The preseason is officially underway, giving fans their first opportunity to see the 2026 rookie class compete against NFL competition.
While preseason results should never be taken as a definitive indication of what a player will become, first impressions can still be important. For NFL rookies, these games are an opportunity to show coaches that they belong, compete for roster spots and begin building confidence at the next level.
The first week of preseason games provided us plenty of impressive performances, from quarterbacks making immediate impacts to late-round picks showing they could have bigger roles than expected.
However, there were also several highly drafted rookies who had quieter debuts than they would have hoped for.
Here are five rookies who stood out and five whose first preseason appearances left more to be desired.
Standout NFL Preseason Rookie Debuts From Week 1
5. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love did not need much time to show why the Arizona Cardinals selected him No. 3 overall.
Love finished his preseason debut with 58 rushing yards on 11 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders. He also added 3 receptions, with 14 receiving yards, giving him 73 total scrimmage yards on the afternoon.
The numbers were impressive, but it was the way Love created those yards that stood out.
His explosiveness and ability to make defenders miss were immediately noticeable. Love even produced one of the more impressive plays of the opening week with a spin move on third-and-1 in the second quarter that showcased the athleticism that made him such a highly regarded prospect coming out of Notre Dame.
Another eye-catching moment came on second-and-8 with roughly under 3 minutes left in the first half, when Love rushed through a gap that went for a first down and some change.
Unfortunately, Love’s debut did come with one major negative. The rookie suffered a high ankle sprain during the game. He has been ruled out for practice and the upcoming Cardinals preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Still, before the injury, Love looked exactly like the type of dynamic playmaker Arizona hoped it was getting when it made him the third overall pick.
If he can stay healthy, Love has a chance to become one of the most exciting rookies in this year’s class.
4. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Ja’Kobi Lane‘s first preseason game was another example of a rookie making the most of his opportunities. Selected in the third round of the draft, Lane showed in his debut why gems can be found after the first round.
As an immediate impact player, Lane showed the Ravens why they were excited about adding him to their receiving corps. His size, ability to create separation and ability to make plays in contested situations were all on display.
Most importantly, Lane found the end zone. With 3 receptions for 38 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown, the rookie was able to even impressive Lamar Jackson. In an interview with CBS, Jackson said, “Big hands, tough receiver. That’s what we need. We need that. … It’s amazing. The sky is the limit for him [Lane].”
The touchdown was a continuation of what has reportedly been a strong preseason for the rookie, who has made notable plays throughout training camp.
For Baltimore, this is exactly what it wants to see from a young receiver. The Ravens have plenty of established pieces on offense, but finding another reliable target would make the offense even more dangerous.
Lane’s first preseason appearance showed that he could potentially work his way into that conversation. It is obviously still early, but he has already started making his case.
3. De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, San Francisco 49ers
De’Zhaun Stribling may have been one of the biggest winners of the first week of preseason. The 49ers selected Stribling with the first pick of the second round, and he wasted no time showing that he could be ready for a significant role.
Stribling finished his debut with 7 receptions for 62 yards on eight targets against the Tennessee Titans. He also came through with several important third-down receptions, including a tough 32-yard catch on the sideline on third-and-5.
The impressive part was not simply the number of catches. Stribling looked reliable. He consistently found ways to get open, made difficult catches and gave San Francisco a receiver it could trust in important situations.
The 49ers are dealing with injuries at receiver, particularly after Ricky Pearsall was ruled out for the season. Stribling’s strong debut could end up being extremely important for his chances of earning meaningful snaps once the regular season arrives.
2. Drew Allar, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Drew Allar‘s first NFL game was about as good as Pittsburgh could have hoped.
The former Penn State quarterback completed 10-of-13 passes for 153 yards and 3 total touchdowns, including 2 passing touchdowns and a rushing score. He also completed a 75-yard pass and finished with an impressive 154.8 passer rating.
For a quarterback making his first appearance against NFL competition, Allar looked extremely comfortable.
He was accurate, pushed the ball downfield and did not look overwhelmed by the speed of the game. What is the most impressive part is his ability to make quick decisions. Right out of the gate, Allar recognized a man coverage, where he originally thought he would have the tight end open on a crosser, but was able to find a receiver open on a dig route instead. These quick decisions are important for rookie quarterbacks getting accumulated to the pace.
The Steelers currently have Aaron Rodgers at the top of their quarterback depth chart, so Allar is not expected to immediately become the team’s starter. However, that does not make his development any less important.
Pittsburgh has been looking for a potential quarterback of the future, and Allar’s debut gave the organization plenty of reason to be excited.
One preseason game will not determine his future, but if Allar continues playing like this, the Steelers may have found a very valuable piece for the years ahead.
1. Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles Rams
There was no better rookie quarterback debut than that of Ty Simpson.
The Rams’ first-round pick looked incredibly comfortable in his first NFL action, completing 21-of-25 passes for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. He finished with a 125.0 passer rating while avoiding any major mistakes.
Simpson’s accuracy immediately stood out. He consistently put the ball where his receivers could make plays, showed good decision-making and looked comfortable operating Sean McVay‘s offense.
For a rookie quarterback, that is exactly what you want to see.
What makes Simpson’s performance even more interesting is the situation he is entering in Los Angeles. Matthew Stafford remains the starter, but Simpson has an opportunity to learn from one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league while developing in McVay’s system.
Now, Simpson was once considered a “long-shot” due to how he ended his 2025 college season. However, his arm strength and ability to get the ball out fast erased doubts from his college scouting reports.
Simpson could not have asked for a much better first impression. McVay even praised the rookie after the game, “You know, I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall.”
There is still a long way to go before anyone can make serious predictions about his NFL career, but Simpson’s debut showed why the Rams were willing to take him No. 13 overall.
Underwhelming NFL Rookie Debuts
5. Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate had one of the quieter rookie debuts of the first week of preseason, and considering where he was drafted, it was particularly noticeable.
The Titans selected Tate No. 4 overall, making him one of the highest-drafted receivers in the 2026 class.
Unfortunately, he finished his first NFL game without a reception despite receiving three targets.
Obviously, there is no reason to panic after one preseason game.
But the lack of production becomes more noticeable when you are a top five first-round pick. Now, some could say it was due to the lack of connection with the young QB Cam Ward, but there are high expectations for Tate from fans.
The Titans did not draft Tate fourth overall expecting him to be a developmental project. They expect him to eventually become one of the faces of their offense. There were moments where he was open, but the quarterback failed to get the ball to him. Which is another reason why this could all be an overreaction.
The good news is Tate has plenty of time to respond. The reports out of practice have been that Tate and Ward have bounced back. Which should lead to a few receptions come the next preseason game.
4. Omar Cooper Jr, WR, New York Jets
Omar Cooper Jr. had a relatively quiet first preseason appearance for the New York Jets.
The Jets selected Cooper with the 30th overall pick, giving him the expectations that come with being a first-round selection.
His debut did not exactly match those expectations. In fact, Cooper Jr. didn’t enter the game until backups were subbed in.
Cooper finished with 2 receptions for 31 yards, with much of his production coming later in the game against Tampa Bay’s reserves. He hauled in a 26-yard catch and run, but the glaring issue is that he ran with the second-team offense.
Again, this is not necessarily a bad performance.
It was simply not the type of debut that immediately makes you think a rookie is going to be a major contributor from Day 1. Which is intriguing given that he was a first-round pick.
The Jets need young players to emerge around their established offensive talent, and Cooper is one of the players who could play an important role in that development. The only thing is, will he get that chance to show he can play in that role?
His first game was quiet, but there is still plenty of time for him to show why New York invested a first-round pick in him.
3. Gabe Jacas, LB, New England Patriots
Gabe Jacas entered his first preseason game with plenty of attention surrounding him after the Patriots selected him in the second round.
The former Illinois standout was brought in to provide another young presence on New England’s defense, particularly as a pass rusher.
However, his debut was relatively quiet. He recorded a total of 5 tackles and 3 solo tackles, which left a lot to be desired. Jacas did not make the type of immediate impact expected, even having Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speak after the game, saying “it needs to be better.”
That does not mean the Patriots have anything to worry about.
Jacas is still adjusting to the NFL and has plenty of opportunities ahead of him. New England also has several young defensive players competing for roles, meaning Jacas will have to continue proving himself throughout the preseason.
For now, though, his first performance was more of a learning experience than a statement game. Jacas was seen working with the starters this week during practice leading to some optimism for the rookie.
2. Sonny Styles, LB, Washington Commanders
Sonny Styles was one of the most highly anticipated defensive rookies entering the preseason.
The Commanders selected Styles No. 7 overall expecting him to become an important piece of their defense. That is why his first preseason performance was somewhat underwhelming.
Styles did not make the type of splash plays you would expect from a player selected inside the top 10. He ended the night with 3 total tackles, with only 1 solo tackle.
There were flashes, but overall, his impact was limited. The most glaring issues came when it looked like Styles was lost or in the wrong position. Styles also had struggles where he couldn’t shed blockers, which coming in at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, is not what fans initially want to see.
The good news is that Styles has the physical tools and versatility to become a major part of Washington’s defense.
He is also making the transition into a new role after spending much of his college career at Ohio State playing defensive back before moving closer to the line of scrimmage his junior year.
That transition will still take time.
The first start was not a disaster for Styles, but it also was not the debut Washington was hoping to see from its seventh overall pick.
1. Caleb Banks, DT, Minnesota Vikings
One of the most concerning draft picks this season, Caleb Banks takes the top spot on the underwhelming side of this list.
The Vikings selected Banks No. 18 overall, which was a questionable choice considering his injury concerns and his scouting reports being labeled as a raw prospect.
Unfortunately, his first preseason appearance did not feature the type of impact plays that would have immediately caught everyone’s attention. Instead his debut reinforced what scouts were saying.
Banks’ debut was relatively quiet, and for a first-round defensive lineman, that is going to stand out, especially because of the talent and potential he can have.
That said, defensive linemen can be especially difficult to evaluate based solely on the box score.
A player can have a good game without recording a sack or putting up huge tackle numbers, especially when dealing with double teams and assignments designed to free up other defenders. So while Banks’ debut was underwhelming, it should not be viewed as a major concern yet.
Throughout the opener against the Giants, Banks was pushed around in the run game. He struggles in double teams and it takes him time to attack his gaps. These weaknesses showed up in his debut, but it’s going to take time. Even Banks himself said after the game, “There are some things that I need to work on, definitely pad level. Just playing some blocks, but that comes with the game. It’s going to take time.”
He has the talent to turn things around quickly, and the preseason gives him multiple opportunities to do exactly that. However, the Vikings drafted him in the first round, even as a project pick, he will need to start showing signs of immediate impact.
One Game Does Not Define A Rookie
The first week of preseason gave us plenty to talk about, but it is important to remember that these players are still rookies.
A great debut does not guarantee a great season, just as a quiet debut does not mean a player is destined to struggle. For Ty Simpson and Drew Allar, the first preseason week provided an early glimpse of what they could become at quarterback.
For Jeremiyah Love, Ja’Kobi Lane and De’Zhaun Stribling, it was an opportunity to show that they can immediately contribute to their respective offenses.
Meanwhile, players like Carnell Tate, Omar Cooper Jr., Gabe Jacas, Sonny Styles and Caleb Banks will have to use the rest of the preseason to respond.
And that is exactly what preseason is for. The first week gave us our first impressions of the 2026 rookie class.
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