There were several top rookie debuts across the NFL in Week 1 of the season. TeamFB7 looks back on the season-opening weekend and picks the top performances.
The first week of the NFL season has passed and the excitement is only beginning. Week 1 is always the time we see overreactions about a team or player, but it’s also a time where audiences evaluate teams decisions made at the end of April in the draft. For rookies, it was the first step into making a name for themselves in the NFL.
Ranking The Top NFL Rookie Performances In Week 1
Below are the top five rookie performances from across the NFL during the first week of games.
Josiah Trotter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Linebacker
Josiah Trotter made an early impression in his first NFL game, showing why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers invested in him during the 2026 NFL Draft.
The rookie linebacker was among the players recognized for his Week 1 performance earning a nomination for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award. Trotter’s debut against the Cincinnati Bengals gave him an opportunity to show his ability at the professional level.
He recorded 11 tackles, including 4 solo tackles, and a sack. However, his biggest highlight was a pick-six on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The score helped a struggling Buccaneers team get right back into the game and make it a one-score contest in the third quarter.
For a young linebacker, making an impact in the NFL requires more than athletic ability. It requires the ability to read plays, react quickly and communicate with teammates. Trotter’s performance is a sign of what he could bring to Tampa Bay’s defense as the season continues.
What to watch: Trotter’s playing time and defensive production in the coming weeks will help show how large of a role he can establish in Tampa Bay.
Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals, Running Back
Jeremiyah Love‘s NFL debut gave Arizona Cardinals fans an early look at one of the league’s newest running backs.
The former Notre Dame standout finished his first game with 11 carries for 41 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding two receptions for 9 yards.
Love’s first NFL touchdown was an important moment in his transition from college football to the professional game. Running backs entering the league must adjust to faster defensive players, more complex schemes and the physical demands of a full NFL schedule. His first touchdown was also the first score for the Cardinals to start the season, perhaps foreshadowing his importance as the coaching staff trusted him in the red zone first.
With 11 carries in his debut, Love received an opportunity to contribute immediately. His ability to gain experience alongside Arizona’s established running game could be important as the Cardinals develop their offense.
What to watch: Love’s workload and efficiency as Arizona continues to use the first-round pick alongside veteran running back Tyler Allgeier.
Antonio Williams, Washington Commanders, Wide Receiver
Antonio Williams was one of the rookies who made the most of limited opportunities in Week 1.
The Washington Commanders wide receiver recorded 4 receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. He did so while playing just 26 offensive snaps and running 10 routes, according to the Commanders.
Williams’ performance was particularly notable because of his contribution late in the game. His touchdown brought Washington within two points of Philadelphia, giving the Commanders an opportunity to tie the game. Washington ultimately lost 24–22 after its 2-point conversion attempt failed.
For a rookie receiver, producing in limited snaps is an encouraging start. Williams showed that he can make the most of his chances when the ball comes his way earning him the NFL Rookie of the Week award. What is also an interesting stat is, according to Fantasy Points Data, Williams was a first-read target for 13 percent of his plays. On 10 shared routes that is quite impressive and shows he can help spread out the field.
The next step will be earning more opportunities in Washington’s offense. His Week 1 production gives the coaching staff a reason to continue looking his way.
What to watch: Whether Williams can turn his strong debut into a consistent role in Washington’s receiving rotation. He is the third option for the Commanders, and will probably remain there, but his role should turn into something much bigger.
Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins, Wide Receiver
Caleb Douglas is another rookie receiver who received recognition for his Week 1 performance.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver was nominated for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award alongside Antonio Williams (Commanders), Josiah Trotter (Buccaneers) and Anthony Hill, Jr. (Titans)
Douglas’ appearance on the list highlights the opportunities available to rookies who make an impression early in the season. For young receivers, the first NFL game is an opportunity to demonstrate their route-running ability, hands and ability to compete against professional defensive backs.
In his Week 1 debut, Douglas recorded 5 receptions for 94 yards. For a Miami team that was struggling offensively throughout the entire game, Douglas’ performance is one of the bright spots. The Dolphins have a receiver room that was completely dismantled after the team traded Jaylen Waddle, and released Tyreek Hill.
Miami will be looking for contributions from its young talent as the season progresses. Douglas’ Week 1 recognition gives him an early opportunity to establish himself within the Dolphins’ offense.
What to watch: His snap count, targets and involvement in Miami’s passing game as the season moves forward. There is no official number one wide receiver for the Dolphins, but after the first week, it could be Douglas trending up.
Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks, Running Back
Jadarian Price made his NFL debut with a productive performance for the Seattle Seahawks. With Seattle letting Kenneth Walker III walk after the Super Bowl, the Seahawks are looking to see who can make the jump as the lead running back as Zach Charbonnet works back from injury. Can Price fill the big shoes that Walker left?
The former Notre Dame running back finished with 10 carries for 52 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He also caught 2 passes for 6 yards.
Price’s performance was especially notable because he led Seattle in rushing during its Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. The Seahawks selected Price with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving him an opportunity to contribute early in his professional career.
His debut showed a willingness to use the rookie in the running game. Price’s ability to gain yards and provide a reliable option out of the backfield will help Seattle as the season develops.
The rookie also finds himself in an interesting situation alongside fellow rookie Jeremiyah Love, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals. Both backs were part of the same Notre Dame recruiting class and entered the NFL together
What to watch: Price’s carries and role in Seattle’s backfield as the Seahawks continue to evaluate their running game.
Final Thoughts On NFL Rookie Debuts
Week 1 is only the beginning for these five rookies. While some players made an immediate impact through statistics, others showed promise through limited opportunities and early recognition.
The transition from college football to the NFL is a long process, and one game will not tell the story. However, strong debuts can provide momentum and confidence as rookies adjust to the highest level of professional football.
As the season continues, these five players will have more opportunities to build on their first performances. The question now is which rookies can maintain their early production and establish themselves as important pieces for their respective teams?