The first four weeks are officially in the books, and it’s time to take a closer look at how this year’s rookie class is holding up. Some first-round picks are already making an impact, while others haven’t quite lived up to expectations. Of course, it’s still early, and injuries or limited playing time have made it tough to evaluate a few players. Still, we’ve seen enough to start handing out some grades. Here’s how all 32 first-round picks have looked through the first four weeks of the NFL season.
Grade Legend:
A+: – Exceptional | A: – Excellent | A-: – Near excellent
B+: – Above average | B: – Good | B-: – Slightly above average
C+: – Decent | C: – Average | C-: – Below average
D+: – Struggling | D: – Poor | D-: – Barely passing
F: – Failing | N/A: – Not Enough Snaps
All stats are from NFL.com as of 10/08/2026*
First-Round Pick NFL Grades
1. Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza has yet to start a regular season game and currently sits behind starter Kirk Cousins on the Las Vegas Raiders depth chart. Unless Cousins struggles or gets injured, Mendoza will likely spend the rest of the season learning the offense. For now, patience is the name of the game as he prepares for his eventual opportunity.
Grade: N/A
2. David Bailey, Edge, New York Jets
David Bailey got off to a hot start with two sacks and a forced fumble, but his pass rush production has slowed since then. He’s remained consistent against the run, which is a positive for a rookie adjusting to the NFL. The New York Jets need to see more pressure from Bailey to recapture the impact he had early in the season.
Grade: B
3. Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love has been inconsistent to start the season, with ankle issues and an unclear role in the Arizona Cardinals offense limiting his production. For the third overall pick, the early returns have been underwhelming. Getting more involved in the passing game and establishing himself ahead of Tyler Allgeier would give Love a clearer path to making an impact.
Grade: C+
4. Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Tennessee Titans
After a slow start, Carnell Tate has started to find his footing and currently leads the Tennessee Titans in receptions and receiving yards. That’s an encouraging development for a rookie receiver in a young offense. Now, the next challenge is building chemistry with Cam Ward and turning those catches into touchdowns. If that connection improves, Tate could emerge as a reliable target in Tennessee’s passing game.
Grade: B-
5. Arvell Reese, Linebacker, New York Giants
Arvell Reese has been a tackling machine while showing off his versatility in pass coverage, recording an interception and four pass breakups. He’s also making progress as a pass rusher. With Brian Burns out for the season, the New York Giants may need Reese to take on a bigger role getting after opposing quarterbacks. His ability to contribute in multiple areas has made him one of the more impressive rookies so far.
Grade: A
6. Mansoor Delane, Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs
Mansoor Delane has been one of the standout rookie cornerbacks this season, despite missing Week 2 with a shoulder injury. He’s already recorded an interception and three pass breakups through three games, showing plenty of promise in the Kansas City Chiefs secondary. If he keeps making plays on the ball, he’ll be a big part of the Chiefs defense going forward.
Grade: A
7. Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Washington Commanders
Sonny Styles has lived up to his reputation as a versatile linebacker, contributing against the run, rushing the passer and making plays in coverage. He’s also earned the green dot, taking responsibility for relaying defensive calls from the sideline. His run defense remains the biggest area to clean up, but he’s already showing he can handle a major role in the Washington Commanders defense.
Grade: A-
8. Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
Jordan Tyson has yet to make his regular season debut due to a hamstring injury. That’s a frustrating start for a rookie receiver who needs game reps to adjust to the NFL, but there’s little to evaluate until he gets on the field. Getting healthy is the priority; the New Orleans Saints will have to wait to see what he can bring to their offense.
Grade: N/A
9. Spencer Fano, Offensive Tackle, Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano has been a bright spot on the Cleveland Browns offensive line, showing gradual improvement at the demanding left tackle position. He’s allowed some pressure, but just one sack through four games is an encouraging start for a rookie. Cleveland can live with some growing pains, provided Fano continues to develop and gives the team more stability at left tackle.
Grade: B
10. Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle, New York Giants
Francis Mauigoa has moved to right guard and is gradually adjusting to his new position. His run blocking has been a strength, while pass protection remains a concern. The Giants have seen some positives, but Mauigoa will need to become more dependable in pass protection to justify a bigger long-term role on the offensive line.
Grade: B-
11. Caleb Downs, Safety, Dallas Cowboys
Despite the Dallas Cowboys defensive struggles, Caleb Downs has been a clear bright spot. He’s lined up in several positions while contributing as a tackler and forcing two fumbles. His versatility and ability to create turnovers have given Dallas a much needed positive on defense, even as the unit continues to struggle around him.
Grade: A
12. Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Tackle, Miami Dolphins
Kadyn Proctor has been solid for the Miami Dolphins, especially considering the quality of defenses he’s faced. He’s allowed just one sack through four games, although his three penalties show there’s still work to do. The pass protection has been encouraging, but cutting down on penalties is the next priority for the rookie tackle.
Grade: B+
13. Ty Simpson, Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
Ty Simpson has yet to see the field, sitting third on the Los Angeles Rams quarterback depth chart behind Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett. He was drafted with the future in mind, so there’s little reason to rush him into action. Unless an injury or a change in the depth chart opens the door, Simpson will likely spend the season learning from the sidelines.
Grade: N/A
14. Olaivavega Ioane, Offensive Guard, Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane has shown off his versatility, starting three games at right guard and another at center. His run blocking has been fantastic, giving the Baltimore Ravens another option to help establish its ground game. Pass protection and penalties remain concerns, but his ability to handle multiple positions has been a major positive for the Ravens.
Grade: A
15. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge Rusher, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rueben Bain Jr. has had a disappointing start, recording just one tackle across his first two games before being sidelined with a groin injury. The small sample size makes it difficult to judge him fairly, but the early production hasn’t been encouraging. Once he returns, Bain will need to show more as a pass rusher to make up for the time he’s missed.
Grade: F
16. Kenyon Sadiq, Tight End, New York Jets
Kenyon Sadiq has been a Swiss Army knife for the Jets, contributing as both a receiver and runner. However, he’s struggled to make an impact consistently outside of Weeks 1 and 3. His versatility is a positive, but New York needs to find a more reliable role for him in the offense rather than relying on occasional flashes.
Grade: C+
17. Blake Miller, Offensive Tackle, Detroit Lions
Blake Miller has been relatively solid, showing promise as both a pass blocker and run blocker while avoiding a sack through his first three appearances. He did miss a game with an injury, limiting his opportunities to develop. His three penalties are worth monitoring, but the early returns give the Detroit Lions reason to be encouraged if he can stay healthy.
Grade: B-
18. Caleb Banks, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings
Caleb Banks has struggled to make an impact, recording just eight tackles and no sacks through four games. His history of foot injuries and concerns about his physical readiness were already talking points before the draft, making his slow start frustrating for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings need more disruption from their 18th overall pick, and Banks must show he can handle the physical demands of the NFL.
Grade: D
19. Monroe Freeling, Offensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers
Monroe Freeling has had a rough start to his rookie season, particularly in pass protection, where he’s allowed 15 pressures. His run blocking has been a slight bright spot, but the Carolina Panthers need to see improvement in protection from their first-round pick. For now, the struggles against the pass are overshadowing the positives in his game.
Grade: D+
20. Makai Lemon, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Makai Lemon and the Philadelphia Eagles offense have been major disappointments so far. It’s difficult to evaluate a rookie receiver when the passing game is struggling, but he hasn’t done much with the opportunities he’s received. With DeVonta Smith out, Lemon had a chance to step up but has remained relatively quiet. The Eagles need more from him, particularly when injuries create opportunities for a bigger role.
Grade: D
21. Max Iheanachor, Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers
Max Iheanachor has been inconsistent through his first two starts, allowing two sacks and eight total pressures. Pass protection remains a concern, but he now has an opportunity to establish himself as the Pittsburgh Steelers full-time right tackle. More playing time should help him adjust, although the Steelers will need to see better protection before they can count on him as a reliable starter.
Grade: C-
22. Akheem Mesidor, Edge Rusher, Los Angeles Chargers
Akheem Mesidor has been decent through four games, recording 1.5 sacks, but he needs to turn more of his opportunities into production. The Los Angeles Chargers struggles to play with a lead haven’t helped his cause. He’ll need to make more of an impact on obvious passing downs if he’s going to become a consistent threat off the edge.
Grade: C+
23. Malachi Lawrence, Edge Rusher, Dallas Cowboys
Malachi Lawrence hasn’t made much of an impact as either a pass rusher or run defender, recording no sacks through four games. His limited playing time deserves some consideration, as more opportunities could help improve his production. For now, Lawrence needs to make better use of his snaps if he wants to earn a larger role in Dallas.
Grade: C-
24. K. C Concepcion, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns
K.C Concepcion has been a decent addition to the Browns offense, offering versatility as both a receiver and runner. However, he’s been outplayed by rookie teammate Denzel Boston and has yet to produce a major splash play. The versatility is useful, but Concepcion needs to turn his touches into more meaningful production to close that gap.
Grade: B-
25. Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Chicago Bears
Dillon Thieneman has quietly put together an impressive start, recording 30 tackles, an interception and three pass breakups through four games. His production has put him in the early conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year. For a player selected 25th overall, those numbers are an excellent return for the Chicago Bears. There’s a long way to go, but Thieneman has already made a strong case for his A+ grade.
Grade: A+
26. Keylan Rutledge, Offensive Guard, Houston Texans
It seems that no matter who the Houston Texans sign or draft, the offensive line remains a problem. Keylan Rutledge has struggled to start his rookie season, allowing 14 pressures through four games. While he’s given up just one sack, the pressure numbers are concerning for a team hoping to contend. With Houston sitting at 0-4, the offensive line needs to improve, and Rutledge is one of the players who must help turn things around.
Grade: D
27. Chris Johnson, Cornerback, Miami Dolphins
Chris Johnson has gradually improved week by week, showing flashes of a potential starting cornerback despite playing on a struggling Dolphins team. He’s recorded 25 tackles and two pass breakups, although he has yet to intercept a pass. The lack of an interception isn’t a major concern on its own, but continued progress in coverage will be important as he looks to secure a starting role in Miami’s secondary.
Grade: B-
28. Caleb Lomu, Offensive Tackle, New England Patriots
Caleb Lomu remains a backup the in New England Patriots, with most of his experience coming as a sixth offensive lineman. That makes it difficult to judge his development this early in the season. He’ll need more regular snaps before we can get a proper read on what the Patriots have in their young tackle.
Grade: N/A
29. Peter Woods, Defensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
Peter Woods has been average to start the season, much like the Chiefs pass rush as a whole. Kansas City has recorded just four sacks, so the lack of production isn’t entirely on the rookie defensive tackle. Still, he has yet to make much of an impact as a pass rusher. The Chiefs need more pressure from their defensive front, and Woods has an opportunity to contribute more as the season progresses.
Grade: C
30. Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver, New York Jets
Omar Cooper Jr. has barely had a chance to show what he can do, appearing in just one game before landing on injured reserve. His lone reception went for 30 yards, but that’s far too small a sample size to properly evaluate him. Once healthy, he’ll have a chance to work his way into a bigger role, but there’s little to judge until he returns to the field.
Grade: N/A
31. Keldric Faulk, Edge Rusher, Tennessee Titans
Keldric Faulk has been a rotational piece for the Titans and has performed reasonably well in that role. He’s recorded one sack and two tackles for loss through four games, giving Tennessee some encouraging production from its rookie edge rusher. The question now is whether he can maintain that production with more snaps. For a rotational player, his start has been solid.
Grade: C+
32. Jadarian Price, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price has been disappointing to start the season, with two lost fumbles making matters worse. He’s averaged 4.2 yards per carry but has yet to score a rushing touchdown, and he’s now on injured reserve. When he returns, he’ll have to compete in a crowded backfield. Protecting the football will be especially important if Price wants to carve out a role among the Seattle Seahawks other running backs.
Grade: D
The Last Word
The first few weeks have given us an early look at this rookie class, and the results have been mixed. Some players are already making a case for bigger roles, while others have plenty of catching up to do. Still, four games aren’t enough to make any final judgments. Injuries, playing time and changes in opportunity can quickly shift the picture. We’ll check back around the halfway point to see which rookies have taken a step forward and which ones are still searching for their footing.
Main Image: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
