Sneaky mid-round rookie draft picks to supercharge your team
Rookie draft strategy · the 2026 class · August 22, 2026
Every year there is a cohort of players that just get picked in dynasty rookie drafts much lower than they should be. While the 2026 class is not the deepest in the world (let’s face it, it kind of sucks drafting this year, no?), there are gems to be had. Here are 5 players whose ADP’s (based on data compiled at FantasyPros) are low compared to DMX scores and are considered real values based on DynastyFootballFan.com’s Draft Board:
1. Ted Hurst · WR · Tampa Bay
The WR from Tampa Bay is having a strong camp. He was drafted in the 3rd round and on our site, is the 10th best DMX score in this year’s class. In ADP he’s being picked at 22 on average. That’s a low 2nd round or early 3rd round pick for a player who, in my book, should be considered a first round dynasty rookie pick. This one is a no brainer, with Mike Evans gone, there is plenty of target share to go around. While Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin will be the focal points, Hurst has a very real chance at a solid rookie season that can make Godwin expendable next year. Let’s put this another way…Egbuka’s DMX score last year was 1.28 and Hurst’s is 1.21. Are people thinking of Hurst as that closely aligned to Egbuka coming out? No, no they are not. Take advantage of the mismatch in perceptions.
2. Kenyon Sadiq · TE · New York Jets
The TE from New York Jets has been hurt. Take advantage of that. Sadiq is the top scoring player on our board this year. He’s the 4th highest TE DMX score since the inception of the data, scoring behind only Vernon Davis, Kyle Pitts and Noah Fant (really Noah, that’s the best NFL career you could have?) and in front of Kellen Winslow, TJ Hockenson, Sam Laporta and Colston Loveland, just to name a few. He’s going 10th in ADP, he’s an absolute no brainer at that point. He will be a star, you’ll just have to give him time.
3. Ty Simpson · QB · LA Rams
The QB will be firmly on the bench with the LA Rams this year, but they did use a ton of draft capital on him considering they have Stafford. He’s the 11th player on our draft board but his ADP is 33. Yes, you’ll have to wait for him, but at a late 3rd, early 4th pick, why not? It’s the kind of draft pick that makes you look like a genius in three years. As long as you have the patience for it.
4. Zavion Thomas · WR · Chicago
Picked by the Bears that already have a lot of talent on O, Thomas is an afterthought in rookie drafts. His ADP is 41, and he’s the 21st WR off the board on average in drafts. On my board, he’s the 16th best player and 9th best WR. Word out of Chicago is that he’s having a great camp. And while he’ll never be an alpha WR, he’s lighting fast and will be great in the slot and gadget plays. At late 4th or 5th round if you have it, he’s a bargain.
5. Eli Stowers · TE · Philadelphia
Another TE to finish this list off. Stowers is literally the 4th best DMX score in this class. That doesn’t mean you pick him up with the 4th pick, it means when you see his ADP at 22, you let him come to you in the second and feel great about it. He’s going low because he’s behind Dallas Goedert. But Dallas is 31, signed a 1 year contract and will be an FA next year. Eli will take over then, most likely, and be a very strong candidate for a second year leap. I would take him and stash him at these levels, even if you have a great TE on your team already.