The early weeks of the NFL preseason have turned into a laboratory for fantasy enthusiasts, where a handful of first‑year players are already generating buzz.
Mike Washington Jr., a bruising back for the Las Vegas Raiders, is drawing attention for his fit in an explosive running scheme, earning steady second‑team reps behind lead back Ashton Jeanty, which positions him as a potential handcuff in the RB55‑RB60 range for redraft leagues.
Jeremiyah Love, the Arizona Cardinals’ third‑round pick, is being lauded for a rare combination of receiving upside and a secure role that translates into a high floor in PPR formats, making him a top‑tier 1.01 or 1.02 selection in dynasty rookie drafts.
De'Zhaun Stribling, a 6‑foot‑2 deep‑ball specialist for the San Francisco 49ers, is already being penciled in as a late‑round redraft target, his route‑running and tracking skills fitting perfectly into Kyle Shanahan’s system and giving him a fast‑tracked role.
Omar Cooper Jr., the New York Jets’ first‑round wideout, brings elite run‑after‑catch ability and versatility that could force a reshuffle of the WR2 spot currently held by Garrett Wilson, projecting him as a WR60‑WR65 candidate in late‑round formats if he clicks early with the quarterback.
Strategic Takeaways for Drafts
For both redraft and dynasty leagues, the blend of draft capital, scheme fit and immediate playing time makes these prospects more than just speculative fluff; they represent concrete value that can shift rankings weeks before the regular season kicks off.