The dust has finally settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, and the nonstop speculation of the offseason is finally transitioning into actual football. Every May, rookie minicamps give fans and coaches their first real glimpse of the future. It is the moment when college superstars trade in their Saturday colors for Sunday uniforms, stepping onto an NFL practice field for the very first time.
For coaches, it’s a period of evaluation and integration. For the rookies, it’s a crash course in professional playbooks and adjusting to the lightning-fast speed of the NFL. While hundreds of undrafted free agents and late-round picks will be fighting tooth and nail just to earn a roster spot, the spotlight naturally gravitates toward the big names.
From franchise-saving quarterbacks to game-wrecking edge rushers, this year’s draft class was packed with elite talent. As the cleats hit the grass this weekend, here are the 10 new players everyone is watching at the 2026 NFL Rookie Minicamps.
1. Fernando Mendoza (QB, Las Vegas Raiders)
When you are the No. 1 overall pick, every single pass you throw in minicamp is going to be hyper-analyzed. Fernando Mendoza was arguably the best quarterback under pressure in college football last season at Indiana, earning him the top spot. Now, the Raiders are handing him the keys to the franchise. Fans and analysts will be watching how quickly he absorbs Klint Kubiak’s complex offensive system and whether his pinpoint accuracy translates immediately to the pro level.
2. David Bailey (EDGE, New York Jets)
Selected second overall, David Bailey is a sheer force of nature. After dominating the Big 12 at Texas Tech with double-digit sacks, he brings a rare combination of first-step quickness and raw power to the Jets’ defense. Minicamp will be the first test of his legendary inside spin move against NFL-caliber offensive linemen. If he looks as explosive in drills as he did in college, the Jets’ defense is going to be an absolute nightmare for opposing offenses.
3. Jeremiyah Love (RB, Arizona Cardinals)
The Cardinals snagged one of the most dynamic weapons in the draft by picking Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall. In an era where running backs are often devalued, Love proved at Notre Dame that a true dual-threat back is worth a premium pick. Minicamp will highlight his route-running out of the backfield and his burst through the line of scrimmage. Arizona desperately needs an offensive spark, and Love is expected to provide it from day one.
4. Caleb Downs (S, Dallas Cowboys)
Sometimes, the draft board falls in a way that leaves front offices speechless. Caleb Downs sliding to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 11 was the steal of the first round. An absolute ballhawk at Ohio State, Downs has the football IQ of a ten-year veteran. Observers at Cowboys camp will be watching his communication pre-snap and his sideline-to-sideline range. He has the potential to become the undisputed leader of the Dallas secondary as a rookie.
5. Ty Simpson (QB, Los Angeles Rams)
In one of the biggest shockers of the first round, the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13. Sean McVay has always loved a quarterback with elite processing skills, and Simpson fits the mold perfectly. Minicamp will be crucial for him to learn the footwork and timing required in McVay’s system. Everyone will be watching to see if he looks like the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford.
6. Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
The Ohio State wide receiver factory continues to churn out premium NFL talent, and Carnell Tate is the latest masterpiece. Known for his buttery-smooth route running and massive catch radius, Tate is a day-one starter. During minicamp, the focus will be on his release packages off the line of scrimmage against press coverage. If he easily beats NFL cornerbacks in 1-on-1 drills, expect his fantasy football stock to skyrocket.
7. Arvell Reese (EDGE/LB, Ohio State)
Arvell Reese was the ultimate defensive chess piece in college. He can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and spy on mobile quarterbacks with terrifying speed. The biggest question for his rookie minicamp is simple: Where will his team play him? Watching how defensive coordinators align him during rookie drills will give us the first major clue about how he will be utilized in the regular season.
8. Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)
The trenches aren’t always glamorous, but they win championships. Francis Mauigoa was a brick wall at Miami, boasting incredible size and lateral agility. Transitioning from college defensive ends to NFL edge rushers is notoriously difficult, so line drills during minicamp will be a massive indicator of his readiness. If Mauigoa anchors well against speed-to-power rushes, his team will know they’ve secured a franchise tackle for the next decade.
9. Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
LSU has a rich history of producing elite defensive backs, and Delane is proudly carrying the torch. He is a physical, press-man cornerback who loves to get in the face of wide receivers. However, the NFL has strict illegal contact rules that college corners often struggle with initially. Everyone will be watching Delane’s hand placement and footwork during minicamp to see how quickly he adapts to pro officiating standards.
10. Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Rounding out our list is the athletic freak himself, Sonny Styles. Standing massive for a linebacker but moving like a safety, Styles is the modern NFL defender personified. His minicamp evaluations will heavily revolve around his coverage skills against tight ends and running backs. If he proves he can hang with NFL speed in the open field, he will be a three-down nightmare for offensive coordinators.
Looking Ahead to the NFL Season
Rookie minicamp is just the first step in a very long marathon. It’s important to remember that players are running in shorts and helmets—there are no live tackles and no full-contact hitting. However, these early practices are incredibly telling when it comes to a player’s work ethic, their ability to digest a complex playbook, and their natural athleticism.
As OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and full training camps approach later this summer, the intensity will only increase. But for now, all eyes are on these 10 rookies as they take their very first strides on an NFL field. The 2026 season is officially brewing, and the future of the league has never looked brighter.
