RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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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
Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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.
Related: Steelers Leaning Towards Rare Roster Move for 2026
Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Running back Jeremiyah Love sprints down the field during Cardinals training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on July 23, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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
Detroit Lions tackle Blake Miller (76) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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
Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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,...
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