The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. We saw 257 selections over the course of seven rounds in three days. We also saw many additional rookies signed following the draft. But how did their draft position and path to touches impact players already on rosters? This edition of the Stock Watch is squarely focused on one riser and one faller among each of the fantasy-relevant positions for veterans after the draft.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Geno Smith, New York Jets
About: Not only were the Jets not an early mover on QBs, but they also got Geno more weapons. The team added tight end Kenyon Sadiq and receiver Omar Cooper, Jr., in the First Round of the draft. That, along with bringing back Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Adonai Mitchell at receiver and second-year man Mason Taylor at tight end, provides the Jets with an embarrassment of riches. The team did select a quarterback—Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in the fifth round, but that appears to pose little threat to Smith. The Jets also don’t have a substantial veteran on the roster, even in a reserve role. After a dicey 2025 in Las Vegas, Smith could be poised to revive his career in a big way with an awesome supporting cast.
Stock Down: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
About: Stafford is the reigning NFL MVP with a team that appears to be in win (the Super Bowl) now mode. And yet, they spent the No. 13 overall pick on Ty Simpson, the quarterback out of Alabama. Yes, the Rams are committed to Stafford as the starter in 2026. But he is still in the midst of a contract negotiation, and this selection not only doesn’t provide immediate support for a Super Bowl run, but it feels like it puts a clock on his career, or at least his time with the Rams. It’s not dire, but it felt like a weird move for a team squarely focused on winning it again with Stafford.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: It wasn’t a robust rookie year for Tuten. He saw just 83 carries for 307 yards and five touchdowns. And yet, when Travis Etienne departed for New Orleans, the team brought in only journeyman Chris Rodriguez, Jr., to compete in the backfield. Surely the draft is where the Jaguars would add competition? But after seven rounds, they added no backs in the draft, signing J’Mari Taylor as an undrafted free agent. That makes Tuten a big winner, as it appears he has a chance to seize a sizeable role increase in year two.
Stock Down: Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals
About: As a rookie, Allgeier rushed for more than 1,000 yards, leading the Atlanta Falcons. His reward was seeing his team spend the eighth overall pick on Bijan Robinson. Allgeier dutifully played the part of second fiddle and occasional star over the next three years, but most of us who rostered him waited for this off-season, when he could go somewhere to be the lead again. In free agency, he signed with the Cardinals, a team that already had James Conner and Trey Benson, but he seemed poised to, finally, be the lead back. His team rewarded that commitment by spending the third overall pick on Jeremiyah Love. It seems neither Allgeier nor those who roster him in fantasy can catch a break.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Jalen Tolbert, Miami Dolphins
About: Tolbert once looked like a player with a shot to earn a meaningful role for the Cowboys. But with the addition of George Pickens and the emergence of KaVontae Turpin, his targets declined. This off-season, he moved to the Dolphins, who released Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle. Then, in the draft, they waited until later in the Third Round to add Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas. While there is competition—including Malik Washington and free agent signee Tutu Atwell—Tolbert could be a big winner as he currently projects to have a shot to start for the Dolphins.
Stock Down: Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns
About: The Browns sent a message about their existing receiving group in the draft—it’s not good enough. They spent a First-Round pick on K.C. Concepcion, then doubled down and spent a Second-Round pick on Denzel Boston. Jerry Jeudy still profiles as a starter, and arguably the team’s receiver No. 1, but for guys like Tillman, this represents a serious indictment and a serious loss of targets. If you were rostering Tillman, hoping for a startable option, look elsewhere.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
About: It’s been quite an interesting turn of events for Andrews, the veteran who at this time last year looked to be winding down in value. Instead, he received a contract extension during the 2025 NFL Season. This off-season, the team let both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar—his potential replacements—leave in free agency. In the draft, the team added two players on Day 3, neither of which poses an immediate threat to Andrews’ position as the team’s TE1. Neither does veteran Durham Smythe, who was the lone tight end added in free agency. While Andrews isn’t getting any younger, he still looks to have a decent floor in 2026.
Stock Down: Mason Taylor, New York Jets
About: I know I listed Taylor as part of the embarrassment of riches for the Jets’ passing game. And he is a talented player who seemed poised to take a step in year two. Then the team added Sadiq at pick No. 16 in the draft. No matter how you slice it, this is a blow to Taylor’s long-term value and at minimum a cap to his upside. If you were counting on Taylor to be your guy in 2026, it’s time to move toward Plan B.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
