee with Coleman and Harvey.
The positive on Coleman is that he is a physical, downhill runner, and he’s built to dish out that kind of punishment. His physicality complements the speed that Harvey brings to the backfield, almost like a poor man’s Mark Ingram (who Sean Payton coached in New Orleans).
He’s a decent flyer to take towards the end of your draft, but I’m skeptical if he will ever have the whole backfield to himself. Remember, though: in fantasy football, don’t make it too complicated; draft good players. Coleman is a good player.
