NFL rookies can change everything for a franchise. Whether it's a new quarterback or a defensive star, a great draft pick can make an immediate impact. Who are the five biggest standouts after the first four weeks of the season?
Sep 20, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wider receiver Carnell Tate (14) makes a catch during pre-game warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Through the first four weeks of the 2026 season, fourth-overall pick Carnell Tate has started to show his talents. He's caught 22 of his 32 targets for 268 yards.
Tate has yet to find the endzone. Given his slow start and Tennessee's 0-4 record, that doesn't completely fall on him. The team has scored no more than 20 points in a game, and QB Cam Ward has thrown only three touchdown passes.
In Week 4, Tate had his most productive game thus far. He caught nine passes for 145 yards in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. His production will continue to grow, but for now, he's not among the NFL's best rookies.
Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) reacts after rushing for a touchdown San Francisco 49ers in the second half at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The third-overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, Jeremiyah Love has earned his place in the Arizona Cardinals' offense. The Notre Dame product has 55 carries for 223 yards and a touchdown.
Love has shown talent in Arizona's passing game as well. He's hauled in 11 catches for 36 yards and another score. He's proven himself to be a lead back for veteran QB Jacoby Brissett to lean on.
The Cardinals are 1-3, but exceeding expectations beyond the box score. They've scored at least 24 points in three of their four games, and Brissett's thrown for over 270 yards in two of those games.
Arizona's offense has been fairly pass-heavy, with Brissett throwing 152 times for 818 yards and six touchdowns. If they can take the lead in upcoming games, Love will get more touches and production. Playing from behind, though, leads to fewer handoffs.
Sep 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates a two point conversion against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Browns selected Washington's Denzel Boston 39thoverall in the 2026 NFL Draft. He and KC Concepcion were drafted to be the new breakout duo in Cleveland.
While Concepcion is playing well, Boston has had the bigger impact on the offense. He's a deep threat with 13 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns and averages 21.8 yards per catch.
Boston has caught 10 first-down passes, and his longest is a 60-yarder against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's played a major role in Cleveland's offense and is a big part of its 3-1 record.
Sep 27, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) with the ball after making an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Dolphins are among the NFL's worst teams with a 0-4 record. When a team is struggling to find success, its best players can get overlooked. Jacob Rodriguez falls into that category.
Rodriguez was drafted 43rdoverall by Miami and could've easily gone in the first round. He's recorded one interception, 46 total tackles, and 21 solo tackles . He recorded 18 tackles against the Minnesota Vikings, the most in history by a Miami rookie.
Rodriguez is currently on pace for 196 total tackles, 89 solo, and 13 tackles for loss (TFLs). If he can continue the track he's on, he'll become one of the best linebackers in the NFL, and a true breakout star in Miami.
Sep 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses (35) intercepts a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Raiders found a gem in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They drafted California's Hezekiah Masses 175thoverall, and he's quickly broken out on a surprisingly good team.
Vegas is 3-1 in 2026, and its defense is a big part of that. Masses has recorded a league-leading three interceptions, along with six passes defensed, 18 total tackles, and 11 solo tackles.
Masses is currently on track to record 13 interceptions in 2026. If he continues his pace, he'll have the most interceptions by a rookie defender since 1952, when Richard "Night Train" Lane recorded 14 in a season.
Sep 13, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) runs a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Many NFL analysts and Draft experts expected Ohio State's Arvell Reese to be taken in the top three back in April. He fell to the fifth-overall pick to the New York Giants and has proven exactly why he's a top five pick.
Reese has recorded a league-leading 27 solo tackles along with 34 total tackles, three TFLs, four passes defensed, and one interception. He's been a major playmaker in New York's defensive overhaul.
One of the biggest advantages Reese has is his versatility . He's an incredible run defender; he can rush the QB, and he's effective in coverage. He can make a legitimate case for the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award by the end of the season.
The NFL is full of talented rookies, some of whom are still awaiting their breakout. Through the first month of the 2026 season, these five have made their mark and will continue to do so.
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