NFL.com names 12 rookies who need to succeed in first season

by: Brian Jones 11 hours ago brianjones_93

Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is over, NFL.com has revealed the 12 rookies who need to have a strong first year. The majority of the players listed were selected in the first two rounds of the draft.

Gennaro Filice created the list and spotlighted five rookies on offense, six on defense, and one special teams player. The special teamer is a kicker who was selected in the sixth round.

But who are these players that need to have strong rookie seasons in 2026? Here’s a look at Filice’s list of rookies who are ready to turn heads this fall.

The Jets needed to draft David Bailey because the team ranked near the bottom of the league in key defensive categories. In 2025, Bailey recorded 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in 14 games for Texas Tech.

“Bailey boasts the kind of explosive get-off that should transition nicely to the NFL,” Filice wrote. “He could be a liability against the rush as a smaller edge, but GM Darren Mougey beefed up New York’s front with powerful run-stuffers this offseason.”

After selecting Cam Ward last year, the Titans need more weapons surrounding the second-year QB. Last season at Ohio State, Carnell Tate caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns.

“A surprising selection in the moment, Tate is a downfield acrobat with a big catch radius — the kind of target who should foster Ward’s full-field arm talent,” Filice said. “If Ohio State’s latest first-round receiver can pop the top off the defense, free-agent addition Wan’Dale Robinson will have plenty of room to do his catch-and-run thing underneath, while Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor will get more space for growth in Year 2.”

If the Chiefs want to get back in the Super Bowl picture, they will need Mansoor Delane to be the player he was at LSU. Delane was named a unanimous All-American last year after tallying 13 passes defended and two interceptions.

 “As the clear prize of this draft’s corner crop, Delane gave up just 14 catches in 11 games last season, earning first-team AP All-America honors while exhibiting sticky skills in man coverage,” Filice wrote. “That said, he’s still a 22-year-old who’s yet to take an NFL snap.”

A big reason the Lions took a step back in 2025 was the offensive line. Blake Miller was a standout player at Clemson, earning All-ACC First Team in 2024 and 2025.

“Having started every single Clemson game over the past four seasons, Miller possesses the kind of experience that could portend a smooth transition into the NFL,” Filice said. “Jared Goff better hope so.”

Caleb Banks looks to help a Vikings defense that ranked 21st against the run last year. The one thing to watch with Banks is his health, as he has dealt with a foot injury last season and earlier this year.

“Standing 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds with a pterodactyl wingspan and meat hooks for hands, Banks is an imposing physical specimen — and a rare athlete for his size,” Filice wrote. “But over the past year, he’s been significantly limited by foot issues; no small thing for a man this big.

Chicago lost its top three defensive backs from last year, which means the pressure will be on Dillon Thieneman to succeed quickly. In 2025, Thieneman recorded 96 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and five passes defended for Oregon.

“Thieneman offers the kind of versatility Bears DC Dennis Allen loves to exploit at the position,” Filice wrote. “During his true freshman campaign at Purdue, Thieneman shined as a ball-hawking center fielder, snagging six interceptions in 12 games.”

Chris Johnson is a player the Dolphins really like. New head coach Jeff Hafley recently shared his love for the former San Diego State CB, who was a second-team All-American last year.

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