The 2026 NFL Draft might not have been loaded with household names, but it’s set to deliver a fresh wave of Sunday starters—and that means fantasy football enthusiasts are already sharpening their spreadsheets. For every rookie who lights up the scoreboard, there’s another who struggles to find his footing, and often the difference comes down to the team that drafted him.

Take Ashton Jeanty, for example. The most talented running back in the 2025 class landed with a Las Vegas Raiders squad that offered little support, leading to a meager 3.7 yards per carry and a finish outside the top five in rookie rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, tight ends like Harold Fannin and Tyler Warren thrived in offenses that featured them as primary playmakers, elevating even shaky quarterback play.

Now, we’re turning our attention to the 2026 version of Jeanty: players with undeniable talent who could be held back by their new surroundings. To break it down, we’ve brought in fantasy analyst Mike Boyajian for a mini-draft of the most frustrating fantasy fits. And we’re starting with a back who might find himself stuck in a frustratingly crowded committee.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals

I don’t blame Arizona for taking the best player available. But from a fantasy perspective, this landing spot was a gut punch. It’s not just James Conner’s presence—it’s the signing of Tyler Allgeier. Remember how Allgeier sapped Bijan Robinson’s value as a rookie in Atlanta? We could be looking at a very similar situation here. When the Cardinals get near the goal line, expect them to lean on their power-back platoon rather than their explosive rookie. Love has the talent to be special, but his path to consistent touches is already crowded.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

I’m excited about the Jeanty-Washington duo in Vegas—just not from a fantasy standpoint. Washington landed in a promising spot, but the Raiders’ run game was a disaster last season. Their -0.304 expected points added (EPA) was nearly twice as bad as the 31st-ranked team. That kind of offensive dysfunction is a red flag for any rookie, even one as gifted as Jeanty. He’ll need to overcome both a shaky offensive line and a team that struggles to sustain drives.

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, [Team TBD]

Stribling has the size and speed to be a difference-maker, but his fantasy value will hinge entirely on landing spot. If he ends up in an offense with a clear alpha receiver or a quarterback who spreads the ball around, his rookie year could be more frustrating than fulfilling. Keep an eye on his training camp usage—if he’s not earning targets early, he might be a wait-and-see pick in redraft leagues.

The bottom line: talent gets you drafted, but situation determines your fantasy ceiling. As you stock up on rookie gear for the upcoming season, remember that even the most promising players need the right fit to shine. Whether you’re grabbing a Love jersey or a Jeanty hoodie, know that their first year might be more about patience than production.