In this series, I’ll spotlight the standout performances from the 2026 rookie class and highlight both promising and concerning trends. Let’s dive into how these rookies fared in their NFL debuts.
Quarterback
No rookie quarterback made their NFL debut in Week 1.
Running Back
Week 1 was relatively quiet for rookie running backs, which was expected. Nevertheless, a few trends are worth noting.
Good Signs
- Jeremiyah Love: 11 carries for 41 yards, a touchdown, and 2 catches for 9 yards (starter)
- Jadarian Price: 10 carries for 52 yards and 2 catches for 6 yards (split 50/50)
- Kaelon Black: 14 carries for 65 yards and 1 catch for 5 yards (clean backup)
Ominous Signs
- Mike Washington: 7 carries for 41 yards (clear backup)
- Kaytron Allen: 4 carries for 16 yards (committee backfield in an inconsistent offense)
- Emmett Johnson: 8 carries for 24 yards, and 2 catches for 44 yards (clear backup)
Rookie to Watch in Week 2
- Nick Singleton: Maybe he’ll be active, but we will see. He was a healthy scratch in Week 1.
- Jonah Coleman: He was active but only played 3 snaps in Week 1.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position was a mixed bag in Week 1, but we did get a few standout performances.
Good Signs
- Carnell Tate: 4 catches for 38 yards on 6 targets
- Denzel Boston: 2 catches for 59 yards and a touchdown on 4 targets
- KC Concepcion: 4 catches for 43 yards on 5 targets
- Caleb Douglas: 5 Catches for 94 yards on 7 targets
- Antonio Williams: 4 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown on 4 targets
Ominous Signs
- Makai Lemon: 3 catches for -5 yards on 4 targets
- Malachi Fields: 2 catches for 25 yards on 4 targets
- Bryce Lance: 3 catches for 42 yards on 4 targets
- Ted Hurst: 3 catches for 36 yards on 3 targets
- Ja’Kobi Lane: 1 catch for 11 yards on 3 targets(broke his wrist)
Rookie to Watch in Week 2
- Elijah Sarratt: He wasn’t active in Week 1, but with Ja’Kobi Lane’s wrist injury and Zay Flowers‘ hamstring injury, we may see him in Week 2.
Tight End
We didn’t get much action from the rookie tight ends in Week 1, outside of the first tight end off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Good Signs
- Kenyon Sadiq: 3 catches for 21 yards and a carry for a 3-yard touchdown
Ominous Signs
- Marlin Klein: 1 catch for 16 yards
- Matt Hibner: 1 catch for 13 yards
- Eli Raridon: 1 catch for a 2-yard touchdown
Conclusion
Week 1 was a mixed bag for the 2026 rookie class. While many had underwhelming starts, these players have plenty of time to turn things around. I’ll be back next week to recap the highs and lows from Week 2’s rookie performances!
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