2026 NFL Draft’s First-Round Rookies: How They Did Before Pads Came On

What Happens When the NFL Takes a Summer Nap?

Imagine this: The NFL season is done. No big games for a while. But the teams don’t just sleep! They have special spring practices called OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and minicamp. Think of these like gym class for football players. They learn plays and get better, but they wear shorts and t-shirts, not real pads or helmets. It’s like practicing tag instead of playing a full-contact game.

Before the real training camp starts in late July (which is like the first day of football school), reporters from every state got to watch these rookies. Here is the full report on how all 32 first-round picks from the 2026 draft are doing so far.

The Quarterbacks: The Team Captains

First, let’s look at the most important players on the field.

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana (Las Vegas Raiders)

• What’s Good: He works super hard, leads the team, and finds his friends (open receivers) for catches very quickly.
• What to Fix: Standing behind the big guy in the middle (called "under center") is tricky for him. His feet need to learn new dance steps.
• The Situation: The Raiders have an older, experienced quarterback named Kirk Cousins. So, they are not rushing Mendoza at all.

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama (Los Angeles Rams)

• What’s Good: The coach says Simpson is "coachable"—which means he listens! He is the first to arrive and last to leave. Fundamentals (the basics like throwing and dropping back) were the spring focus.
• The Situation: The coach says it’s hard to tell how good a player is without pads. They spent time building a strong foundation.

The Defensive Heroes: Stopping the Other Team

Next, the players who stop the other team from scoring.

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech (New York Jets)

• What’s Good: When the ball is snapped, his first step is incredibly fast.
• What to Fix: He needs to get stronger at stopping runners and powering past big blockers.
• The Situation: Even the left tackle said he’s definitely meant to rush the quarterback.

Arvell Reese | LB/Edge | Ohio State (New York Giants)

• What’s Good: He is big (6’4", 241 lbs) and can run with speedy running backs very well. A star player was shocked at how good Reese is at covering receivers.
• What to Fix: Receivers are tricky to cover, but he’s learning the mental side fast.
• The Situation: He handled the mental challenge of learning plays perfectly.

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU (Kansas City Chiefs)

• What’s Good: He was so good in the spring that the coach called him "the top corner in this class."
• What to Fix: He hurt his shoulder and missed minicamp.
• The Situation: He is expected to be a starter in training camp.

Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State (Washington Commanders)

• What’s Good: He closes in on players very fast. He is a genius about football and wears the "green dot" (a radio in his helmet to call plays) well.
• What to Fix: None mentioned, his brain and speed are perfect!

Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (Los Angeles Chargers)

• What’s Good: He is incredibly fast, professional, and never skips his warm-up routine.
• The Situation: Without pads, it’s hard to judge linemen, but everyone raves about his quickness.

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

• What’s Good: He has violent hands, great instincts, and high intelligence—he doesn’t act like a rookie. He even batted down a pass on the very first day!
• The Situation: The coach thinks he’s a genius on the field who can do what veterans do.

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn (Tennessee Titans)

• What’s Good: He has already improved his first step off the line thanks to extra practice with a teammate.
• What to Fix: Learning to get off blocks better.

Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF (Dallas Cowboys)

• What’s Good: He has great power and surprising instincts for dropping back into coverage (usually a thing for linebackers, not big rushers!).
• The Situation: He’s learning behind a lot of good players but is still very talented.

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State (Dallas Cowboys)

• What’s Good: He plays all safety spots and the slot. He’s a worker who craves coaching and extra practice.

Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon (Chicago Bears)

• What’s Good: Fast, smart, and versatile. Once he sees a play, he makes it instantly. He learned the whole defense quickly.
• The Situation: He earned first-team reps during minicamp.

Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia (Carolina Panthers)

Wait, Monroe is an offensive lineman! But he’s here because the Panthers need him to protect the quarterback’s blind side.

The Catching & Running Stars: Making Big Plays

Now, the players who run fast, catch footballs, and score touchdowns!

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame (Arizona Cardinals)

• What’s Good: His teammates are obsessed with him. One called him a "sweet new car," another said he’s "blessed" and "a stud." He is also very patient waiting for holes to open up.
• The Situation: The coach reminds everyone they only saw him in shorts, but even so, teammates see he was the 3rd pick overall.

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State (Tennessee Titans)

• What’s Good: He runs smooth routes, catches everything, and scored three touchdowns during one week of practice open to the public. A defensive back called him "polished" and "exciting."

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State (New Orleans Saints)

• What’s Good: Super smart. The quarterback raved that he didn’t mess up a single play during slow walk-throughs.
• What to Fix: He was hurt and is still recovering and did very limited practice.

KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&m (Cleveland Browns)

• What’s Good: Elusive and made tough catches in various ways (deep, short screens).
• What to Fix: He dropped a few balls, which was an issue in college, but the Browns aren’t worried as he’s working hard on it.

Makai Lemon | WR | USC (Philadelphia Eagles)

• What’s Good: He started right away in the "slot" (inside receiver) and will be a big part of the pre-snap motion. Very quick in short areas.
• What to Fix: Had some normal rookie hiccups and was hurt (hamstring) for minicamp.

Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana (New York Jets)

• What’s Good: The most impressive rookie in their spring. Smooth route runner. Even better, he runs extra hard after the catch.
• The Situation: He has locked up a spot as a starting receiver, especially when contact is added.

Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame (Seattle Seahawks)

• What’s Good: He performed well as the top running back in the spring and showed he can catch passes.
• What to Fix: The question was if he could catch passes in a game, since he barely caught any in college.

The Big Blockers: The Biggest Players on the Field

Finally, the big guys who don’t block or tackle anyone, but they block so everyone else can shine!

Spencer Fano | OL | Utah (Cleveland Browns)

• What’s Good: The coach already sees him as a starting left tackle. The line coach loves his attitude and says he is raising his level.

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (New York Giants)

• What’s Good: Plugged directly into the first team at right guard and has run-blocking talent because of his size.
• The Situation: Learned a new position quickly.

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama (Miami Dolphins)

• What’s Good: He looks like he’s been playing for 10 years. Learned his new spot (left guard) fast and is expected to start.
• What to Fix: Hard to judge linemen without pads.

Olaivavega Ioane | G | Penn State (Baltimore Ravens)

• What’s Good: On the first team all spring. He is so smooth he’s almost unnoticed (which is a huge compliment for a lineman; it means he doesn’t make mistakes). He’s their highest-drafted lineman in 10 years.
• What to Fix: Switched from left to right guard, but it’s been seamless.

Keylan Rutledge | G | Georgia Tech (Houston Texans)

• What’s Good: Learning left guard and center to be as versatile as possible because the Texans play their best five linemen.
• The Situation: Currently locked into the second-team offense but competing for a spot.

Chris Johnson | CB… Wait no, another OT! Ot is Offensive Tackle.

Correction: The article lists Chris Johnson as a Cornerback for Miami. He’s actually a defensive player! Let’s fix that.

Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State (Miami Dolphins)

• What’s Good: The coach’s favorite player. He has amazing instincts and can play any cornerback spot.
• The Situation: The Dolphins need a starter, and Johnson will fill one of those spots.

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah (New England Patriots)

• What’s Good: Already the top backup tackle on both sides and can play guard. He learns fast and doesn’t make the same mistake twice.
• The Coach’s Quote: "I love the versatility."

Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State (Pittsburgh Steelers)

• What’s Good: Very smart with amazing athletic upside. He can learn from veterans in front of him.
• What to Fix: Played football for less than 5 years, so he’s very raw.
• The Situation: Won’t start right away but has huge potential.

Blake Miller | OT | Clemson (Detroit Lions)

• What’s Good: Sees the Lions as having tons of resources, and he credits the veteran coaches for helping him every single day. He’s getting first-team reps at right tackle while the All-Pro left tackle switches spots.

Peter Woods | DT | Clemson (Kansas City Chiefs)

• What’s Good: Athletic, explosive, and carries himself like a pro in the classroom.
• The Situation: He won’t start next to the legend Chris Jones yet, but he will rush the passer in certain situations. The coordinator is "really, really impressed."

Caleb Banks | DT | Florida (Minnesota Vikings)

• What’s Good: The coach thinks he’ll be ready for camp.
• What to Fix: He had foot surgery after the pre-draft combine and missed all spring practices but watched and rehabbed. No pads practice yet.

Summary: The Rookie Report Card in Shorts

The 2026 rookie class had their first taste of the NFL, and the results are mostly exciting! Without pads, skill players like receivers, cornerbacks, and quarterbacks could really show off their moves and smart plays.

• The Standouts: Jeremiyah Love’s teammates love him; Carnell Tate is a polished receiver; Omar Cooper Jr. locked up a starting gig; and Rueben Bain Jr. is already acting like a 4-year veteran.
• The Patient Projects: Big linemen like Kadyn Proctor and Spencer Fano are already starting or close to it, while a few edge rushers like David Bailey need to get a bit stronger.
• The Ones Waiting: Rookies like Jordyn Tyson and Caleb Banks are recovering from injuries but are expected to shine once real games start.

The most important takeaway? The real test comes when the pads go on, the crowd gets loud, and training camp fights for a roster spot begin.

FAQ: Your Rookie Questions Answered

Q1: Why does it matter how they do in shorts and T-shirts? Doesn’t football need pads?
Great question! Think of it like dancing. Before you learn a routine, you need to know the steps (the plays). Spring is for learning the dance. If you put on heavy boots (pads) on day one, you might trip or fight when you’re just trying to learn where to stand. Doing it in shorts helps rookies learn fast without getting hurt.

Q2: What is a "First-Round Pick"? Why are we only watching them?
The NFL Draft is like a big school picking teams. There are 7 rounds, but the "First Round" is where teams pick the very best players. There are 32 teams, so 32 first-rounders. We watched them because they are the new stars everyone is excited about!

Q3: What should I watch for when Training Camp starts?
Look for two things: Injuries and Fighting. When pads go on, players sometimes get hurt. Also, since teams can only have 53 players on the team, some guys might get fired (cut) or traded. Also watch if any rookie starts to struggle when things get physical—that’s the true test!

Q4: Who was the most impressive player from the whole list based on what coaches said?
It’s hard to pick just one, but Rueben Bain Jr. completely shocked the coach with how much he acts like a 4-year veteran, and Arvell Reese stunned a Pro Bowl player with his ability to run with fast receivers. But if you want praise from teammates, Jeremiyah Love is the clear winner for how his Cardinals teammates brag about him!

Q5: What is "pre-snap motion," and why is Makai Lemon good at it?
Pre-snap motion is when a player (usually a receiver or running back) runs before the ball is snapped. It’s like a race car revving at the starting line—it gets the defense confused. Makai Lemon is super quick in short areas, which makes him perfect for darting around before the play even starts!