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It’s too easy to get caught up in the hype of first-round picks immediately after every NFL draft, but history proves that the biggest impact is often made by players selected after day one.
Case in point: The NFL’s two best defensive rookies last year — Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori — were both intercepted on day two.
The players listed below may not be the biggest names today, but they fit their respective teams schematically and appear to have a relatively clear path to playing time. That’s why they’re poised to make big contributions in 2026. And only a few of them were drafted in the first round.
With training camp underway, here are my NFC rookies to watch.
NFC IS
Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State (No. 11 pick)
Okay, this is just too obvious to ignore. Downs was the easiest assessment of this draft class, as his tape was filled with instinctive, athletic and physical plays that should translate to immediate success in the NFL. The Cowboys defense desperately needed a sheriff and Downs is him.
New York Giants: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (pick No. 74)
Between Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin – not to mention free agent tight end Isaiah Likely – the Giants already have plenty of wideouts for Jaxson Dart. The pass catchers are relatively small by NFL standards and are certainly not representative of the team’s Giants nickname. Fields, who stands nearly 6-foot-5 and 218 pounds, meanwhile, is a legit, full-bodied X-receiver who wins above the rim. I think he will quickly become one of Dart’s favorite targets.
Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE/WR, Vanderbilt (pick No. 54)
No tight end in the NFL caught more touchdowns last year than Dallas Goedert (11), but I think that’s both a function of his talent and a byproduct of defenses being drawn to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to slow down the Eagles’ dynamic running game. Stowers likely won’t challenge Goedert in 2026, but he immediately diversifies a Philadelphia offense that no longer features star AJ Brown.
The Eagles need more from their passing game, and the addition of tight end Eli Stowers should change the way they attack. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (pick No. 71)
There is no doubt that rookie linebacker Sonny Styles will make an immediate impact for the Commanders. However, I’m also very intrigued by Williams, who plays bigger and faster than his measurables suggest. Williams reminds me a bit of former Seattle star Doug Baldwin, with his shifty change of direction and knack for making big plays.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: Logan Jones, C, Iowa (pick No. 57)
Protecting Caleb Williams is obviously Chicago’s top priority, and Jones — the reigning Rimington Award winner as the nation’s best center — was an excellent choice to accomplish that. His 50 career starts for an Iowa program well known for producing plug-and-play blockers make this tech a smart bet to start right away.
Detroit Lions: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (pick No. 157)
If there was a cornerback in this class perfectly suited to play for Dan Campbell, it was Abney – a scrappy defender who plays much bigger than his size. The Lions currently list free agent Roger McCreary as their starting nickel. Don’t be surprised when Abney sheds this role as a rookie.
Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (pick No. 52)
The Packers wisely addressed one of their biggest position concerns with their top pick. Cisse possesses first-round features and tape and provides the club with a contingency plan in case compatriot Carrington Valentine continues to struggle. Plus, with Keisean Nixon as a pending free agent, Cissé offers a cheaper, younger alternative.
Before long, Green Bay could turn to Brandon Cisse to cover opposing teams’ top receivers. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (pick No. 82)
It may seem funny to see Orange in purple, but opponents won’t smile when the Vikings’ third-round pick emerges as a key starter as a rookie. The Orange doesn’t offer much in the passing game, but he is powerful and tenacious against the run and will be counted on to contribute immediately, with Minnesota cutting ties ahead of the draft with veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR/RS, Georgia (pick No. 79)
Branch will almost surely begin the season as the Falcons’ primary punt and kick returner. But it’s his ability to create in the fast-paced game as a receiver and rusher that intrigues me the most. Any offense featuring Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts is going to strain defenses and create easy one-on-one opportunities. The branch must flourish in a complementary role.
Carolina Panthers: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (pick No. 83)
Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan is more of a glider than a true vertical threat, and that’s precisely where Brazzell excels. His ability to spread the field should open up Carolina’s passing game to others, although Brazzell isn’t just a deep decoy. I also really like his body control and sticky hands.
The Panthers could prove to be a more explosive offense this season with forward Chris Brazzell II and 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan both roaming the perimeter. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (pick No. 42)
Versatile players Jordyn Tyson and Bryce Lance will attract the most attention among the Saints’ draft class, but Miller figures to be their top pick. A sturdy runner who I think is only scratching the surface of his potential as a passer, Miller should step in and be a key contributor as a rookie before truly emerging in 2027 as current starters Davon Godchaux (32) and Nathan Shepherd (31) age and are in the final years of their respective contracts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, ILB, Missouri (pick No. 46)
Growing up with an NFL legacy left Trotter uniquely prepared to meet high expectations, and he’ll immediately face them given the recent retirement of franchise legend Lavonte David. Trotter has the speed, physique and alpha mentality to play right away. He also finds himself in a formidable situation considering the Bucs have two massive defensive tackles in Vita Vea and A’Shawn Robinson to keep him clean.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals: Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeast Louisiana (pick No. 104)
The jump from FCS to the NFL is huge, but Proctor has performed well against high-level competition, including against LSU and at the Senior Bowl last year. His combination of quickness, length and strength should give the Cardinals some much-needed depth and flexibility up front. I see him contributing as a rookie and emerging as a starter within a year or two.
Los Angeles Rams: Keagen Trost, OT, Missouri (pick No. 93)
The Rams may have found a future starting blocker in the middle of the towers with Trost, whose sturdy frame projects better inside to guard after spending virtually his entire college career on the outside as a blocker. Trost won’t attract much attention as first-round quarterback Ty Simpson, of course, but he should play a key role as the Rams’ sixth man on the offensive line as a rookie.
The Rams may not need Keagen Trost to start this year, but he could still play a big role on their offensive line soon. (Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (pick No. 107)
The 49ers were ravaged by injuries a year ago, and it was the most obvious reason why the club finished last in the NFL in sacks (20). Their depth could look a lot different in 2026 with the return of DEs Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, as well as the additions of rookie DE Keion White and free agent Osa Odighizuwa. Even though all this leaves Halton with few opportunities, I like his slippery side. Even if he doesn’t start a single game this season, don’t be surprised if he plays a big role and matches his college career high of five sacks as a rookie.
Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (pick No. 32)
I’ve been covering the NFL draft for over a quarter century now, and I can’t recall a prospect selected in the first round who never started a college game. This is the case for Price, who held his own at Notre Dame despite playing behind Jeremiah Love. Seattle’s selection was bold and I think it will pay off handsomely for the defending champions. Price’s tape suggests he’ll be a great fit in their wide zone scheme. In fact, I expect Price to not only be Seattle’s best runner in 2026, but also contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
