B/R 99: Ranking the 99 Best NFL Rookies After Week 4

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department reconvened as the NFL season rounds the quarter mark of the 2026 campaign to see how the league's rookies are performing. At this juncture, one thing is certain: Defensive rookies are contributing at a much higher level.

In fact, nine of the top 10 first-year performances so far are found on the defensive side of the ball, including each of the top four.

These rankings are based on what's been seen to date, with some projection where each individual's respective season can still go. For example, this year's No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, has yet to see the field because veteran Kirk Cousins has played well. Mendoza is still found among these rankings, albeit much lower than initially anticipated, based on his upside and the expectation that he'll eventually play.

Some projection is necessary, because fewer than 75 rookies have played at least 100 snaps so far. But those first-year players at the top of the list have already made an impact.

Player evaluations, grades and write-ups were done by Bleacher Report NFL scouts Damian Parson (QB/WR/RB/FB), Brandon Thorn (OL), Matt Holder (EDGE, LB, DL) and Dan Harms (TE, CB, Safety) .

Anything can happen once an NFL season starts.

For example, the Los Angeles Chargers' Jake Slaughter, who was originally slated to compete at left guard, was forced back to center because veteran Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending knee injury. Despite being a natural center and a second-round draft pick, Slaughter has struggled to adjust.

For more was expected from wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., whom the New York Jets drafted with this year's 30th overall pick. Unfortunately, the recent first-rounder continues to deal with an ankle injury.

Conversely, undrafted free agents Aaron Hall and Wydett Williams Jr. have exceeded expectations, with Hall starting one game and Williams experiencing increased usage through each week of play.

The San Francisco 49ers' De'Zhaun Stribling was easily the most impressive rookie among this bunch, but he's currently on injured reserve with the possibility of returning later this season.

Keep scrolling to explore the next tier.

Our first top-10 draft pick appears on the list, albeit as a pure projection.

The New Orleans Saints' Jordyn Tyson has yet to play a meaningful NFL down because of a lingering hamstring issue. He's not expected back until Week 7 " at the earliest ." However, his eventual return should create excitement since the Saints already field the league's top-four passing offense. Tyson's addition will only make the unit even more dynamic. He's not the only one to expect increased usage once he's in the starting lineup.

Markel Bell will likely take over as the Philadelphia Eagles' full-time starting right tackle after Lane Johnson's retirement. The Miami produce already started in Week 4, with the potential to become the Eagles' long-term replacement.

Similarly, Chicago Bears cornerback Malik Muhammad continues to grow into bigger role and flourish as the team's primary nickel defender.

The Indianapolis Colts' Bryce Boettcher has garnered more playing time than the team's top draft pick, CJ Allen. To be fair, Allen has dealt with injuries and lost far too many practice reps. The second-rounder was previously viewed as a projected starter at middle linebacker and the Colts' defensive playcaller, with top-10 rookie potential. Instead, his teammate has contributed more.

Significant upside exists among this particular tier.

As mentioned, Allen was held in high regard entering the season and could eventually become the heart of the Colts' defense once he's fully healthy and up to speed. He's yet to make an impact, though, hence the drastic slide down the rankings.

The Arizona Cardinals will eventually turn to third-round quarterback Carson Beck unless something drastically changes after a 1-3 start. The Cardinals are now 2-14 since Jacoby Brissett was anointed QB1. Arizona's front office and coaching eventually need to see what Beck can do before making a decision at quarterback next offseason.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up in the first round for wide receiver Makai Lemon. Ten catches in his first four games, while failing to contribute more than 29 yards in any of those contests, doesn't create excitement for a top-20 draft pick. However, DeVonta Smith is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. Thus, Lemon should see increased usage and targets in the coming weeks.

Keldric Faulk was viewed as a developmental option when the Tennessee Titans' traded back into the first round to acquire his services. The defensive lineman already showed improvement over the last three weeks and should continue his upward trend as the season progress, which is the primary goal for any rookie.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Reuben Bain Jr. and Seattle Seahawks' Jadarian Price immediately jump to the forefront among these names. Both were viewed as top-six rookie projections by the B/R Scouting Dept. entering this season. Both have disappointed, albeit injuries played a factor.

Bain didn't look anywhere near the same explosive defender he put on tape as part of the Miami Hurricanes. Some blamed it on arm length. Others looked at an underwhelming pass-rush plan. While both may have played a factor, Bain has also dealt with shoulder and groin injuries, which caused this year's 15th overall pick to miss Tampa Bay's last two games and severely hampered his practice schedule. Due to the nature of those injuries, Bain may never be 100 percent during his rookie campaign, which should shift expectations.

Meanwhile, Price opened the season as Seattle's lead back and showed explosive traits, with 104 combined rushing yards during the Seahawks' Week 1 and 2 victories. Unfortunately, he's now dealing with a chest injury that forced the running back onto injured reserve.

As of now, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Daylen Everette may be the most interesting name among this tier, because his playing time drastically increased after Jamel Dean suffered an ankle injury. Plus, the organization traded Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys last week, which means he's not coming back to provided Pittsburgh's lineup with a boost.

Patience is necessary with three highly regarded names appearing at this juncture.

The Las Vegas Raiders planned for this year's No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, to sit and learn as the 2026 began. However, the organization could only hope to experience as good of a start as the team provided. At 3-1, with veteran Kirk Cousins playing a high level, the possibility of Mendoza entering the lineup gets pushed further and further down the road. In a best-case scenario, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner won't start a single game this season. However, the B/R Scouting Department expects he'll see the field eventually, with the Raiders facing a daunting schedule until the team's Week 13 bye. In fact, their next eight opponents own a combined 20-12 record, with only one squad currently under .500.

The Minnesota Vikings have slowly worked this year's 18th overall pick into the defensive line rotation after dealing with offseason foot surgery. Caleb Banks has played more than 16 snaps in only one contest so far. Eventually, the Vikings coaching staff will increase the interior defender's usage, then the flashes he's already showed during limited opportunities can become more consistent.

Kayden McDonald finds himself on a similar pathway as those already mentioned. McDonald has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury. However, he was designated to return from injured reserve this week, which will allow him to contribute as part of the Houston Texans' defensive rotation. McDonald could provide a significant boost to an underperforming Texans defense, specifically by making the unit even more difficult to handle at the point of attack.

A quartet of skill position performers have earned their way into specific roles for their respective squads.

The wide receiver trio of the Washington Commanders' Antonio Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars' Josh Cameron and New York Giants' Malachi Fields have each showed some play-making ability. They already combined for 25 catches, 224 yards and four touchdowns. Of the three, Williams has an opportunity to take off in the coming weeks since Terry McLaurin is nursing a hamstring injury. Though Fields' size certainly provides a different dynamic in the Giants' offense.

While Emmett Johnson finds himself behind the league's leading rusher on the Kansas City Chiefs' depth chart, the rookie has already established himself as a viable RB2 as both a runner and pass-catcher. Obviously, Kenneth Walker III will continue to carry most of the load. But Johnson is now a valuable piece in the Chiefs' third-ranked rushing offense.

Kansas City's offense has also been bolstered by undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson filling in for left tackle Josh Simmons. Benson has been protected by the scheme as a pass protector, but he does as a nice job at the point of attack to help open lanes for Walker and Johnson.

Injuries often play a big part in a prospect's evaluation. Case in point, Harold Perkins Jr. once looked like a future top-10 draft pick while playing for the LSU Tigers. His collegiate career was sidetracked by an ACL tear during the 2024 campaign. He didn't look quite the same last season. Ultimately, the linebacker fell to sixth round before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons. Over the last two weeks, Perkins' usage has nearly doubled and he's thrived. The former first-team All-SEC performer could be found making plays all over the field, especially this past weekend when he accumulated 10 tackles. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chris Bell suffered a torn ACL in November. He was on track to be a first-round target, but the injury caused him to fall into the third frame. For a Dolphins team that lacks weapons, Bell is already its most talented target despite needing time to find his footing. The Carolina Panthers' still took offensive tackle Monroe Freeling in the first round despite limited starting experience, a high-ankle sprain during the 2025 campaign and a shoulder surgery during the previous offseason. This year's 19th overall pick still opened the season as the Panthers' starting right tackle, because Taylor Moton hasn't been cleared to play.

A heavy emphasis on offensive line play dominates this group of rookies. The Miami Dolphins' Kadyn Proctor, Detroit Lions' Blake Miller, Jacksonville Jaguars' Emmanuel Pregnon, Pittsburgh Steelers Max Iheanachor and Cleveland Browns' Austin Barber have combined to start 17 games. Proctor and Miller being instant starters wasn't a surprise after hearing their names called among this year's top 17 selections. The same can't be said of the others. Iheanachor was viewed as a developmental project. He officially became the Steelers' starting right tackle in Week 3, and Pittsburgh's run game immediately took off. Iheanachor presents the most upside of anyone among this tier and it's already started to show. Pregnon and Barber were third-round selections (two slots apart from one another). They weren't guaranteed anything upon walking into training camp. Both earned spots through competitions at guard and emerged as Day 1 starters. Tennessee Titans linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. also had to compete for playing time. He went on to capture NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September by leading the league with 34 total tackles through three weeks of play.

Interestingly, Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love were the two highest-rated players on B/R's draft board, yet neither cracked the current top-10 rookies. Downs remains super-involved in the Dallas Cowboys defense and he plays wherever he's needed within the scheme. In fact, he leads the team in total tackles. But his impact plays have been minimal. Downs is a critical component in Dallas' plans. More will be expected of him as the season progresses. As for Love, the running back hasn't been fully featured. His 55 carries are tied for 20th overall. His 223 yards lead all rookies, but the figure is still 19th overall. This year's third overall pick has yet to break off a carry of 20 yards and he's ran for only one score. To be fair, the Cardinals' propensity to fall behind opponents doesn't help matters. Conversely, the Cleveland Browns continue to draft at the highest level. After selecting Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. last year, general manager Andrew Berry added another wave of superb talent, as evidenced by three Browns counted among the top-15 rookies. Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion are already dangerous targets in the passing game. The rookies have basically surpassed veteran Jerry Jeudy to become Cleveland's top two wide receivers. Spencer Fano, who was the first offensive lineman off the board, has experienced some inconsistency, though the transition from right to left tackle looks like it'll stick long term. Now that the Browns are getting better play at quarterback, all of this young talent is being spotlighted.

Defensive rookies are far ahead of their offensive counterparts to start the 2026 campaign. The makeup of this Top 10 likely says more about the composition of the latest draft class than some all-encompassing argument over defenses being ahead of offenses early in the season because of training camp, practice and preseason limitations. Instead, the group is a reflection of this specific wave of incoming talent.

A lack of elite prospects at premium positions was the biggest knock against the 2026 class. The criticism was somewhat misplaced, though. Premium talent was available, just at different spots, which has become evident through the first four weeks of play.

Linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, who were collegiate teammates and top-seven draft selections, have created instant impacts for the Washington Commanders and New York Giants, respectively. Styles has been particularly good using his length and athleticism in coverage, while creating multiple pressures when asked to blitz. Plus, his run fits are improving each week. Meanwhile, Reese's versatility has translated to the pro game, with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, four pass breakups and an interception during the Giants' last two games.

Sticking with second-line defenders, Jacob Rodriguez's nose for the football didn't get lost in translation. Rodriguez currently ranks second overall with 46 total tackles. He's yet to force a fumble—which was his calling card at the collegiate level—but it's only a matter of time. Once Mansoor Delane's pure coverage ability, Hezekiah Masses' penchant for turnovers, Vega Ioane's versatility plus power at the point of attack and edge-pressure from Gabe Jacas, R Mason Thomas and Cashius Howell are factored into the question, a "down" class turns out to be highly impressive.