The 2026 NFL preseason officially kicked off on Thursday night with six games across the National Football League. While starters from multiple teams played, these exhibition games are always about the rookies and young players who get a chance to prove themselves in live action.
For the sake of this exercise, we’re only going to include one standout per team. Because of that Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil, Indianapolis Colts edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. and Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Germie Bernard didn’t make the list. We have, however, highlighted one rookie from each of the six games.
Let’s dive into our list of standouts from Thursday’s NFL preseason Week 1 games.
Drew Allar, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
While the Steelers have the most invested into Drew Allar, the third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft came on the field after Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. He demonstrated why they spent the 76th overall pick on him, a selection that drew a lot of skepticism from critics. After working under Mike McCarthy for a few months, Allar completed 10-of-13 passes for 153 yards (11.8 yards per attempt), tacking on 3 total touchdowns (one rushing) without a single negative play (sack or interception) on his line. It resulted in a nearly perfect 154.8 passer rating. This performance should earn him a few more reps with the second-team offense in Steelers training camp and, more importantly, extended time in the final two preseason games.
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Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals rightfully drew criticisms for using the 3rd overall pick on Jeremiyah Love. Rebuilding teams shouldn’t be spending premium draft capital on a running back, especially when it immediately means making him one of the highest-paid players at the position. NFL Preseason Week 1 showcased why Arizona “loved” him so much. Just look at the cut-up of all his runs on Thursday night.
Even with the Las Vegas Raiders defensive line consistently getting penetration into the backfield, Love showed a remarkable ability to make the first defender miss. When he got into open field, he made defenders miss with jukes and hurdles. Love’s vision, elusiveness and ability to generate yards after first contact all stood out on Thursday night. We also are only seeing a small glimpse of how dangerous he is as a receiving threat. Love’s 72 scrimmage yards on 14 touches (5.1 yards per touch) were nice, but it’s how he got those yards that truly felt exceptional.
Related: Arizona Cardinals GM Addresses Josh Sweat Trade Rumors
De’Zhaun Stribling, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are desperate for someone in this receiving corps to step up behind Mike Evans as the No. 2 wideout. De’Zhaun Stribling, the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, already generated massive buzz in the first few weeks of 49ers training camp. That carried over into San Francisco’s preseason opener. Even with Kyle Shanahan not only resting the 49ers’ starters and backup quarterback Mac Jones, Stribling still led the team in receptions (seven) and receiving yards (63) while finishing second in targets (eight). We’re buying all the Stribling stock that’s still left, he should be one of the most productive NFL rookie wide receivers this season.
Related: Promising George Kittle Injury Update for SF 49ers
Blake Miller, Right Tackle, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions offensive line is dealing with enough uncertainty as it is on the interior. We also think that All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell may experience a few growing pains in his transition to the left side, as it also happened to Tristan Wirfs when he made the same move. All of that makes it even more critical that Detroit’s 2026 first-round pick, Blake Miller, can hold his own on the right side.
In his first NFL game, the 17th overall pick looked the part. It is particularly impressive from Miller because the rest of the Lions’ starters didn’t suit up for the preseason opener. Miller showed glimpses of being a steady right tackle and that is all Detroit needs from him in his rookie year.
Related: Detroit Lions Lose Key Starter to Significant Injury
Bryce Boettcher, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ 2026 draft class was devoted to providing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with a lot more help on that side of the ball. Top pick CJ Allen figures to be the standout from the group, but fourth-round pick Bryce Boettcher is certainly making a name for himself this summer.
Selected with the 135th overall pick, the linebacker was the most impressive rookie on the field for Indianapolis in NFL Preseason Week 1. He’s a very disciplined player who didn’t make mental mistakes and brought toughness every time he was near the football. It’s clear why he’s poised to be a starter immediately.
Kayden McDonald, Defensive Tackle, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans used the 36th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to further enrich a defense that was already loaded. Kayden McDonald was arguably a first-round talent who slid to the 36th overall selection. On Thursday night, we got an early taste of exactly why he was coveted by head coach DeMeco Ryans.
McDonald, standing at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, showed how difficult it is to move him on the defensive interior. Eating up space will be one of his responsibilities, but he also recorded a run stuff in his first NFL game. We can’t wait to see what he’s capable of when lined up in the trenches with Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter.
Trey Smack, Kicker, Green Bay Packers
While kickers aren’t normally highlighted among the rookie standouts during the NFL preseason, an exception is being made for Trey Smack. He got off to a rough start this summer, missing quite a few kicks in OTAs and then seeing the inconsistency carryover into Green Bay Packers training camp. There must be something about live action that brings the best out of them. He made two 58-yard field goals on Thursday night, with the first being wiped out by a penalty that created a first down. He ended the night with makes from 37, 38 and 58 with all three easily making it in.
Related: Winners, Losers from Green Bay Packers’ Preseason Opener