FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Player Comparisons for 2026’s Top Offensive NFL Draft Prospects (Ep. 1970)
Date: February 24, 2026
Hosts: Joey P. Zappia, Scott Bogman, Pat Fitzmorris

Overview

This episode is a deep dive into NFL player comps for the top offensive prospects entering the 2026 NFL Draft, aimed at helping fantasy football players and dynasty managers better gauge long-term value. Joey P., Scott Bogman, and Pat Fitzmorris break down quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends—analyzing playing styles, statistical outputs, and upside, while providing memorable moments, friendly debate, and actionable insights for fantasy team building.

Quarterbacks

Fernando Mendoza (presumptive No. 1 pick)

• Pat’s Comp: Matt Ryan
  • “Tall pocket passers with good arms, notable touch and accuracy, and excellent processing ability.”
  • “I don't know if his rushing ability is ever going to move the needle in fantasy, but he might add a little value.” (02:41)
• Joey’s Follow-Up: Could Mendoza achieve multiple 4,000+ yard seasons?
  • Pat: “It's a top end comp for sure. Raiders fans...would be delighted if he lived up to Matt Ryan.” (03:58)
• Bogman’s Lower-End Comp: Better Daniel Jones
  • “Cerebral, film-room guy. Both big dudes that can move but don't necessarily want to run...I think Mendoza is a better passer. Daniel Jones probably a bit better runner.” (04:16)
  • “If you get better Daniel Jones, Raider fans would sign up for that.” (05:27)

Ty Simpson (Alabama)

• Bogman’s Comp: Brock Purdy
  • “Footwork, avoids tackles, keeps eyes downfield—really reminded me of Purdy.” (06:04)
• Pat’s Comp: Alex Smith (stylistic)
  • “Quick release, clean mechanics...Smith had that escapability at Utah.”
  • “Couldn’t find a good one-year starter comp; fell back on style.” (06:42)
  • “Circumstance will matter a lot for Ty Simpson.” (07:40)

Running Backs

Jeremiah Love

• Pat’s Comp: Jahmyr Gibbs (style > body type)
  • “Sports car acceleration, open field elusiveness, pass catching ability...”
  • “Just lightning in a bottle, man.” (08:41)
• Bogman: Taller Jahmyr Gibbs
  • “Going to do the same things...can catch passes, do it between the tackles, and do everything you want.”
  • “Physically, they look different, but they’re going to do close to the same things.” (09:10)
• Bijan Robinson also mentioned by Joey as a stylistic range.

Dynasty Value Debate

• Pat (Superflex League): “In the majority of super flex leagues, Love is going to be the 1.01...top end potential.” (10:53)
• Bogman: “Not really close either. Love is the most sure thing in this draft.” (11:46)

Jonah Coleman

• Bogman’s Comp: Shorter David Montgomery
  • “Body control, stiff arm, both carried a massive workload.” (12:48)
• Pat’s Comp: Tyler Allgeier
  • “Bowling ball body type, quick feet for their build, so-so long speed.” (16:07)

Emmett Johnson

• Pat’s Comp: Chase Brown
  • “Major workhorse, similar size, shiftier than Brown but less contact balance.” (17:04)
• Bogman’s Comp: Rachaad White (stylistic)
  • “Can be a chameleon...third down back or main guy. Rashad White is like that as well.” (18:15)

Jadarian Price

• Bogman’s Comp: Miles Sanders (pre-injury)
  • “Explosiveness, size, special teams ability...first/second down back with breakaway play.” (19:14)
• Pat’s Comp: Sony Michel (prospect version)
  • “Similar body type, one-cut runners, questions about pass-catching, both played second-fiddle in college.” (20:21)

Wide Receivers

Carnell Tate

• Pat’s Comp: Amani Toomer
  • “Tall, lean build; smooth, vertical receiver with exceptional downfield playmaking and hands.” (22:18)
• Bogman’s Comp: Peak Allen Robinson
  • “Hand usage, contested catches, massive catch radius, big-framed WR.” (23:22)
• Joey’s Reflection: “He routes these guys up better...so smooth.” (24:33)

Makai Lemon

• Bogman’s Comp: Amon-Ra St. Brown (plus helmet scouting)
  • “Will do whatever you want; ball in hands; Biletnikoff winner; would love Rams at 13.” (26:04)
• Pat’s Comp: Robert Woods (per Ray Garvin)
  • “Best hands in class—technique, route running, not an exceptional athlete but always open.” (27:23)

Jordan Tyson

• Pat’s Comp: Stefon Diggs
  • “Not a body type comp, but both are route runners who create with quick cuts, inside and outside versatility.” (28:42)
  • “Most concerning is injury risk.”
• Bogman’s Comp: Calvin Ridley
  • “Interesting routes...good improvisers, injury risk in NFL as well.” (30:01)

Denzel Boston

• Joey’s Comps: Puka Nacua (motion/offense role)
• Bogman: Cortland Sutton & Keon Coleman (range)
  • “Big guys that move fast, return skills, high end Sutton/low end Coleman.” (31:53)
• Pat’s Comp: Michael Pittman
  • “Big-bodied, ball skills, agile for size, strong contested catch ability.” (33:12)

Casey Concepcion

• Pat’s Comp: Marqise Lee (USC, late Round 1/early 2 as a prospect)
  • “After the catch magic, shifty, drops a concern, size concerns.” (34:45)
• Bogman’s Comps: Emmanuel Sanders & Jayden Reed
  • “Could play slot or gadget role, lightning quick, Emmanuel Sanders if it really clicks.” (36:15)

Tight Ends

Kenyon Sadiq

• Bogman’s Comp: Better-blocking Evan Engram
  • “Not necessarily a number one target but a very good B to a 1A, strong pass-catching.” (39:28)
• Pat’s Comp: Mike Gesicki (athletic profile)
  • “Freak athlete, similar combine numbers, good prospect, stats are good not great.” (40:11)
  • “Athleticism at TE doesn’t always mean big fantasy production—buyer beware.” (43:10)

Eli Stowers

• Pat’s Comp: Dalton Kincaid
  • “Lighter TE, great pass-catcher, but not likely to play every snap because not an inline blocker.” (43:18)
• Bogman’s Comp: Isaiah Likely or Logan Thomas
  • “Big slot type; role/player usage dependent, not a constant inline presence.” (44:03, 44:48)

Underrated Gem Prospects

• Scott Bogman: Skyler Bell (UConn WR)
  • “Dog mentality, hard worker, fast, contested ball winner, cut drops in half last year, Josh Downs/Antonio Brown movement.” (45:25, 46:23)
• Pat Fitzmorris: Malachi Fields (Notre Dame WR; overshadowed by L0ve)
  • “6'4", 205, showout at Senior Bowl, combine star.” (46:50)
  • Bonus Mention: Adam Randall (Clemson), Antonio Gibson-type profile—big, fast, recent RB convert
• Bogman Bonus: Antonio Williams (Clemson), big-time slot, injuries have slowed him but he’s underrated (47:54)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Mendoza:
  • “Cerebral...big film room guy...already has the next week’s playbook out.” — Bogman (04:16)
• On WR comps:
  • “Sometimes the truly special players are always the hardest to comp.” — Joey (10:06)
• On Casey Concepcion:
  • “Secret sauce is after the catch...he’s marvelous.” — Pat (34:45)
  • “If it hits with the right team, he’s Emmanuel Sanders.” — Joey (36:57)

Key Timestamps

| Segment | Topic | Timestamps | |---------|-------|------------| | Opening/Intro | Setting up the episode & theme | [00:40–02:41] | | QBs | Mendoza + Simpson | [02:41–07:59] | | RBs | Love, Coleman, Johnson, Price | [07:59–21:32] | | WRs | Tate, Lemon, Tyson, Boston, Concepcion | [22:18–37:48] | | TEs | Sadiq, Stowers | [39:28–44:54] | | Hidden Gems | Under the radar prospects | [45:25–48:34] |

Final Thoughts

This episode delivered a lively, expert-driven breakdown of 2026’s top offensive draft prospects through the lens of player comparisons and fantasy football value. The hosts offered thoughtful comps, contextualized with college roles and statistical trends, and provided actionable dynasty advice for listeners. Memorable discussions centered around the challenge of comping unique talents, balancing upside with risk, and highlighting underappreciated players who could emerge as dynasty draft steals.

Quote to Remember:

“Sometimes the truly special players are always the hardest ones to comp.”
— Joey P. Zappia (10:06)

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