11 Late-Round Rookies Who Could Make a Fantasy Impact in 2026

Apr 26, 2026

Jacob Musselman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is over, so it’s time for me to retreat to the rankings cave and develop the first iteration of 4for4’s official projections. But first, let’s discuss a few late-round (4th-7th) rookies who have a chance to make a fantasy impact this year.

For redraft purposes, I’m mainly interested in players who will (or could) start or play a significant part-time role this season.

I’ll add the player’s draft capital and opportunity grade in parentheses. Since these players were drafted after my draft coverage ended, I'll add the dynasty profile from our partners at Dynasty League Football, if appropriate. And when discussing receivers, I’ll also refer to quotes from Matt Harmon (Reception Perception) when appropriate.

WR Brenen Thompson, Chargers (4th, B-)

Brenen Thompson's 4.26 speed is the fastest in this class, and the PFF data shows it in action. He had a 98th-percentile aDOT (18.4) and a 95th-percentile yards per route run (2.77). Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and Tre' Harris are ahead of him, but Harris was underwhelming last year, and the Chargers need a vertical threat. Harmon notes that Thompson "wins against man coverage, has the footwork to zoom past press coverage and weaponizes his rare speed."

RB Jonah Coleman, Broncos (4th, C)

Jonah Coleman followed Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington and was productive for two seasons, scoring 25 touchdowns. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey are ahead of him, so immediate volume is unlikely. But the 93rd-percentile yards per route run (1.73) signals three-down ability that could accelerate his path up the depth chart.

QB Cade Klubnik, Jets (4th, B+)

Cade Klubnik posted an 87th-percentile Adjusted Completion % (77.6) at Clemson despite a so-so 2025 season. Geno Smith is the starter, but he's a bridge quarterback on a rebuilding roster. There's no long-term answer ahead of him, and if Klubnik can recapture his 2024 form (3,639 yards, 36 TDs, 6 INTs), he could draw a few starts this season.

WR Elijah Sarratt, Ravens (4th, B)

Elijah Sarratt led the country in touchdowns (15) as Fernando Mendoza's other weapon at Indiana. The PFF profile is strong: a 98th-percentile PFF Receiving Grade (87.3) and an 85th-percentile yards per route run (2.39). He'll compete for snaps behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman with Lamar Jackson throwing him the ball. Harmon sees a path: "That skill set and upside case becomes much more interesting if he follows the path painted here of a future power slot."