Washington, D.C. – NFL owners and Fantasy Football managers alike are sharpening their draft boards on May 24, 2026, after the league released the full preseason schedule and projected player usage rates. Fantasy Football enthusiasts will find a handful of undervalued assets emerging from revamped offenses and defensive schematics, making early‑round grabs possible.
The modern NFL landscape is undergoing a tectonic shift in how offensive production is distributed. In the past twelve months, the league has seen a 12% rise in passing attempts per game, a trend driven by the increasing sophistication of RPO (run-pass option) concepts and the death of the traditional ‘pure’ pocket passer. Teams have embraced run‑pass option concepts that increase target diversity for tight ends and slot receivers, moving away from the era where a single WR1 monopolized 35% of a team’s air yards. Those trends translate into higher floor values for players who historically slipped under the radar due to lack of raw athleticism, but who possess elite route-running or receiving nuance.
What recent trends are reshaping Fantasy Football values?
Analyzing the 2025 season data reveals three key shifts that every high-stakes manager must internalize before the draft. First, there has been a massive surge in snap counts for third‑down backs. The ‘specialist’ running back is becoming an endangered species; offenses now prefer a singular bell-cow who can handle both the heavy lifting of early-down bruising and the finesse required for third-down passing situations. This shift creates massive scarcity at the RB position, driving up the value of dual-threat backs.
Second, we are witnessing an unprecedented uptick in red‑zone targets for rookie tight ends. The evolution of the ‘big slot’ archetype means that rookie TEs are no longer just blockers; they are being utilized as primary red-zone weapons in condensed spaces. Third, there is a broader spread of EPA (Expected Points Added) among wide receivers in spread formations. Rather than seeing a massive delta between a WR1 and a WR3, the efficiency gap is closing, suggesting that mid-tier receivers in high-volume passing offenses are safer bets than boom-or-bust alphas in stagnant systems. The numbers suggest that depth‑chart volatility will reward owners who prioritize players with multi‑role usage over pure touchdown dependency.
Which players have the highest upside?
As we look toward the 2026 campaign, the distinction between ‘safe’ picks and ‘league-winners’ is becoming clearer through advanced metrics. First‑round consideration should include Dallas’ dual‑threat RB Jalen Hayes. Hayes is a statistical anomaly who has mastered the art of the modern workload. He logged 85% snap usage in 2025, a number that puts him in the company of historical legends, and more impressively, he posted a 6.2 EPA per carry in the final month of the season. This late-season surge suggests a player who is not only physically durable but also increasingly in sync with his offensive line’s blocking schemes.
Second‑round value lies with Seattle’s rookie TE Malik Torres. The Seahawks have pivoted toward a scheme that emphasizes verticality and mismatch creation, and Torres is the centerpiece of that evolution. He posted 12 targets per game in preseason training camps and already boasts a staggering 0.78 catch‑rate. For fantasy managers, a tight end who can command double-digit targets is a unicorn that can single-handedly win weekly matchups.
Third‑round sleeper New York Jets wideout Kai Mitchell is the name on every veteran analyst’s lips. Mitchell posted a 4.1 DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) in the last six games of the previous season, indicating a high efficiency when targeted. While his name might not carry the same brand recognition as seasoned veterans, the efficiency metrics suggest he is one of the most dangerous players in the league when given space.
Dallas Cowboys lock in Hayes
The Dallas Cowboys have sent a definitive message to the rest of the league regarding their offensive identity. Dallas Cowboys announced that Hayes was signed to a two‑year, $12 million extension, locking up his cap hit through 2028 and freeing veteran salary space for the team. This move is more than just a contract negotiation; it is a strategic cornerstone. The move was praised by the front office brass as a signal that the backfield will remain anchored around a proven workhorse.
In the context of the salary cap, Hayes’ extension was highlighted in the league’ annual financial report, where his contract was described as a “value‑heavy” addition for a run‑heavy scheme. By securing a high-volume RB at a controlled cost, Dallas has positioned themselves to be aggressive in the free-agent market for defensive upgrades, all while ensuring their offensive engine—Hayes—is protected from the distractions of contract disputes. For fantasy owners, this provides the ultimate peace of mind: the touches are guaranteed.
Seattle Seahawks bet on Torres
In Seattle, the offensive philosophy is undergoing a radical transformation aimed at maximizing the efficiency of their personnel. The Seattle Seahawks confirmed that Torres will feature in every third‑down red‑zone package, a decision that was driven by his preseason target volume and catch efficiency. This isn’t just a coaching whim; it is a calculated move to exploit the mismatch Torres creates against traditional linebackers.
The offensive coordinator’s new scheme was detailed in a recent press conference, where he noted that Torres is expected to become the primary TE1 by mid‑season. This developmental curve is common for elite tight ends, but the sheer volume of his involvement is unprecedented for a rookie. Torres’ role was further validated when the scouting department released a report ranking him as the top rookie tight end in the league. In a league where the tight end position has often been a ‘black hole’ for fantasy production, Torres represents a potential generational shift in value.
Key Developments
- Jalen Hayes signed a two‑year, $12 million extension, locking up his cap hit through 2028, which could free up veteran salary space for the Cowboys.
- Malik Torres was the highest‑rated rookie tight end in the latest Fox Sports scouting report, ranking 4th overall among pass‑catchers.
- Kai Mitchell’s route‑running grade improved from 71 to 84 in the last quarter of the season, according to Pro Football Focus data released in early May, signaling a massive leap in technical ability.
- The Jets announced a strategic shift to a three‑wide receiver set, increasing Mitchell’s target share by an estimated 18% based on current depth chart projections.
- Seattle’s offensive coordinator confirmed a specialized new red‑zone package that features Torres on every third‑down play inside the 20-yard line, maximizing his high-value touches.
Impact and what’s next for Fantasy Football owners
As the preseason approaches, the strategy for the 2026 draft must be rooted in volume and scheme fit. Owners who draft Hayes early secure a workhorse back with a proven ceiling and, more importantly, the institutional backing of a team committed to his usage. He is a ‘set it and forget it’ RB1. Conversely, Torres offers a high‑volume, low‑risk TE option that could outscore veteran counterparts who are seeing their target shares dwindle in the era of the spread offense.
The most significant ‘swing’ play remains Kai Mitchell. His breakout potential makes him a top‑tier WR3 with WR2 upside if the Jets fully embrace the three‑WR set. If Mitchell can maintain his improved route-running efficiency, he could be the most undervalued asset in the mid-rounds. As teams finalize final cuts and roster adjustments, fantasy managers must monitor preseason snap‑count trends; a sudden rise in a player’s participation during the third and fourth quarters of preseason games often predicts a significantly larger role once the regular season begins. In 2026, the data is your greatest ally.
How does Jalen Hayes compare to other top running backs for Fantasy Football?
Hayes posted a 6.2 EPA per carry in 2025, ranking third among all backs with over 150 carries. His 85% snap rate suggests he will dominate touches in Dallas’ run‑heavy scheme, providing a level of consistency that few other backs currently offer.
What makes Malik Torres a valuable late‑round pick?
Torres averaged 12 targets per preseason game and led all rookie tight ends with a 0.78 catch‑rate. This combination of volume and efficiency positions him as a potential TE1 in Seattle’s specialized red‑zone packages.
Will the Jets’ new offensive alignment boost Kai Mitchell’s Fantasy Football output?
Yes. The transition to a three‑wide receiver set is projected to raise Mitchell’s target share by 18%. Combined with his recent route‑running grade jump to 84, he is primed to convert increased volume into consistent fantasy points.
