Footballguys Fantasy Football Show: Combine Risers Who Just Became Fantasy Targets || Fantasy Football 2026

Date: March 2, 2026
Hosts: Dave Kluge & Joey Wright
Episode Theme:
A deep-dive, position-by-position analysis of the major risers and fallers emerging from the 2026 NFL Combine, with a focus on how their performances impact rookie draft rankings and fantasy football outlooks.

Episode Overview

Dave Kluge and Joey Wright dig into the key storylines coming out of the 2026 NFL Combine, spotlighting explosive athletic performances, major risers up the rookie draft boards, and a few notable fallers. The conversation covers running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks, drawing from the Footballguys Rookie Guide and firsthand combine impressions. They discuss how testing metrics like the Relative Athletic Score (RAS), 40-yard dash, and positional drills influence player evaluations—all with fantasy football implications in mind.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Big Picture Takeaways from the 2026 Combine

[02:01]

The top prospects solidified their standing: Jeremiah Love, King Nut, Kenyon Sadiq were all as-advertised or exceeded expectations.
Few "losers" from this year’s combine; trend of players skipping drills likely influenced by agents.

Joey Wright:
“These elite players that we put at positions met or exceeded expectations... Jeremiah Love, King Nut, Sadiq—they deserve to be at the top of your draft boards.” (02:01)

2. Running Back Risers

Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas/Buffalo)

[03:05–06:16]
- Measured 223 lbs, 4.33 40-yard dash (second fastest, size-adjusted in NFL combine history)
- Perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) but skipped agility/bench press drills
- Emotional, passionate about football; highest value rising to RB2 consideration.
Joey Wright:
“After what we saw from him at the Combine, I don’t think it’s out of the question [to have him at RB2]… It came against the SEC, he earned it himself with hard work.” (03:48)
- Dynasty rookie draft spot: as high as 1.07 depending on league priorities.
Dave Kluge:
“He earned everything with hard work... Not crazy he ducked the agility drills, but his story and traits make him a quick riser.” (04:34)

Adam Randall (Clemson)

[08:15–11:43]
- 233 lbs, ran a 4.54 40 (third-best size-adjusted speed behind Love and Washington Jr.)
- Versatile: ex-QB, ex-WR, now a running back with pass-catching upside.
- Ideal landing spot: Minnesota, with unique skill set complementing exiting RB group (Jordan Mason).
- Player comp: Cordarrelle Patterson 2.0.
Dave Kluge:
“A big fast guy, a converted wide receiver still learning the RB position, passed the athleticism test with flying colors.” (08:15)

Eli Heidenreich (Navy)

[12:05–15:25]
- Versatile gadget player; 9.2 RAS before bench, finished at 8.5 after doing every drill.
- Could thrive with a creative play-caller (ideal fit: Patriots, Rams).
- Dynamic, multi-position usage; conceivable fantasy upside if he lands in the right offense.
Dave Kluge:
“A very unique player, Navy literally tailored an offense to his skill set.” (13:54)

Seth McGowan

[15:44–18:42]
- Elite broad/vertical jumps, solid 40; concerns about age (already 25), lack of passing-game work.
- Comp: Damien Harris—a violent, early-down runner.
- View as an older "redraft" value pick if NFL gives him decent draft capital.

3. Wide Receiver Standouts

Jacoby Lane

[18:56–20:26]
- Fluid on-field, 9.69 RAS, strong gauntlet drill.
- Projected as WR15 in Footballguys’ guide; expected to go in late 3rd/early 4th round.
- Baltimore flagged as a good fit (red zone threat, insurance for Bateman).

Brendan Thompson

[20:26–22:22]
- Ran 4.26 40, fastest at the combine, but top-end speed alone isn’t a surefire NFL or fantasy success indicator (see: John Ross, Henry Ruggs).
Joey Wright:
“The 40 time matters for hype… these are guys I pick up off waivers and drop a week later.” (21:28)

Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)

[22:22–24:58]
- Trey Lance’s brother, 9.95 RAS.
- Potential for fun speculation about positional switches in the pros.

Deion Burks

[25:10–26:43]
- 99th percentile athleticism, but very small and injury-prone.
- Could see 3rd-round investment by a WR-needy team (Dallas mentioned as a dream fit).

4. Quarterback Takeaways

Taylor Green

[27:37–31:31]
- One of the most athletic QB showings ever; comped to Anthony Richardson.
- Declined WR drills—sticking with quarterback ambition.
- Ceiling/floor discussion compared to Richardson; expected to land as a developmental QB.
Dave Kluge:
“I like that he just said he’s going to be a quarterback… If he went out as a wide receiver, teams would immediately throw out any idea of him playing QB.” (29:02)

Drew Allar

[31:31–32:03]
- Pre-injury, expected as top QB; injury dulled excitement.
- Could land as QB3/QB4 depending on draft dynamics (behind Mendoza, Simpson).
- QB2 race (Simpson, Payton, Green, Aller) remains open.

5. Tight End Athleticism: The Year of the Freaks

[33:53–44:06]
- Kenyon Sadiq: NFL record 43.5” vertical, ran 4.39 at big size.
  - Projected as a Round 1 lock; dream landing spots include Commanders, Chiefs, Titans, or even late for 49ers.
  - Tight end testing matters: only one TE with >9.5 RAS has gone Day 3 in last decade (George Kittle).
  - “If you want to be an elite tight end, you need to be big, fast, and strong.” (34:09)
- Eli Stowers: Broke Sadiq’s vertical jump record by two full inches (!)—now in conversation for TE1, though blocking skills debated.
- John Michael Gillenborg: 9.92 RAS, raw TE prospect, ex-basketball player, huge riser to TE6 in Dave’s ranks.
Joey Wright:
“I do love a good basketball player that turned tight end!” (44:06)

6. Notable Fallers & Context

Emmett Johnson (RB)

[46:30–47:35]
- Worst RAS among RBs; only RB to do every drill.
- Still a 58th percentile athlete all-time; praised for “having that dog in him,” tackling drills, and production/receiving.
Joey Wright:
“If you’re going to run a slow 40, I want to see you bowl over people. That’s the kind of RB he is.” (46:47)

Malachi Fields (WR)

[49:09–49:40]
- Slowest 40 among WRs, but dominated at the Senior Bowl.
- Lack of production at Notre Dame more about scheme than talent.

Chris Hilton Jr. (WR)

[51:12–51:34]
- Needed a great combine to boost draft stock; disappointed, now a likely Day 3 pick.

Makai Lemon (WR)

[52:31–53:00]
- Viral interview and rumored poor team interviews—potentially overblown, but flagged as something to watch.

7. Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Combine Testing for WRs:
“I said, you know, we have to pay attention to the testing. But for me, like the gauntlet, and it’s very much so an eye test… that’s what I really care about.” –Dave Kluge (22:22)
On Tight End Metrics:
“If you want to be an elite tight end, you need to be big, you need to be fast, you need to be strong. That’s why we put so much weight in the testing here.” –Dave Kluge (34:09)
On Pro Days vs. Combine Numbers:
“If I see a bad pro day in combination with a bad combine, then I'm going to start worrying. [But] team rumors are worth their weight in feathers.” –Joey Wright (53:54)
On Draft Rumor Season:
“Every year I make stupid, irrational decisions leading up to the draft because of rumors… I’m going to Hawaii and not bringing my phone.” –Dave Kluge (54:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Initial Takes, Combine Overview: 02:01–03:00
Mike Washington Jr., RB2 Debate: 03:05–06:16
Adam Randall RB Profile: 08:15–11:43
Eli Heidenreich Versatility: 12:05–15:25
Seth McGowan Age Debate: 15:44–18:42
Wide Receiver Risers: 18:56–26:43
Quarterback Risers (Taylor Green, Drew Allar): 27:37–32:03
Tight End Athleticism (Sadiq, Stowers, Gillenborg): 33:53–44:06
Running Back & WR Fallers: 46:47–53:00
Closing Thoughts (What to Watch Next): 53:54–54:41

Closing Thoughts

Upcoming work: Watch for pro day performances, as bad combine results can be offset by strong pro days—especially for potential fallers.
Beware the “Season of Lies”: Don’t overreact to pre-draft rumors or anonymous reports; focus on tangible data and on-field results.

Further Resources

Footballguys Rookie Guide:
"Free at footballguys.com/rookieguide—over 150 prospects with stats, scouting reports, and more." (06:16–07:40)
Find Joey Wright:
All content at Footballguys, including The Home League Show and March Madness specials. (55:51–56:30)

Summary Statement

This episode is an essential listen for fantasy footballers looking to key in on the biggest rookie risers following the combine, and for those looking to avoid the yearly trap of pre-draft rumor-mongering. Kluge and Wright balance metrics, tape, and context in evaluating how athletic testing really impacts fantasy draft boards—especially at RB, WR, and TE. Watch out for more Footballguys content as the NFL draft cycle heats up!

Footballguys Fantasy Football Show: Combine Risers Who Just Became Fantasy Targets || Fantasy Football 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Big Picture Takeaways from the 2026 Combine

[02:01]

The top prospects solidified their standing: Jeremiah Love, King Nut, Kenyon Sadiq were all as-advertised or exceeded expectations.
Few "losers" from this year’s combine; trend of players skipping drills likely influenced by agents.

Joey Wright:
“These elite players that we put at positions met or exceeded expectations... Jeremiah Love, King Nut, Sadiq—they deserve to be at the top of your draft boards.” (02:01)

2. Running Back Risers

Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas/Buffalo)

[03:05–06:16]
- Measured 223 lbs, 4.33 40-yard dash (second fastest, size-adjusted in NFL combine history)
- Perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) but skipped agility/bench press drills
- Emotional, passionate about football; highest value rising to RB2 consideration.
Joey Wright:
“After what we saw from him at the Combine, I don’t think it’s out of the question [to have him at RB2]… It came against the SEC, he earned it himself with hard work.” (03:48)
- Dynasty rookie draft spot: as high as 1.07 depending on league priorities.
Dave Kluge:
“He earned everything with hard work... Not crazy he ducked the agility drills, but his story and traits make him a quick riser.” (04:34)

Adam Randall (Clemson)

[08:15–11:43]
- 233 lbs, ran a 4.54 40 (third-best size-adjusted speed behind Love and Washington Jr.)
- Versatile: ex-QB, ex-WR, now a running back with pass-catching upside.
- Ideal landing spot: Minnesota, with unique skill set complementing exiting RB group (Jordan Mason).
- Player comp: Cordarrelle Patterson 2.0.
Dave Kluge:
“A big fast guy, a converted wide receiver still learning the RB position, passed the athleticism test with flying colors.” (08:15)

Eli Heidenreich (Navy)

[12:05–15:25]
- Versatile gadget player; 9.2 RAS before bench, finished at 8.5 after doing every drill.
- Could thrive with a creative play-caller (ideal fit: Patriots, Rams).
- Dynamic, multi-position usage; conceivable fantasy upside if he lands in the right offense.
Dave Kluge:
“A very unique player, Navy literally tailored an offense to his skill set.” (13:54)

Seth McGowan

[15:44–18:42]
- Elite broad/vertical jumps, solid 40; concerns about age (already 25), lack of passing-game work.
- Comp: Damien Harris—a violent, early-down runner.
- View as an older "redraft" value pick if NFL gives him decent draft capital.

3. Wide Receiver Standouts

Jacoby Lane

[18:56–20:26]
- Fluid on-field, 9.69 RAS, strong gauntlet drill.
- Projected as WR15 in Footballguys’ guide; expected to go in late 3rd/early 4th round.
- Baltimore flagged as a good fit (red zone threat, insurance for Bateman).

Brendan Thompson

[20:26–22:22]
- Ran 4.26 40, fastest at the combine, but top-end speed alone isn’t a surefire NFL or fantasy success indicator (see: John Ross, Henry Ruggs).
Joey Wright:
“The 40 time matters for hype… these are guys I pick up off waivers and drop a week later.” (21:28)

Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)

[22:22–24:58]
- Trey Lance’s brother, 9.95 RAS.
- Potential for fun speculation about positional switches in the pros.

Deion Burks

[25:10–26:43]
- 99th percentile athleticism, but very small and injury-prone.
- Could see 3rd-round investment by a WR-needy team (Dallas mentioned as a dream fit).

4. Quarterback Takeaways

Taylor Green

[27:37–31:31]
- One of the most athletic QB showings ever; comped to Anthony Richardson.
- Declined WR drills—sticking with quarterback ambition.
- Ceiling/floor discussion compared to Richardson; expected to land as a developmental QB.
Dave Kluge:
“I like that he just said he’s going to be a quarterback… If he went out as a wide receiver, teams would immediately throw out any idea of him playing QB.” (29:02)

Drew Allar

[31:31–32:03]
- Pre-injury, expected as top QB; injury dulled excitement.
- Could land as QB3/QB4 depending on draft dynamics (behind Mendoza, Simpson).
- QB2 race (Simpson, Payton, Green, Aller) remains open.

5. Tight End Athleticism: The Year of the Freaks

[33:53–44:06]
- Kenyon Sadiq: NFL record 43.5” vertical, ran 4.39 at big size.
  - Projected as a Round 1 lock; dream landing spots include Commanders, Chiefs, Titans, or even late for 49ers.
  - Tight end testing matters: only one TE with >9.5 RAS has gone Day 3 in last decade (George Kittle).
  - “If you want to be an elite tight end, you need to be big, fast, and strong.” (34:09)
- Eli Stowers: Broke Sadiq’s vertical jump record by two full inches (!)—now in conversation for TE1, though blocking skills debated.
- John Michael Gillenborg: 9.92 RAS, raw TE prospect, ex-basketball player, huge riser to TE6 in Dave’s ranks.
Joey Wright:
“I do love a good basketball player that turned tight end!” (44:06)

6. Notable Fallers & Context

Emmett Johnson (RB)

[46:30–47:35]
- Worst RAS among RBs; only RB to do every drill.
- Still a 58th percentile athlete all-time; praised for “having that dog in him,” tackling drills, and production/receiving.
Joey Wright:
“If you’re going to run a slow 40, I want to see you bowl over people. That’s the kind of RB he is.” (46:47)

Malachi Fields (WR)

[49:09–49:40]
- Slowest 40 among WRs, but dominated at the Senior Bowl.
- Lack of production at Notre Dame more about scheme than talent.

Chris Hilton Jr. (WR)

[51:12–51:34]
- Needed a great combine to boost draft stock; disappointed, now a likely Day 3 pick.

Makai Lemon (WR)

[52:31–53:00]
- Viral interview and rumored poor team interviews—potentially overblown, but flagged as something to watch.

7. Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Combine Testing for WRs:
“I said, you know, we have to pay attention to the testing. But for me, like the gauntlet, and it’s very much so an eye test… that’s what I really care about.” –Dave Kluge (22:22)
On Tight End Metrics:
“If you want to be an elite tight end, you need to be big, you need to be fast, you need to be strong. That’s why we put so much weight in the testing here.” –Dave Kluge (34:09)
On Pro Days vs. Combine Numbers:
“If I see a bad pro day in combination with a bad combine, then I'm going to start worrying. [But] team rumors are worth their weight in feathers.” –Joey Wright (53:54)
On Draft Rumor Season:
“Every year I make stupid, irrational decisions leading up to the draft because of rumors… I’m going to Hawaii and not bringing my phone.” –Dave Kluge (54:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Initial Takes, Combine Overview: 02:01–03:00
Mike Washington Jr., RB2 Debate: 03:05–06:16
Adam Randall RB Profile: 08:15–11:43
Eli Heidenreich Versatility: 12:05–15:25
Seth McGowan Age Debate: 15:44–18:42
Wide Receiver Risers: 18:56–26:43
Quarterback Risers (Taylor Green, Drew Allar): 27:37–32:03
Tight End Athleticism (Sadiq, Stowers, Gillenborg): 33:53–44:06
Running Back & WR Fallers: 46:47–53:00
Closing Thoughts (What to Watch Next): 53:54–54:41

Closing Thoughts

Upcoming work: Watch for pro day performances, as bad combine results can be offset by strong pro days—especially for potential fallers.
Beware the “Season of Lies”: Don’t overreact to pre-draft rumors or anonymous reports; focus on tangible data and on-field results.

Further Resources

Footballguys Rookie Guide:
"Free at footballguys.com/rookieguide—over 150 prospects with stats, scouting reports, and more." (06:16–07:40)
Find Joey Wright:
All content at Footballguys, including The Home League Show and March Madness specials. (55:51–56:30)

Combine Risers Who Just Became Fantasy Targets || Fantasy Football 2026

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Summary

Footballguys Fantasy Football Show: Combine Risers Who Just Became Fantasy Targets || Fantasy Football 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Big Picture Takeaways from the 2026 Combine

2. Running Back Risers

Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas/Buffalo)

Adam Randall (Clemson)

Eli Heidenreich (Navy)

Seth McGowan

3. Wide Receiver Standouts

Jacoby Lane

Brendan Thompson

Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)

Deion Burks

4. Quarterback Takeaways

Taylor Green

Drew Allar

5. Tight End Athleticism: The Year of the Freaks

6. Notable Fallers & Context

Emmett Johnson (RB)

Malachi Fields (WR)

Chris Hilton Jr. (WR)

Makai Lemon (WR)

7. Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Closing Thoughts

Further Resources

Summary Statement

Summary

Footballguys Fantasy Football Show: Combine Risers Who Just Became Fantasy Targets || Fantasy Football 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Big Picture Takeaways from the 2026 Combine

2. Running Back Risers

Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas/Buffalo)

Adam Randall (Clemson)

Eli Heidenreich (Navy)

Seth McGowan

3. Wide Receiver Standouts

Jacoby Lane

Brendan Thompson

Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)

Deion Burks

4. Quarterback Takeaways

Taylor Green

Drew Allar

5. Tight End Athleticism: The Year of the Freaks

6. Notable Fallers & Context

Emmett Johnson (RB)

Malachi Fields (WR)

Chris Hilton Jr. (WR)

Makai Lemon (WR)

7. Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Closing Thoughts

Further Resources

Summary Statement