New head coach Klint Kubiak has gotten the most out of the offenses at his last couple stops, including turning Sam Darnold into a Super Bowl winning QB. The Raiders have also made an effort to upgrade the offensive line this offseason, including the signing of top free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum - an important addition for a rookie passer. With the presence of two young superstars in Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty (who are both 23 years old), as well as the likely selection of at least one rookie receiver on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft, Mendoza has enough weaponry to succeed whenever he steps under center.

Though veteran Kirk Cousins will do his best to hold him off, Mendoza will be starting sooner rather than later. The Heisman Trophy winner has the ability to return fantasy QB2 value in his starts as a rookie, with a chance to reach low-end QB1 production in future years. Prospect profile: Mendoza has proven himself to be a good leader with excellent on-field awareness who displays the toughness needed to overcome adversity during games.

He has a strong arm to make any throw, but it’s his touch passing that stands out.Though the 22-year-old has enough speed to scramble his way out of trouble and pick up yards on the ground, he’s not fast enough to be a meaningful runner in the pros.He profiles as a long-term NFL starter, who will need the right environment around him to become a star. Fantasy stock up: Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Raiders WRsFantasy stock down: Kirk Cousins[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season]Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cardinals (3rd overall)Fantasy potential: ★★★★★ 2026 projection (15 starts):247 carries, 1,072 rushing yards, 6 TDs 45 receptions, 339 receiving yards, 2 TDsRedraft ranking:RB11 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):RB4, Late 2nd-early 3rd round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.01The Titans, Giants and Commanders were all hoping Love would fall to them in the top-10, but the Cardinals put a quick stop to that by selecting the clear top running back in this class at third overall.

It’’s a surprising move given the massive contract that draft slot requires, which now locks Love into a clear lead-back role in an Arizona backfield that was decimated by injuries last year. Love might be a tier or two below the truly elite RB prospects from past years like Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley, but he is the total package and player who’s going to be an impact NFL starter right away. There’s an excellent chance that he'll post fantasy RB1 numbers as a rookie.

The biggest loser in this situation is Tyler Allgeier, who signed with the team in free agency. Allgeier was escaping the shadow of Bijan Robinson in Atlanta and now finds himself stuck behind another top prospect in Love, keeping him in the backup RB mix for the foreseeable future. Prospect profile: Love has the size, skill and athleticism to be a three-down workhorse at the next level.

The 20-year-old displays good vision and patience, letting blocks develop in front of him, while also having the breakaway straight line speed necessary to create big plays. He’s also a comfortable pass-catcher (56 receptions over the last two seasons) who’s dangerous out in space. Operating behind an elite Notre Dame offensive line certainly helped his production, but Love is a set-it-and-forget-it fantasy RB1 with a path to being a high-end producer. Fantasy stock up: None Fantasy stock down: Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, Trey Benson