Outlook for Each 2026 NFL 1st-Round Pick Heading into Training Camp

This past April, 32 NFL prospects heard their names called in the first round of the draft. In a few weeks, every one of them will begin their battles to get on the field in their first professional training camps.

While first-round rookies are generally expected to see the field early, they can't all be Week 1 starters, and that's OK. The race to NFL stardom is more of a marathon than a sprint. Some will be starters and difference-makers out of the gate, while others will be backups and role players before evolving into something more.

With training camps set to begin later this month, now's a perfect time to examine the situation each rookie is facing and their outlook for camp and the early 2026 regular season.

For this exercise, we'll go pick-by-pick in reverse order, working up to the first overall selection, Fernando Mendoza.

32. Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Initial Role: Week 1 Starter at RB

Running back Jadarian Price wasn't a starter at Notre Dame, but he has the tools and intangibles needed to start at the pro level.

"Price is a nuanced, natural running back prospect with outstanding vision to find daylight beyond the line of scrimmage," Dame Parson of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote before the draft. "The 5'11", 210-pound prospect has the physical tools to be an RB1."

It'll be a fairly significant surprise if Price isn't the Seattle Seahawks starter in Week 1, largely because Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in mid-January. The Seahawks have other backs, but players like George Holani and Emanuel Wilson shouldn't keep Price on the bench past the preseason.

31. Keldric Faulk, DE, Tennessee Titans

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Initial Role: Compete for Rotational Role

The Tennessee Titans are looking to rebuild their defensive front around centerpiece tackle Jeffery Simmons. Tennessee brought in John Franklin-Myers, Jordan Elliott, Jermain Johnson II, and Solomon Thomas while using the 31st pick on Auburn's Keldric Faulk.

Faulk is a big (6'6", 275 lbs), physical defender who is undeveloped as a pass-rusher but who can contribute early as a rotational depth piece. According to ESPN's Turron Davenport, Faulk has "already improved his ability to get off the line thanks to technique work" through the early offseason.

Given the experience veterans like Johnson and Franklin-Myers have under Titans head coach Robert Saleh, Faulk has probably been penciled in for a developmental backup role since before he was drafted.

However, Faulk should compete with players like Femi Oladejo, Jaylen Harrell, and Jacob Martin for a role in the edge rotation. That would net him valuable experience ahead of a bigger role in Year 2.

30. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets

AP Photo/Heather Khalifa

Initial Role: Starting Slot Receiver

Receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was the last of the New York Jets' three first-round draft picks. However, he might be the first to earn a full-time starting role. The Indiana product was a very reliable target for Fernando Mendoza last season, finishing with 937 yards and an impressive 13 touchdowns.

The Jets desperately need another reliable pass catcher to complement Garrett Wilson. While Adonai Mitchell has shown some flashes since he was acquired in the Sauce Gardner trade, Cooper has the potential to become New York's No. 2 option as early as this season.

At a minimum, Cooper should be among the Jets' top three receivers by the end of training camp, if he hasn't cemented himself there by now. While he does have inside-outside versatility, he worked out of the slot 88.3 percent of the time this past season, according to Mitch Sherman and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Expect him to begin his Jets journey in a similar role.

29. Peter Woods, DT, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Colin E. Braley

Initial Role: Rotational Interior Defender

With their second of two first-round picks, the Kansas City Chiefs snapped up Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. While the 6'3", 300-pounder is fairly polished as a run defender, he could use further development as an interior pass-rusher—though his upside has been apparent during the offseason.

"He's strong. He's a young bull, man. He's got so much potential," defensive tackle Chris Jones told reporters last month (beginning at the 1:18 mark). "His skill set is still improving. It's good to get that type of talent in the building."

With Jones and Khyiris Tonga likely to hold down the defensive tackle spots in Steve Spagnuolo's base 4-3 defense, Woods will likely spend his rookie season as a backup. However, he's too physically talented to be kept off the field entirely.

Woods should already be looking at an important rotational role heading into camp.

28. Caleb Lomu, OT, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Initial Role: Backup Swing Tackle

The New England Patriots are looking to rebuild an offensive line that struggled mightily in Super Bowl LX. They added Alijah Vera-Tucker at guard and used the 28th overall pick on Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.

While 21-year-old Lomu shouldn't be asked to start this season, he has the potential to be a long-term starter for New England.

"Lomu is still in the early stages of his physical and technical development but displays very good movement skills with a keen natural feel as a pass protector that tracks toward becoming a solid NFL tackle," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote before the draft.

According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Lomu is already "locked in" as the top backup tackle and saw reps at both tackle spots and at guard during the spring. Expect him to continue cross-training in camp and to back up Will Campbell and Morgan Moses to start the season.

27. Chris Johnson, CB, Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Jim Rassol

Initial Role: Starting CB

The Miami Dolphins essentially gutted their roster this offseason, cutting or trading several notable veterans, including Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The Dolphins will largely be building from the ground up in training camp and relying heavily on their 13 draft selections.

San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson was the second of Miami's first-round selections, and it's hard to envision him not holding a starting job heading into camp. Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones both departed in free agency, and it's conceivable that Miami will have new players at both perimeter corner spots and at nickel.

Alain Poupart of SI.com called Johnson "maybe the most impressive" of Miami's rookies, citing both his physical and mental ability. Corners like JuJu Brents, Jason Marshall Jr., Storm Duck, and Marco Wilson will certainly compete, but the Dolphins probably already have Johnson tapped for a starting role.

26. Keylan Rutledge, G, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Initial Role: Interior Backup

The Houston Texans have been struggling to find a successful offensive line combination for the past couple of years. However, their selection of Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge was probably more of a long-term play than an immediate solution.

Rutledge was exclusively a right guard in college, though he did some pre-draft cross-training at center. Houston has a center in David Andrews and added Wyatt Teller and Evan Brown to a guard group that includes returning standout Ed Ingram.

"For the Texans to get immediate play out of their first-round pick, he needs to beat out an incumbent starter in Andrews," ESPN's Ben Solak wrote. "Kicking to center can be an overwhelming task, and Rutledge might not be ready by Week 1."

Expect Rutledge to continue cross-training in camp and to open the season as the primary backup at guard and center.

25. Dillon Thieneman, S, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Initial Role: Compete for Starting Strong Safety

The Chicago Bears parted with 2025 starting safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker early this offseason. This is part of the reason why Oregon's Dillon Thieneman has a good chance to start alongside free-agent addition Coby Bryant in Week 1.

The other reason is Thieneman's immense talent and playmaking potential. The former Purdue transfer tallied an impressive 96 tackles, two interceptions, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in 2025 before recording a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine.

Thieneman also flashed positional versatility in college, logging snaps in the box, at deep safety, and at nickel. Chicago will find a way to get him onto the field early, and he has a very good chance of beating out Cam Lewis for the strong safety job by the end of training camp.

24. KC Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Initial Role: Compete for Slot WR

The Cleveland Browns are holding a quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Whoever wins the job will have a substantially better supporting cast than Cleveland's QBs had in 2025.

With their second first-round pick, the Browns grabbed Texas A&M's KC Concepcion, a dynamic, explosive receiver with after-the-catch ability. However, second-round pick Denzel Boston might be closer to being a Week 1 starter.

The bigger Boston projects as a strong perimeter complement opposite Jerry Jeudy, which would most likely put Concepcion in the slot. However, 2025 undrafted free agent Isaiah Bond will be fighting for slot time, which means Concepcion may face a legitimate position battle in camp.

Concepcion will likely have the inside track due to draft status, but his competition with Bond should be one of the more intriguing training camp storylines.

23. Malachi Lawrence, Edge, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Initial Role: Rotational Edge-Rusher

With their second of two first-round picks, the Dallas Cowboys scooped up UCF edge-defender Malachi Lawrence. While Lawrence wasn't widely viewed as a first-round prospect early in the pre-draft process, the 6'4", 253-pound defender impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl and NFL combine.

Lawrence was also highly productive late in his college career. Over the past two seasons, he recorded 17 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.

Dallas has been desperate to improve its pass rush, and its defense overall. However, Lawrence will likely be utilized as a rotational pass-rushing specialist early in his career. The Cowboys also have promising second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku and trade acquisition Rashan Gary, who are likely to lead the rotation as starters.

22. Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/William Liang

Initial Role: Rotational Edge-Rusher

With their first pick in the draft, the Los Angeles Chargers grabbed Miami edge-defender Akheem Mesidor. While his college teammate, Rueben Bain Jr., was a higher-profile pass-rushing prospect coming into the draft, Mesidor has been a productive defender in his own right.

This past season, Mesidor recorded 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks. A quick, athletic player with active hands and a variety of pass-rush moves, he should contribute early as a pass-rush specialist, even if he isn't particularly polished as a run defender.

However, Mesidor is likely to contribute in a rotational role only as a rookie. The Chargers have their starters on the edge in Khalil Mack and 2025 Pro Bowler Tuli Tuipulotu. Expect new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary to prepare third-down packages for Mesidor during training camp.

21. Max Iheanachor, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Initial Role: Backup Swing Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done some shuffling, in part, because Broderick Jones is still recovering from neck surgery. The shuffling has moved Troy Fautanu to the left side and created an opening at right tackle.

However, rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor hasn't entered the position battle just yet.

"Iheanachor hasn't cracked the starting lineup through OTAs and minicamp," ESPN's Brook Pryor wrote. That isn't a surprise, though, because he's largely seen as a developmental player. He has played football for less than five years."

If Iheanachor truly impresses in training camp, he might be able to push Dylan Cook at right tackle. However, Pittsburgh appears to be taking a patient approach and will most likely look to cross-train him as a swing tackle this summer.

20. Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Initial Role: Compete for Slot WR

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to secure USC receiver Makai Lemon, a dynamic pass-catcher who can create mismatches out of the slot in Sean Mannion's offense.

"Lemon plays both in the slot and outside as the Z-receiver but projects best as a predominant slot target and chain mover in the NFL," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote before the draft. "His toughness, spatial awareness, and tackle-breaking prowess allow him to consistently gain yards after the catch."

The Eagles, of course, traded A.J. Brown after the draft, meaning they have a perimeter spot open opposite DeVonta Smith. However, trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks is better suited for that role, while Lemon should be at home in the slot.

Philly also added Marquise Brown this offseason, so Lemon will have to earn the starting slot role in training camp. However, he should have the inside track because of the Eagles' investment in him.

19. Monroe Freeling, OT, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Nell Redmond

Initial Role: Backup Swing Tackle

Even though Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in January, rookie Monroe Freeling may not step into a Week 1 starting role. This is because Carolina added former Green Bay Packers starter Rasheed Walker before the draft.

Panthers GM Dan Morgan told NFL Network's The Insiders in May that Walker and Freeling will compete for the left-tackle role. There's always a chance that the rookie takes the job in camp, but it's more likely that Freeling will open the season as a backup behind both Walker and right tackle Taylor Moton.

Carolina may still hope to get Freeling some experience in the regular season, though. The long-term plan, it would seem, is to have Ekwonu and Freeling as the Panthers' bookend tackles.

18. Caleb Banks, DL, Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Initial Role: Compete for Rotational Role

The Minnesota Vikings rebuild their defensive front during the offseason, parting with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen while adding Isaiahh Loudermilk and rookies Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange.

While Banks was Minnesota's first pick in April's draft, he may be pushing for periodic playing time in camp. He has been relegated to rehabilitation work thus far while recovering from foot surgery—though the Vikings are pleased with his growth on the mental side.

"The feedback I'm getting from [assistant] coaches … has been phenomenal," Vikings head coach O'Connell said, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "As far as his ability to hear information, retain it and apply it."

If fully recovered by the start of camp, Banks should be fighting for a prominent role in Minnesota's defensive line rotation.

17. Blake Miller, OT, Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Initial Role: Starting RT

The Detroit Lions made the surprising decision to part with longtime left tackle Taylor Decker this offseason after failing to work out a revised contract. Their plan to replace him involves moving standout right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side.

Enter rookie first-round pick Blake Miller, who was drafted to take over for Sewell and who appears well on his way to doing just that.

"The Lions see him as a potential Day 1 starter at right tackle, as he went through reps with the first unit during veteran minicamp while they're transitioning All-Pro lineman Penei Sewell to left tackle," ESPN's Eric Woodyard wrote.

Detroit added Larry Borom as insurance at right tackle, but heading into camp, the starting gig is Miller's to lose.

16. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, New York Jets

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Initial Role: Compete for Starting TE

The Jets are set to have another three first-round picks in 2027, and that's probably where they'll look to grab their next quarterback of the future. However, New York has done a good job of setting the proverbial table for said incoming signal-caller.

Along with Omar Cooper Jr., the Jets snagged Kenyon Sadiq in April's opening round. The Oregon tight end is an extremely talented pass-catcher who was the top tight end on the B/R Scouting Department's final draft board by a considerable margin.

While Sadiq missed OTAs and minicamp following hernia surgery, he should have the opportunity to compete with 2025 second-round pick Mason Taylor in training camp for the starting job. Regardless of who wins it, new offensive coordinator Frank Reich is likely to use both tight ends to regularly create mismatches in the passing game.

15. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Initial Role: Starting Edge

Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. was the top-ranked edge-rusher and fifth-ranked overall prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's final draft board. Yet, he fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 15, possibly due to concerns about his arm length.

Regardless of why Bain fell, he's likely fallen right into a starting role with the Bucs. Tampa does have YaYa Diaby, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Anthony Nelson, and Chris Braswell in the edge rotation, but the early buzz suggests that Bain has been even more impressive than expected.

"It is his intelligence, his understanding of the game," head coach Todd Bowles said, per ESPN's Jenna Laine. "There are some things that you cannot teach, and he does not learn like a normal rookie, and he does some things that a three- or four-year guy can do."

Bain, who racked up 9.5 sacks this past season, should immediately become the new face of Tampa's pass rush. Barring a setback in camp, he'll do it from a starter's role.

14. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Initial Role: Starting RG

Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta seems to have a knack for filling needs by letting the draft come to him. Baltimore needed to backfill its guard spots, and Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane ended up being there at No. 14.

The top-ranked interior lineman on the final B/R board, Ioane has all the traits needed to be a Week 1 starter.

"Ioane is the top pure guard in the class, driven by very good play strength and point-of-attack power that allow him to routinely halt the bull rush with a firm anchor while creating displacement and compressing the line of scrimmage," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote before the draft.

While Ioane spent the bulk of his collegiate career at left guard, there's a good chance that he starts on the right side for the Ravens this season. Baltimore also brought back John Simpson, who started all 17 games for the Ravens at left tackle in 2023.

13. Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Initial Role: Compete for Backup QB

When the Los Angeles Rams used the 13th overall pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, it probably seemed to some like an illogical choice. The Rams have the reigning MVP at quarterback in Matthew Stafford and are chasing a Super Bowl. If Simpson starts for Los Angeles this season, there's a massive problem.

However, the selection makes a little more sense in retrospect, following the trade for Myles Garrett. The Rams are unlikely to be picking high in the draft order in the near future, and they flipped their 2027 first-rounder in the Garrett trade anyway.

If Los Angeles was set on getting a first-round QB to be Stafford's heir, now was the time to get him.

If Simpson is going to help the Rams at all this season, he's likely going to do it in a backup role. However, he'll have to beat out 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett to earn it. The Rams are chasing a Super Bowl this season, and they're going to want their most prepared QB providing insurance behind Stafford on game days.

12. Kadyn Proctor, OL, Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Jim Rassol

Initial Role: Starting LG

Like cornerback Chris Johnson, rookie offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor is likely to start early for the Dolphins due to the team's overall lack of veteran depth. The former Alabama tackle has been working at guard during the offseason and has been very open to the challenge of a position change.

"Really just kind of coming in here, taking it day by day and doing whatever I'm asked to," Proctor said, per Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post.

The Dolphins will want their most reliable starting five on the field as they audition quarterback Malik Willis for the future. However, they simply don't have the sort of veteran talent needed to keep Proctor off of it in Week 1.

Miami's guard group includes starting right guard Jonah Savaiinaea, 2025 undrafted free agent Josh Priebe, and rookie sixth-round pick DJ Campbell.

11. Caleb Downs, S, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Initial Role: Starting DB

No rookie is ever simply handed a starting job. However, Caleb Downs should practically sprint into a starting role for the Cowboys. The former Ohio State safety was the top-ranked player, regardless of position, on the B/R Scouting Department's final draft board.

Downs was a playmaking safety at Ohio State, racking up 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, and two interceptions this past season alone. He might also be the most versatile defender in the entire 2026 class, capable of playing both safety spots and the nickel position at a high level.

Dallas will find a way to have Downs in the starting lineup when it opens the season against the New York Giants. With Malik Hooker and free-agent addition Jalen Thompson potentially manning the safety spots, Downs may begin his career defending the slot.

10. Francis Mauigoa, G, New York Giants

AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Initial Role: Starting RG

The New York Giants used their second first-round draft pick on Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. The 2025 consensus All-American was the second-ranked interior lineman on the final B/R board but was also deemed the draft's best run blocker at the position.

Mauigoa, it would seem, wasted little time solidifying himself as a starter for the Giants.

"Mauigoa plugged in immediately at right guard next to tackle Jermaine Eluemunor with the first-team offense in the spring," ESPN's Jordan Raanan wrote. "It's hard to imagine, considering his size and body composition, that Mauigoa isn't immediately a plus run blocker from the start during his rookie season."

Barring a major setback in camp, Mauigoa will be a Week 1 starter for the Giants.

9. Spencer Fano, OT, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Initial Role: Starting LT

The Browns made Utah tackle Spencer Fano the first offensive lineman off the board, and they did so with the intent of making him a rookie starter. The offensive line was a disaster last season, and Cleveland has been searching for a steady left tackle ever since Joe Thomas retired in 2018.

Fano's main competition for the job is Dawand Jones, who has shown flashes but struggled to stay healthy. Therefore, it's no surprise that Fano has already seen first-team work in the offseason.

According to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, Browns head coach Todd Monken "already views Fano as one of the team's five starting linemen."

Expect Cleveland to keep Fano in with the starting group throughout camp.

8. Jordyn Tyson, WR, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Matthew Hinton

Initial Role: Compete for Starting WR

The New Orleans Saints are building around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, and they got him another weapon in Arizona State receiver  Jordyn Tyson. The top receiver on the B/R Scouting Department's final big board, Tyson should quickly become Shough's second option opposite Chris Olave.

However, Tyson may have to fight for a starting spot in training camp. He won't face stiff competition—other candidates include Ja'Lynn Polk, Mason Tipton, and fourth-round rookie Bryce Lance—Tyson will have to prove that he's healthy and up to speed to start.

Tyson has a lengthy injury history and spent OTAs and minicamp continuing to rehab a lingering hamstring injury. If he's healthy and gets quality reps in camp, he'll be New Orleans' top option opposite Olave for Week 1. However, the Saints may keep him in a rotational role if he only gets limited work during the summer.

7. Sonny Styles, LB, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Initial Role: Starting MLB

The Washington Commanders were always expected to go defense with the seventh overall pick, and they were likely thrilled to have Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles fall to them there. Styles, the sixth-ranked prospect on the final B/R board, is a do-it-all defender with an elite athletic ceiling and All-Pro potential.

This past season, Styles recorded 82 tackles, one sack, one interception, and 5.5 tackles for loss. He then wowed scouts with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical jump at the scouting combine.

Styles' relative athletic score ranked fourth out of more than 3,300 linebackers tracked since 1987.

Ability and upside aren't enough to guarantee a starting spot for most rookies. However, the Commanders are widely expected to have all new starters at linebacker after adding the likes of Leo Chenal, Odafe Oweh, and K'Lavon Chaisson. Styles should start somewhere in the middle of the group.

6. Mansoor Delane, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Initial Role: Compete for Starting CB Job

The Chiefs traded up to land LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the sixth overall pick, surrendering the ninth, 74th, and 148th picks in the process. While the move to get Delane was costly, it doesn't guarantee that he'll walk in as a Week 1 starter.

Now, Delane is a very talented prospect who was ranked eighth overall on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final draft board. He'll have every opportunity to earn a starting gig in training camp.

However, Delane will have to compete. Kansas City has one promising young building block in cornerback Nohl Williams, and it brought back a former starter in free agent L'Jarius Sneed. It also added Kader Kohou, who is a strong bet to start in the slot.

Delane could also enter training camp a bit behind in the competition after missing mandatory minicamp with a shoulder injury.

5. Arvell Reese, LB, New York Giants

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Initial Role: Starting MLB

The Giants likely celebrated when Ohio State linebacker/edge-rusher Arvell Reese was available at No. 5. The top-ranked front-seven defender on the final B/R board, Reese was a legitimate candidate to go to the Jets at No. 2.

While many expected Reese to become a full-time edge-rusher in the NFL—and he still might, eventually—the Giants already have Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux in their edge rotation. Therefore, they're planning to use Reese as an off-ball linebacker to begin his career.

Reese is penciled in as the starter inside next to free-agent addition Tremaine Edmunds, and the duo is already generating buzz.

"Man, they look like—I don't know,"Burns said during minicamp, per Dan Salomone of the team's official website. "I've never seen a linebacker duo like that, just off first glance."

Reese will be in the starting lineup when the Giants face the Cowboys to open the season.

4. Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Initial Role: Starting WR

The Titans had several sensible options with the fourth overall pick, but they snapped up Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate for one clear reason. Tennessee needs to develop quarterback and 2025 first overall pick Cam Ward, and Tate is exactly the sort of pass-catcher who can help.

Ward flashed promise as a rookie, but he was stuck with one of the league's worst supporting casts and with nothing that resembled a true No. 1 receiver. Tate wasn't that at Ohio State, though he might have been if the Buckeyes didn't employ Jeremiah Smith.

Despite being Ohio State's No. 2 receiver, Tate managed to record 875 yards and nine touchdowns this past season while displaying a great blend of strong route-running and breakaway ability. He might just have the highest floor of the 2026 receiver class.

Tate regularly impressed Titans coaches during the spring, and while he might not walk into training camp as the best receiver on Tennessee's roster, he's essentially guaranteed to be a starter.

3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Initial Role: Starting RB

The Arizona Cardinals used the third overall pick on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and they didn't do it with plans of working him into the offense slowly. Love is a do-it-all offensive playmaker who can be a centerpiece in the mold of Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson.

This past season, Love racked up 1,372 rushing yards, 280 receiving yards, and 21 combined touchdowns while sharing the backfield with fellow first-rounder Jadarian Price.

Love may have to share the backfield a bit in Arizona, too, but he should step into training camp as the presumptive Week 1 starter.

Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson, and James Conner—who is returning from a season-ending foot injury—will be in the mix as well. However, it'll be a fairly significant surprise if new head coach Mike LaFleur isn't building his offense around Love from the very first day of camp.

2. David Bailey, Edge, New York Jets

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Initial Role: Compete for Starting Edge

With their first pick in the first round, the Jets made Texas Tech edge-defender David Bailey the first non-quarterback off the board. While Bailey hasn't been particularly efficient against the run, he offers Pro Bowl potential as a pass-rushing specialist.

"Bailey is an impressive athlete who has a deep bag of pass-rush moves to be a significant contributor on third downs in the NFL," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

While Bailey's deficiencies against the run may prevent him from being a three-down player initially, that doesn't mean he won't work his way to the front of the edge rotation before the end of camp.

Bailey has the most upside, by far, of an edge group that also includes Will McDonald IV, Joseph Ossai, and Kingsley Enagbare. If Bailey doesn't start, he should still see a prominent role.

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/John Locher

Initial Role: Backup QB

In recent years, teams that have taken a quarterback first overall have tended to fast-track him to the starting job. However, the Las Vegas Raiders aren't looking to do that with reigning Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.

The Indiana product has all the physical tools and intangibles needed to become a very good starter in the NFL eventually. However, Las Vegas added veteran Kirk Cousins this offseason so that it can be patient with its rookie signal-caller. Rather than rushing Mendoza through the early offseason, the Raiders have focused on making incremental progress with his fundamentals.

"He's still [learning] what to do, making sure he knows his job, and then we can start to take some of the next steps, but it's a long road [and] a lot of work to do. We're pleased with the work that he's been putting in to this point," quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan said last month, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden.

It's certainly possible that a switch flips for Mendoza during camp and allows him to race past Cousins toward the QB1 role. However, the plan heading into the summer is clearly to prepare Cousins to start while preparing Mendoza to take over down the road.