Grading all 32 first-rounders: 2026 NFL preseason Week 1
Key Points:
- Ty Simpson had an impressive NFL debut for the Los Angeles Rams, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns with a 78.1 PFF grade and no turnover-worthy plays.
- Arvell Reese stood out among 2026 first-round linebackers with an 88.2 PFF grade on just 12 snaps, showcasing strong run defense and efficiency for the New York Giants.
- Several first-round offensive linemen are playing different positions than drafted, including Francis Mauigoa at right guard, Kadyn Proctor at left guard, and Keylan Rutledge at center, indicating early positional adjustments.
- Other notable rookie performances include QB Fernando Mendoza's clean debut for the Raiders, EDGE Akheem Mesidor's strong efficiency despite limited snaps, and WR KC Concepcion's productive game with a touchdown run for the Browns.
- Some rookies did not play in Week 1 due to injuries or coaching decisions, such as Mansoor Delane, Jordyn Tyson, Kenyon Sadiq, and Jadarian Price, highlighting limited sample sizes for early evaluations.