Titans Rookie Forecast 2026

Solid Starter

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State – Round 1

The Titans signed Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency to a massive contract, but Tennessee was not done adding weapons for Cam Ward, and they selected Tate with the fourth-overall pick. While Tate is not as dynamic and talented as other top 10 receivers in past drafts. He is a safe pick to be a solid starter in the NFL.

For the NFL, Tate is a tall, long receiver with surprising speed for a big receiver. With his size, Tate is a red-zone weapon and provides a size mismatch to make leaping catches over defensive backs. Tate is phenomenal on jump balls, using his height, long arms, and leaping ability to make acrobatic catches over defensive backs.

While Tate has good size, he has enough speed to generate separation and some surprising twitch for a tall wide out. Tate can run well to work on defenses downfield and threaten them at all levels. He is a long-strider with a second gear that can explode in the open field with the sheer speed to run away from defenders. Tate shows some nice run-after-the-catch ability and is a threat on screens. In the NFL, his speed will be diminished somewhat, but there is no doubt that Tate has above-average speed for a big wideout.

Tate should immediately step in as a starting outside receiver and give the Titans a trio to help Ward in year two. With quality veterans in Calvin Ridley and Robinson, Tate should see single coverage, and he could contribute quickly. As soon as his rookie season, Tate could emerge as a solid starter for Tennessee.

2025: Cam Ward, QB
2024: Cedric Gray, LB
2023: Tyjae Spears, RB
2022: Roger McCreary, CB
2021: Monty Rice, LB
2020: Kristian Fulton, CB
2019: A.J. Brown, WR
2018: Dane Cruikshank, S
2017: Corey Davis, WR
2016: Jack Conklin, OT
2015: Jalston Fowler, FB
2014: Bishop Sankey, RB
2013: Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB

Most Likely To Bust

The Titans made three selections in the top 60 and then didn’t pick again until pick 142. I don’t think that Carnell Tate, Keldric Faulk, or Anthony Hill Jr. will be a bust for Tennessee. I think all three will be solid starters, and there might be a boom pick from the group. The Titans also made some nice selections on day three. If a day three pick does not work out, that really is not a bust, according to teams, because the overwhelming percentage of day three picks don’t stick in the NFL. Thus, I don’t see a pick that has real bust potential from Tennessee’s 2026 draft class.

2025: Olu Oladejo, OLB
2024: T’Vondre Sweat, DT
2023: Will Levis, QB
2022: Malik Willis, QB
2021: Elijah Molden, CB
2020: Darrynton Evans, RB
2019: Nate Davis, G
2018: Harold Landry, DE
2017: Taywan Taylor, WR
2016: Kevin Dodd, DE
2015: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
2014: Marqueston Huff, S
2013: Zavier Gooden, LB

Potential Boom Pick

Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn – Round 1

The Titans traded back into the first round and landed a really good value pick in Faulk. From a skill set perspective, he is as talented as the front seven defenders who were selected early in the first round. Auburn really hurt Faulk with how they deployed him in 2025, but that could lead to him being a steal for Tennessee.

In 2024, Faulk showed he can be a beast at the point of attack, playing violently with nasty power to complement his size and quickness. Faulk has an excellent skill set, but beyond that, he is just a really good football player. He has good vision, instincts, and is a natural football player.

As a run defender, Faulk is special, and he is a force at the point of attack. Faulk is very strong and has no problem holding his ground against downhill runs. He sets the edge and shows impressive power to shed his block and get in on tackles. There are many run plays that Faulk blows up in the backfield by bullrushing through blockers and causing disruption. He is adept at pushing upfield, shedding the block, and pursuing to make the tackle. Faulk is an above-average run defender who should be a real asset to his pro defense in stopping the ground game.

In the pass rush, Faulk is a developing player, but he is rising and improving. Faulk is tall, long, and plays with good extension to keep tackles from getting into his chest and getting a hold of him. Faulk can rush with power and knock blockers backward while bulling them towards the quarterback. While Faulk is not a freak speed rusher like Von Miller, Faulk has speed to get upfield and shows an impressive burst to close. When Faulk gets free, he eats up ground in a hurry to finish the rush. Faulk can rush from end or tackle and shows versatility with where he can line up. Faulk is an ascending pass rusher now and could end up being even better in a few years, given his work ethic and commitment.

On top of his ability, Faulk is known to have outstanding character. He is a hard worker who loves football and is driven to constantly get better. He is said to be a leader on and off the field. Faulk is also only 20 years old and has a ton of athletic upside. If he lands with good coaching, Faulk could be a special player and a game wrecker.

I think Faulk is going to learn a lot from playing with Jeffery Simmons, and Faulk could eat up single blocks. He is a young player with a ton of upside. I think he has real boom pick potential for Tennessee.

2025: None
2024: J.C. Latham, OT
2023: Peter Skoronski, OT
2022: Treylon Burks, WR
2021: Caleb Farley, CB
2020: Isaiah Wilson, OT
2019: Jeff Simmons, DT
2018: Rashaan Evans, LB
2017: Adoree’ Jackson, CB
2016: Derrick Henry, RB
2015: Marcus Mariota, QB
2014: Taylor Lewan, OT
2013: Chance Warmack, G

Future Depth Player

Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State – Round 5

The Titans have some veteran backs, and they added a nice depth piece with Singleton in the fifth round.

For the NFL, Singleton is a well-rounded back who can attack defenses in a variety of ways. He has a strong build and is a physical runner who shows the strength to pick up yards after contact. Singleton has the strength to push through tacklers and finishes runs well, delivering hits to defenders and falling forward for additional yardage. At the second level, Singleton is a problem for defensive backs as he will run through them and punish them for attempting to get him to the ground. Singleton has good knee bend to run behind his pads and shows enough speed to open it up when he breaks free. While Singleton does not have elite speed for the NFL like Jahmyr Gibbs, Singleton can hit the hole before it closes and accelerate to the second level. Singleton has a natural skill set as a runner with good vision, one-cut downhill ability, patience, and some elusiveness to weave through the defense.

Along with being the engine of a rushing attack, Singleton can contribute to the passing offense as well. He has good hands and shows natural ability as a catcher. He runs quality routes, is smooth in space, and is dangerous after the catch. Like any college player, Singleton will need to learn some blitz protection, but the potential is there for him to handle those duties.

Singleton does not have exceptional traits but is a well-rounded back. He could potentially develop into an NFL starter, but should at least be a solid backup and rotational back for Tennessee.

2025: Kevin Winston Jr., S
2024: Jarvis Brownlee, CB
2023: Josh Whyle, TE
2022: Hassan Haskins, RB
2021: Rashad Weaver, DE
2020: Larrell Murchison, DT
2019: D’Andre Walker, LB
2018: Luke Falk, QB
2017: Jonnu Smith, TE
2016: Tajae Sharpe, WR
2015: David Cobb, RB
2014: Zach Mettenberger, QB
2013: Justin Hunter, WR

Texans Rookie Forecast 2026

Solid Starter

Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech – Round 1

The consensus view had Rutledge as a day-two pick and mid to late second-rounder, but there were some teams that had Rutledge graded as a mid-rounder. They felt that Rutledge could have issues in pass protection and handling the speed of interior pro linemen. Thus, it was surprising to some when Rutledge went off the board to the Texans at the 26th pick. While Rutledge may not have all-world ability, he looks like a safe pick to develop into a solid starter.

In pass protection, Rutledge is a generally reliable presence. He uses his strength to sustain blocks with a quick hand strike to engage defenders. Rutledge has the bulk and power, but is inconsistent with his anchor when he has a quick bull rush hit him. With limited feet and athleticism, Rutledge also could have some issues with interior speed rushers. Rutledge could improve and be a steady protector with pro coaching.

In the ground game, Rutledge is an old-school guard who is a fighter and bully at the point of attack. He fights and is very physical, blocking through the whistle while inflicting punishment on defenders. Rutledge has the strength to knock defenders back and can get a push at the point of attack. He is adept at executing double teams and blasting holes with some bump blocks. Rutledge does lumber some in space, so he is not as great a fit for a zone blocking scheme.

The Texans have needed to improve their offensive line for C.J. Stroud and have devoted some early-round picks over the past two drafts to helping their blocking front. Houston has veteran interior linemen in Wyatt Teller, Ed Ingram, Evan Brown, and Jake Andrews capable of starting right away, but before long, I think Rutledge will be starting at guard or center for the Texans and quickly become a solid starter.

2025: Jayden Higgins, WR
2024: Calen Bullock, S
2023: Will Anderson, OLB
2022: Kenyon Green, G
2021: Brevin Jordan, TE
2020: Ross Blacklock, DT
2019: Max Scharping, OT
2018: Martinas Rankin, OT
2017: Zach Cunningham, LB
2016: Nick Martin, C
2015: Bernardrick McKinney, LB
2014: Louis Nix, DT
2013: DeAndre Hopkins, WR

Most Likely To Bust

The Texans made three picks on the first two days of the draft with Rutledge and a pair of second-rounders. I don’t think any of them will be a bust. I think Rutledge and McDonald are safe picks to be quality starters, while second-round tight end Marlin Klein will at least be a solid No. 2 tight end in the NFL.

2025: Jaylin Noel, WR
2024: Blake Fisher, OT
2023: Nathaniel Dell, WR
2022: Jalen Pitre, S
2021: Davis Mills, QB
2020: Charlie Heck, OT
2019: Lonnie Johnson, CB
2018: Keke Coutee, WR
2017: Julie’n Davenport, OT
2016: Braxton Miller, WR
2015: Jaelen Strong, WR
2014: Xavier Su’a-Filo, G
2013: Sam Montgomery, DE

Potential Boom Pick

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State – Round 2

The Texans have needed some young talent for the interior of their defensive line over the past few years, and I think they landed a potential steal in McDonald. He was a disruptive force for the Buckeyes in 2025, totaling 65 tackles with three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass batted. With Houston, McDonald could pay instant dividends to help them defend potent rushing attacks, and he can eat up blockers to help free up their edge rushers.

As a pass rusher, McDonald has a nice skill set to attack offensive linemen. He has a strong build with active hands and the power to shed blocks at the point of attack. McDonald has power in his bull rush to knock blockers back and can get penetration into the pocket. To go along with power, McDonald has a burst to close and impressive speed for a big interior lineman. McDonald has the upside and the ability to be a quality interior pass rusher in the NFL.

In the ground game, McDonald is strong and stout at the point of attack. He holds his gap well with the power in his base to stonewall downhill runs coming straight at him. McDonald is also disruptive to blowing runs up in the backfield by getting penetration through his strength or using his quickness to fire his gap and get into the backfield. McDonald gets in trouble when he plays too high, so maintaining his pad level and leverage will be important for holding his ground against NFL offensive linemen.

With his size and power, McDonald has boom pick for Houston. McDonald could take the Texans back to having a big, physical, disruptive nose tackle as they had with D.J. Reader.

2025: Aireontae Ersery, OT
2024: Kamari Lassiter, CB
2023: C.J. Stroud, QB
2022: Derek Stingley, CB
2021: None
2020: Jon Greenard, DE
2019: Tytus Howard, OT
2018: Justin Reid, S
2017: Deshaun Watson, QB
2016: Will Fuller, WR
2015: Kevin Johnson, CB
2014: Jadeveon Clowney, DE
2013: D.J. Swearinger, S

Future Depth Player

Kamari Ramsey, S, USC – Round 5

I think Ramsey was an absolute steal in the fifth round. Ramsey’s 2024 tape was excellent as he showed instincts, ball skills, an ability to cover a lot of ground in coverage, and physicality. Houston has veteran starting safeties in Calen Bullock and Reed Blankenship, but they could use some depth behind those veterans. Ramsey could be a perfect third safety to help in deep coverage and also be a core special teams player. He is fast, physical, and instinctive, those are core attributes needed to be a good player on special teams, and Ramsey has them. I think Ramsey will at least be a good backup for the Texans, and he might turn into a good starter if he gets the opportunity.

2025: Woody Marks, RB
2024: Cade Stover, TE
2023: Henry To’oTo’o, LB
2022: Dameon Pierce, RB
2021: Nico Collins, WR
2020: Isaiah Coulter, WR
2019: Kahale Warring, TE
2018: Jordan Aikens, TE
2017: Carlos Watkins, DT
2016: Tyler Ervin, RB
2015: Reshard Cliet, LB
2014: Andre Hal, S
2013: David Quessenberry, OL

Jaguars Rookie Forecast 2026

Solid Starter

Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon – Round 3

The Jaguars made four selections on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft, and I think Pregnon is the most likely to turn into a solid NFL starter. Pregnon started out his collegiate career at Wyoming and had two seasons as a backup there. In 2022, he became a starter and allowed two sacks in his debut as a starter. Before the 2023 season, Pregnon transferred to USC and earned a starting spot with the Trojans. He started at left guard for two seasons and did not allow a sack during the 2024 campaign. To finish his collegiate career, Pregnon played with Oregon and started 15 games with the Ducks. He was an effective run blocker while allowing one sack and five pressures during the 2025 season.

Pregnon is a well-balanced blocker that is effective in both phases. In the passing-driven NFL, Pregnon has a good skill set to take on interior rushers. He has the size, strength in his base, and ability to sink his weight to stonewall bull rushers. Pregnon shows a good ability to anchor and withstand a bull rush when blitzers have more space to attack him with speed to power. While Pregnon is not an elite interior athlete, he has the quickness and athleticism to match up against speed rushers. Pregnon could stand to improve his pass protection when he is attacked with counters, but he should turn into a steady and reliable protector as a pro.

In the ground game, Pregnon is a solid contributor. He packs a punch off the ball and looks to blast defenders off the line. He has some punch to create movement and is adept at combo blocks with good leverage to execute bump blocks with his center. Pregnon has quality hand placement and strength to engage defenders. Pregnon has average range and can execute zone blocking or power man plays.

The Jaguars have veteran guards with Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Mekari in place to start in 2026, but in a year or two, I think Pregnon could replace Cleveland. Pregnon is a well-rounded blocker who could be a solid starter for Jacksonville before long.

2025: Wyatt Milum, G
2024: Maason Smith, DT
2023: Brenton Strange, TE
2022: Devin Lloyd, LB
2021: Travis Etienne, RB
2020: K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB
2019: Josh Allen, LB
2018: Ronnie Harrison, S
2017: Cam Robinson, OT
2016: Sheldon Day, DT
2015: Dante Fowler, DE
2014: Allen Robinson, WR
2013: Luke Joeckel, LT

Most Likely To Bust

Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland – Round 3

The Jaguars made four selections on day three of the draft, and it was not an impressive haul for Jacksonville. They could have little to show for it in terms of starting talent. Huskey looks more like a third safety and backup with special teams ability. As a third-round pick, they are expected to be backups that grow into a starting role, and I think Huskey could fall short of that.

2025: Caleb Ransaw, CB
2024: Jarrian Jones, CB
2023: Tyler Lacy, DT
2022: None
2021: Walker Little, OT
2020: Laviska Shenault, WR
2019: Josh Oliver, TE
2018: D.J. Chark, WR
2017: DeDe Westbrook, WR
2016: Jalen Ramsey, DB
2015: A.J. Cann, G
2014: Blake Bortles, QB
2013: Denard Robinson, RB

Potential Boom Pick

The Jaguars were without a first-round pick, and I don’t think any of their day-two or day-three picks have real boom pick potential. I think second-round tight end Nate Boerkircher is a limited receiver and looks like just a backup quality tight end. I think third-round defensive tackle Albert Regis will be a solid rotational backup, but I don’t see boom pick potential with him.

2025: Travis Hunter, CB
2024: Brian Thomas Jr., WR
2023: Anton Harrison, OT
2022: Travon Walker, DE
2021: Trevor Lawrence, QB
2020: C.J. Henderson, CB
2019: Jawaan Taylor, OT
2018: Taven Bryan, DT
2017: Leonard Fournette, RB
2016: Myles Jack, LB
2015: T.J. Yeldon, RB
2014: Marqise Lee, WR
2013: Jonathan Cyprien, S

Future Depth Player

Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M – Round 2

While I think Boerkircher is a limited receiver and looks like just a backup quality tight end, I do think he could be a solid backup for Jacksonville. Boerkircher and fellow rookie Brenton Strange could turn into solid backups for the Jaguars, but I think they will want a more dynamic receiver as a starter to help Trevor Lawrence in the passing game. Still, Boerkircher is a solid blocker and has some ability to contribute as a receiver. Hence, I think he is going to be a quality No. 2 tight end in the NFL.

2025: Jack Kiser, LB
2024: Jordan Jefferson, DT
2023: Tank Bigsby, RB
2022: Chad Muma, LB
2021: Luke Farrell, TE
2020: DaVon Hamilton, DT
2019: Ryquell Armstead, RB
2018: Will Richardson, OT
2017: Dawuane Smoot, DE
2016: Brandon Allen, QB
2015: Michael Bennett, DT
2014: Chris Smith, LB
2013: Ace Sanders, WR

49ers Rookie Forecast 2026

Solid Starter

Romello Height, DE, Texas Tech – Round 3

The 49ers have both of their starting defensive ends coming off serious injuries. To help Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams avoid injury and stay fresh, Height should contribute right away. While other Texas Tech defensive linemen like David Bailey received more media attention, Height played really well for the Red Raiders last year and was a consistent source of pressure on the quarterback. Height is quick off the ball with athleticism to work around blockers. In the short-term, he could be a designated pass rusher to rotate with Bosa and Williams. In the long-term, he could emerge as a solid starter across from Williams.

2025: Alex Collins, dT
2024: Dominick Puni, OT
2023: Jake Moody, K
2022: Danny Gray, WR
2021: Trey Lance, QB
2020: Jauan Jennings, WR
2019: Deebo Samuel, WR
2018: Fred Warner, LB
2017: Reuben Foster, LB
2016: Joshua Garnett, G
2015: Jaquiski Tartt, S
2014: Marcus Martin, C
2013: Tank Carradine, DE

Most Likely To Bust

The 49ers traded down from the first round, and San Francisco took three players on the second day of the draft. While they did not grab headlining players and the 49ers received a lot of criticism for their draft, I do not think that any of their day two picks are going to be busts. I think they will at least be solid starters and contributing rotational players.

2025: Upton Stout, CB
2024: Renardo Green, CB
2023: None
2022: None
2021: Ambry Thomas, CB
2020: Brandon Aiyuk, WR
2019: Jalen Hurd, WR
2018: Dante Pettis, WR
2017: Solomon Thomas, DE
2016: Rashard Robinson, CB
2015: Eli Harold, OLB
2014: Chris Borland, ILB
2013: Eric Reid, S

Potential Boom Pick

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss – Round 2

The 49ers had to revamp their wide receiver room, and it started with drafting Ricky Pearsall and trading Deebo Samuel. From there, Brandon Aiyuk went AWOL after getting injured and looks poised to leave the franchise shortly, while Jauan Jennings also is not being brought back to the team. Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans was signed in free agency, but Evans is aging, declining, and injury-prone. Hence, San Francisco continued to add to their receiving room by selecting Stribling with the 33rd overall pick.

The 6-foot-2, 207-pound Stribling has a nice combination of size and speed. Stribling has a burst with serious straight-line speed that can stretch defenses vertically. With his size, he is also capable of making contested catches over defensive backs. Evans will be an ideal mentor for Stribling to learn from and see how Evans has been so successful during his great career. In a year or two, I think Stribling will take over as a starting receiver, and he could become the 49ers’ No. 1 receiver for Brock Purdy. Stribling has a lot of upside, and I think he landed in a great situation with good coaching to develop him into a potential boom pick for San Francisco.

2025: Mykel Williams, DE
2024: Ricky Pearsall, WR
2023: None
2022: Drake Jackson, DE
2021: Aaron Banks, G
2020: Javon Kinlaw, DT
2019: Nick Bosa, DE
2018: Mike McGlinchey, OT
2017: Akhello Witherspoon, CB
2016: DeForest Buckner, DE
2015: Arik Armstead, DE
2014: Carlos Hyde, RB
2013: Marcus Lattimore, RB

Future Depth Player

Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana – Round 3

While Fernando Mendoza got all the attention, Black was a key component of the Indiana Hoosiers National Championship run. Black was a physical downhill runner who beat up on defenses. At 5-foot-9, 208 pounds, Black has a strong build and will run through contact with serious strength. He is dangerous to pick up yards after contact and runs angry with an intimidating attitude. With Christian McCaffrey in place, Black won’t be the starter for the 49ers, but he could be an excellent depth back and rotational player to help keep McCaffrey fresh and healthy. If Black does well in that role, he might ascend to being the future starter once McCaffrey ages out. At the very least, I think Black will be a good backup and rotational back.

2025: C.J. West, DT
2024: Jacob Cowing, WR
2023: Cameron Latu, TE
2022: Tyrion Davis-Price, RB
2021: Trey Sermon, RB
2020: Colton McKivits, OT
2019: Kaden Smith, TE
2018: Kentavius Street, DE
2017: Joe Williams, RB
2016: Jeff Driskel, QB
2015: Mike Davis, RB
2014: Bruce Ellington, WR
2013: Vance McDonald, TE

Cardinals Rookie Forecast 2026

Solid Starter

Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M – Round 2

The Cardinals have been plagued by offensive line issues over the past few seasons, and Bisontis could be a plug-and-play starter for them at right guard. Arizona was fortunate to land Bisontis as he looks ready to compete immediately. Last season, Arizona had one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL, but that could change quickly. With Jeremiyah Love in the first round and Bisontis in the second, the Cardinals look much more capable and talented in the ground game.

Bisontis was a quality pass protector during his collegiate career. He uses his strength and balance to sustain blocks to neutralize second efforts. With enough athleticism and quickness, he can mirror speed rushers, and he has the strength to anchor. He could use development with handling counter moves and getting in a better position to not allow rushers to get on his edges. Bisontis has short arms that have some limitations for him to work through as well.

In the ground game, Bisontis has good size and strength to tie up defenders. He has the size and power to drive block and will push defenders out of their gap. Off the snap, Bisontis is physical and nasty; he projects to have power run-blocking potential. Bisontis is agile and athletic enough as a blocker who is very good at pulling or moving in space on zone stretch runs. As an interior run blocker, Bisontis can fit into a zone or power man scheme.

The Cardinals have very little in the form of competition, and Bisontis looks like a day 1 starter. After some development, I think he could become a solid starter for Arizona by the second half of his rookie season.

2025: Walter Nolen, DT
2024: Darius Robinson, DT
2023: B.J. Ojulari, OLB
2022: Cameron Thomas, DE
2021: Rondale Moore, WR
2020: Josh Jones, OT
2019: Zach Allen, DE
2018: Christian Kirk, WR
2017: Budda Baker, S
2016: Evan Boehm, C
2015: Markus Golden, LB
2014: Deone Bucannon, S
2013: Kevin Minter, LB

Most Likely To Bust

Carson Beck, QB, Miami – Round 3

After his three years as a starter at big-time college football programs, it was definitely clear that Beck had the skill set to be an NFL starter. Beck has a power arm capable of making all the throws for the next level. With ease, arm strength, Beck can really spin the ball, capable of firing some fastballs downfield. He has no struggles pushing the ball vertically and firing lasers into the intermediate part of the field. When Beck has time in the pocket and his receivers are getting separation, Beck can shred a defense and rip the ball down the field in a hurry. Beck works through his progressions and shows good field vision from a clean pocket.

While Beck can be deadly, he is a feast-or-famine quarterback. When everything is going well, Beck is tough to beat. However, Beck really struggles under pressure. He showed some improved ability to maintain his composure with Miami, but he still can get rattled by the pass rush. When the pressure is high and a defense is getting after him, Beck’s accuracy can fall apart along with his decision-making. He can have issues completing passes, seeing the field, getting panicky in the pocket, and is prone to turning the ball over.

As is common with many power arm quarterbacks, Beck has some issues with throwing touch passes and is inclined to throw a laser rather than lofting a pass. Beck has some mobility, but he will not be a running or dual-threat quarterback in the NFL.

The Cardinals need a franchise quarterback to emerge and replace Kyler Murray, but I think Beck’s lack of poise and propensity to get rattled under pressure will lead to him being a backup only in the NFL.

2025: Cody Simon, LB
2024: Tip Reiman, TE
2023: Garrett Williams, CB
2022: Myjai Sanders, DE
2021: Marco Wilson, CB
2020: Leki Fotu, DT
2019: Kyler Murray, QB
2018: Mason Cole, C
2017: Haason Reddick, LB
2016: Robert Nkemdiche, DL
2015: D.J. Humphries, OT
2014: Kareem Martin, DE
2013: Tyrann Mathieu, CB/S

Potential Boom Pick

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame – Round 1

While the Cardinals had bigger needs on their roster, they followed their board and landed perhaps the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love was too good to pass on, and he could be an instant impact player for Arizona.

For the NFL, Love could be a bell-cow back that is the engine of a potent rushing attack. Love is a strong back who has the power to push the pile and pick up yards after contact. He has outstanding contact balance to maintain his feet while getting hit, and that leads to defenses needing multiple hits on him to get him to the turf. Love has good vision to go along with an impressive, natural feel as a runner. Love has the speed to hit the hole before it closes and good top-end speed to break off long runs. His explosiveness can be seen in his ability to hurdle and leap over tacklers at the second level. Love is a threat to rip off long runs and take any carry to the end zone.

Along with having power and speed, Love has excellent elusiveness and is a creative runner. He sets defenders up with false angles and uses impressive moves in the open field to dodge tacklers. Love is a physical downhill runner with excellent vision, patience, and dynamic cutting ability. With smooth athleticism and stop-start ability, Love is special with his ability to weave through defenses. Love shows serious power to pick up yards after contact and is capable of creating on his own.

Love also functions well in the passing game. He is a nice outlet receiver with quality hands and is dangerous in the open field. In 2025, he looked improved and was a dangerous receiver. Love showed improved route-running, soft hands, and made some acrobatic catches with impressive athleticism to adjust to the ball. Love was also phenomenal in pass protection, showing the ability to protect his quarterback on blitz protection. He was very good at diagnosing the blitz and squaring up defenders to give his quarterback time to get the ball out. Team sources say that Love is a good kid, and his intangibles are excellent. He is soft-spoken and very smart. Some team sources graded Love similarly to Saquon Barkley coming out of Penn State.

Love will be the starter and could be a devastating back in Arizona. The Cardinals have some dangerous receiving weapons with Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr.. They will keep safeties honest and Love could dominate a weak tackle box. I think Love is going to be a future Pro Bowler and boom pick for Arizona.

2025: Will Johnson, CB
2024: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR
2023: Paris Johnson, OT
2022: Trey McBride, TE
2021: Zaven Collins, LB
2020: Isaiah Simmons, LB
2019: Byron Murphy, CB
2018: Josh Rosen, QB
2017: Chad Williams, WR
2016: Brandon Williams, CB
2015: David Johnson, RB
2014: Troy Niklas, TE
2013: Jonathan Cooper, G

Future Depth Player

Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech – Round 5

The Cardinals have good veteran talent at wide receiver, but Virgil was a nice depth selection on the final day of the draft. He flashed an ability to get open and create some big plays for the Red Raiders last year. While Virgil may never develop into being a starter, he could turn into a solid fourth or fifth receiver that is able to contribute as a rotational backup.

2025: Jordan Burch, DE
2024: Trey Benson, RB
2023: Clayton Tune, QB
2022: Keontay Ingram, RB
2021: Victor Dimukeje, DE
2020: Eno Benjamin, RB
2019: Deionte Thompson, S
2018: Chase Edmonds, RB
2017: Will Holden, OT
2016: Harlan Miller, CB
2015: Rodney Gunter, DT
2014: Ed Stinson, DE
2013: Ryan Swope, WR