FantasyPros - MUST DRAFT Running Back & Quarterback Rookies | Impact Players, Dynasty Holds + Late-Round Sleepers (Ep. 2006)

Today’s one of those eat-your-vegetables shows. We’re cutting through hype and giving you straight talk on a thin rookie running back and quarterback class, with Jake Ceeley and D-Bro here to keep it honest and useful.

Day-three backs rarely hit right away, but they’re not doomed. Over the last decade-plus, plenty became usable in years two through five, so the rookie season is the speed bump, not the dead end.

So think patience and dynasty angles. Post-hype values will slip into drafts once the next class steals the headlines.

That arc tracks. Earn snaps, then production follows. It’s intuitive and it repeats every year.

Let’s start with Jeremiah Love in Arizona. What’s the real path and how hot should expectations run?

Love’s talent is clear, but the backfield won’t hand him everything with veterans still around. I’m staying near consensus; on volume and skill he’s a probable top-fifteen back, and I won’t over-transfer the Algier-style buzzkill to a different staff and situation.

I’ve got Love at RB12, late second round. He’s an immediate RB1 by talent even on a 50s share, but the backs ahead of him have fewer questions; ADP will push him into the top seven by August anyway.

Seattle and Jerrion Price felt inevitable. How strong is the fit and early role?

Love the marriage of his speed to their stretch-zone run game—think Raheem Mostert vibes. Even with light receiving, 240-plus carries are in play, which makes him a locked RB2 while Charbonnet’s timeline looks late-season at best and Emmanuel Wilson profiles as depth.

I’m in the low-end RB2 range. Seattle ran a lot and that won’t flip; Price’s floor is last year’s Walker usage with more goal-line chances, and the ceiling is he’s the guy.

Sell me on Mike Washington in Vegas.

Rebuild plus Kubiak’s run lean equals a lane for eight to ten touches with red-zone looks, which can be a touchdown-swing flex. He’s a smart stash if Ashton Jeanty misses time.

I’m uneasy paying first-round rookie costs for Jeanty if Kubiak caps him around a mid-50s share. I’ll often pivot there.

On Daniel Mendoza, I say he wins the job in camp. How soon do you think he plays?

He’s not Joe Burrow, but he’s got pro-ready traits. I can see Cousins opening the year and Mendoza taking over around the first month if things stall—get him reps without tossing him into chaos on day one.

Deep PPR note: a day-three pass-catcher in Kansas City could slide into the old Jerick McKinnon role. If he wins that backup-pass game job, he’s on the watch list.

Let’s hit dynasty holds—long views that make sense.

Cole Payton to Philly is perfect. He needed a redshirt year; by 2027 he can be QB2 behind Jalen Hurts, and the athletic profile is worth the stash without that lazy Tebow comp.

Drew Aller in Pittsburgh is a tools lottery ticket. The highs look like a big-time prospect, the lows are rough; with coaching and time behind Will Howard and Mason Rudolph, he’s a late Superflex flier only.

Denver’s backfield is muddy. Can Jonah Coleman matter soon?

Yes. He brings a true three-down skill set and standout pass protection. Dobbins’ deal is easy to exit and health is a question; RJ Harvey underwhelmed, so Coleman could force his way in this year and be positioned for more in 2027.

Nick Singleton lands in Tennessee with a window possibly opening in 2027.

With Pollard and Spears’ futures unsettled, Singleton’s one-cut, Tevin Coleman-like style can work in that scheme. Think RB2 outcomes if he’s leading, and he’s a midseason waiver watch if injuries hit sooner.

Deeper stashes and sleepers?

K-Tron Allen fits what Washington likes in an early-down grinder and that room is wide open. Just remember a rushing QB trims RB touchdowns and targets.

Kaelon Black in San Francisco is a patient stash, not a 10th-round panic pick. Shanahan boosts backs, but we’ve whiffed on CMC’s backups before—temper it and wait.

One more lotto: a pass-catching back in Minnesota profiles like a Nyheim Hines 1B. If the backfield turns over next year, a 55 percent receiving-lean role could be steady RB2 in PPR.

That’s the lay of the land—thin 2026 impact, more 2027 upside, and a few smart stashes if the dominoes fall. We kept it measured, not too hot, not too cold; we’ll be back with more. For Jake Ceeley and D-Bro, I’m Joey P—see you next time, kids.