Fantasy Sleepers: Ja'Kobi Lane Nets 38 Yards and TD in Preseason Debut

Ja'Kobi Lane caught all three targets for 38 yards and a touchdown as late-round rookie picks emerge for the 2026 fantasy football season.

Ja'Kobi Lane secured three receptions on three targets for 38 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut for the Baltimore Ravens. The third-round selection from USC is competing for the WR3 role and potentially the WR2 spot currently held by Rashod Bateman. Lane is joined in the Ravens' 2024 class by fourth-round pick Elijah Sarratt, a route runner out of Indiana. While Lane provides red zone size for quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team continues to rely heavily on running back Derrick Henry in scoring situations.

In Denver, Jonah Coleman is positioning himself as a three-down back for the Broncos after serving as a captain for the Washington Huskies. During the preseason opener, Coleman played behind RJ Harvey. While Harvey possesses home-run speed, Coleman offers superior power and pass protection skills. J.K. Dobbins is the projected lead runner, but Coleman is expected to take over Dobbins' role in the event of an injury, potentially poaching passing-down work from Harvey as the season advances.

Backfield Depth and Injury Contingencies

Las Vegas Raiders rookie Mike Washington Jr. entered the league as a fourth-round pick capable of goal-line production. He currently sits behind Ashton Jeanty, who is managing an ankle injury. If Jeanty misses Week 1, Washington Jr. could see immediate volume as an RB2 candidate. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs utilized fifth-round pick Emmett Johnson as their likely RB2. Johnson, a north-south runner, displayed explosive traits and receiving ability in his first preseason game, serving as insurance for Kenneth Walker III. The Chiefs also have Cyrus Allen, a slot-capable receiver who has gained traction in camp while Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy struggle with summer injuries.

San Francisco 49ers second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling offers size and yards-after-catch ability behind Deebo Samuel Sr. The 49ers' backfield is currently hampered by injuries to Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo, elevating the importance of third-round pick Kaelon Black. Black, a physical runner, provides depth behind Christian McCaffrey, who is coming off a season with 450 total touches including the playoffs.

Wide Receiver Opportunities in Miami and New York

Caleb Douglas played every snap alongside starting quarterback Malik Willis in the Miami Dolphins' preseason opener, highlighted by a one-handed catch. Douglas is competing with Malik Washington for snaps in two-WR sets. The Dolphins also roster third-round pick Chris Bell, a big-bodied receiver from Louisville returning from a torn ACL. In New York, Malachi Fields is competing for the Giants' WR2 role. Fields is a contested-catch specialist compared to Michael Pittman Jr. and serves as a potential red zone target.

Tennessee Titans rookie Nicholas Singleton arrives from Penn State with career totals of 4,500 scrimmage yards, 102 catches, and 54 touchdowns. He currently ranks third on the depth chart behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. In Atlanta, Zachariah Branch operates as a speedy slot receiver for the Falcons, drawing comparisons to Elijah Moore. The Washington Commanders added Antonio Williams, a shifty receiver with reliable hands, though his downfield usage may be limited following the signing of Stefon Diggs.

Dynasty Stashes and Superflex Quarterbacks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers third-round pick Ted Hurst III is a tall receiver competing for the X role against Jalen McMillan. The Bucs intend to utilize Emeka Egbuka at the Z position and Chris Godwin Jr. in the slot. In New England, tight end Eli Raridon is earning praise in camp as a traditional and slot option behind Hunter Henry. Raridon is expected to see action in two-TE sets early in the season.

Superflex managers should monitor three specific quarterbacks drafted in the later rounds. Carson Beck of the Arizona Cardinals and Cade Klubnik of the New York Jets are expected to start at some point during the 2026 season. Drew Allar of the Pittsburgh Steelers is positioned to start in the event of an injury to the primary signal-caller. These late-round rookie picks offer long-term value for deeper leagues and dynasty formats.