Which 5 NFL rookies are in the best position to succeed in 2026?
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Being in the right situation with the right NFL team makes all the difference. Here are five rookies who are best positioned to succeed in their first year: 5. Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles College: USC Drafted: No.
20 overall Let’s assume A. J. Brown will be traded soon, which seems reasonable given the Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason moves and Brown’s complaints about the offense.
Makai Lemon is joining a loaded offense that underperformed last season for several reasons. The Eagles remain a run-first team, and with opponents selling out to stop Saquon Barkley, Lemon should see plenty of opportunities in single coverage. With DeVonta Smith moving into the WR1 slot, Lemon will face less pressure.
4. Jordyn Tyson, WR, New Orleans Saints College: Arizona State Drafted: No. 8 overall If — and that’s a big if — Jordyn Tyson is healthy, he’s landing in a promising situation.
The Saints have the makings of a strong 2026 offense. Quarterback Tyler Shough finished second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Chris Olave (100 catches, 1163 yards, nine touchdowns) is coming off a career-best season.