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Late-Round Rookies That Could Be League-Winners

The names nobody is talking about yet.

W
Whiproute
Apr 30, 2026

Every year, rookies come out of nowhere and dominate leagues.

Last season they were Cam Skattebo, Harold Fannin, and Tyler Shough. None of them were first-round picks. The value is always in the later rounds if you know where to look.

De'Zhaun Stribling — 33rd Overall to San Francisco

Two straight years with 800+ receiving yards, 50+ catches, and 6+ TDs. His strengths are intermediate routes, surprising YAC, and ball-plucking ability. With Aiyuk and Jennings headed out, the 49ers WR room has a wide-open path behind Pearsall.

Jonah Coleman — 108th Overall to Denver

A workhorse 2024 season with almost 17 opportunities per game and 1,200+ scrimmage yards. Then in 2025, he scored 17 total TDs, 5th most in college football. Elite YAC, natural TD scorer, and surprisingly versatile. Could be the Broncos' RB1a.

Antonio Williams — 71st Overall to Washington

The Commanders' WR depth chart behind Terry McLaurin is barren. Williams is an instant-opportunity player with a reliable, technical, quick skillset. He's a new target for Jayden Daniels with a playstyle comp to Jayden Reed.

Mike Washington Jr. — 122nd Overall to Las Vegas

His combine results were absurd: 4.33 40-yard dash, 10-8 broad jump, 39.0 vertical. He's the fastest 40 among all RBs with a decent frame at 6'1, 223 lbs. New LV head coach Klint Kubiak loves RB-by-committee, and Washington has the athletic ceiling to earn a real role.

– Alex

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