The first quarter of the 2026 NFL season has officially concluded, offering a chance to evaluate the opening performances of the 2026 NFL Draft class. Eight wide receivers selected in the top 64 picks of the draft have emerged as key rookies worth tracking, with varying degrees of success, injury setbacks, and team utilization shaping their early campaigns to date.
Carnell Tate’s Emergence with the Titans
Carnell Tate, the fourth overall pick, began the season slowly amid the Tennessee Titans’ 28th-ranked passing attack. The rookie wideout broke out in Week 4 with nine receptions for 145 yards, establishing himself as quarterback Cam Ward’s primary target. Tate’s strong routes and explosive plays suggest they have secured their long-term WR1. Grade: B+
Makai Lemon, selected 20th overall by the Eagles, has struggled to make an impact. Among rookies with 10 or more targets, Lemon’s average depth of target (aDOT) of 6.9 yards ranks second lowest, while his yards per route run of 0.56 ranks third-lowest. With only 10 receptions for 65 yards in four games, they need to better utilize his playmaking ability. Philadelphia Eagles fans hoped Makai Lemon would help the offense replace A.J. Brown, but offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is still learning how to best utilize his rookie playmaker.
Read Also: Buffaloes defense graded after five games
Denzel Boston’s Steal for Cleveland
Denzel Boston leads all rookie wideouts in receiving yards (284) and touchdowns (two), performing like a long-term WR1 in Todd Monken’s system. We had a first-round grade on the big-bodied boundary receiver and were truly dumbfounded when he slid to the Browns until 39th overall. The Browns got an absolute steal.
KC Concepcion, the 24th pick, has functioned as a gadget player for Cleveland, averaging 8.5 yards per reception without a touchdown. While his usage spans rushing, receiving, and punt returns, he has generated only one explosive play. With four rushing attempts and punt returns, the versatile asset has yet to score a touchdown. They need to create more opportunities for their versatile asset.
Injuries and Uncertain Futures
Grade: N/AWR Jordyn Tyson (No. 8), New Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints rolled the dice by selecting the oft-injured Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall. The former Arizona State standout missed portions of offseason workouts with recurring setbacks before suffering a serious hamstring injury at training camp. Tyson was ruled out for roughly two months and still hasn’t made his rookie-year debut. There should already be concerns about his ability to stay healthy.
Read Also: Mexico struggles in new era under Márquez
Similarly, De’Zhaun Stribling (33rd overall) suffered a deltoid sprain midway through Week 1, landing on IR with a potential Week 6 return. San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling looked dominant throughout camp and the preseason. The former Ole Miss standout recorded 11 receptions on 13 targets for 109 yards during the exhibition.
Omar Cooper Jr. (30th overall, Jets) was injured in Week 1 and placed on IR, though he had shown promise with a 30-yard catch before going down. Concerns began emerging about Omar Cooper Jr. after he struggled to separate and make a consistent impact at training camp.
Germie Bernard (47th overall, Steelers) has struggled to claim a role, recording seven receptions on 11 targets for 60 yards while competing with veteran Roman Wilson for the slot position.
