The 2026 NFL Draft class had a few elite-level, WR1-potential options that went off the board in the first round, such as Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, and Makai Lemon. However, there’s a huge drop-off in terms of quality when assessing the pass catchers selected on Day 1 and the ones from Day 2.
Fantasy Impact of Pass Catchers Selected on Day 2
The San Francisco 49ers opened Day 2 of the NFL Draft by selecting De’Zhaun Stribling, a puzzling pick on paper but a player who could get decent playing time by virtue of playing in one of the best offenses in the NFC, one that also happens to have a few holes in its WR room.
In 2025, there were 24 isntances in which a 49er pass catcher (WR/TE) cleared a dozen PPR points. We don’t exactly know the role he is going to fill, but with Jauan Jennings moving on and George Kittle injured, there’s at least a path to some spike weeks in the short-term.
But he wasn’t the only pass catcher who was picked on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Not even sure what to make of De’Zhaun Stribling. He was projected to be a late Day 3 pick on the PSFN Big Board. Five year college player with middling production. Good size and speed. Unlikely to be fantasy relevant despite the unexpectedly strong draft capital. pic.twitter.com/d98Cj5ZBmA
— Fantasy Sports HQ (@FSHQ365) April 24, 2026
There are also two wideouts who landed on AFC North teams that might not have a ton of potential due to the uncertainty of their QB play: Denzel Boston (Cleveland Browns, 39th overall) and Germie Bernard (Pittsburgh Steelers, 47th overall). Both are considered lottery tickets for those looking to bet on Round 2 draft capital, but not much else.
The same goes for players like Malachi Fields (New York Giants), Caleb Douglas (Miami Dolphins), and Antonio Williams (Washington Commanders), who were all third-round picks. Even if you decide to draft them, don’t expect instant contributions from any of these players. They’re not of much use for teams looking to add pieces that will impact their starting rosters in short order.
Are Any Day 2 Tight Ends Worth Targeting in Dynasty Leagues?
The situation doesn’t get any better when analyzing the TEs selected on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The one with the most fantasy impact could be Eli Stowers, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 54th overall pick, but that’s mostly due to the fact that Dallas Goedert isn’t getting any younger. He isn’t expected to operate as the Eagles’ TE1 in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
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The same could be said about other rookie TEs taken in Rounds 2 and 3, such as Max Klare (Los Angeles Rams, 61st overall) and Oscar Delp (New Orleans Saints, 73rd overall pick). Selecting young TEs on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft has been a trend of late, but that shouldn’t reflect in fantasy drafts.
The position was a no fly zone for fantasy managers in terms of prospects forever, but we’ve seen rookies steal the show of late.
Don’t fall victim to that recent trend: this isn’t a class loaded with options at the position and those who did have their name called in the first two days didn’t land in great spots.
