On the eve of the NFL regular season debut between the Patriots and Seahawks, CBSSports.com analyzed performances, training camp buzz and pre-draft opinions to construct the 2026 Preseason NFL All-Rookie Team. Speaking to the aforementioned teams -- who represented the AFC and NFC, respectively, in the Super Bowl -- rookies played an integral role in last season's outcome. Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori offered flexibility in Mike Macdonald's defense, whereas Patriots left tackle Will Campbell was the subject of arm length discourse after dealing with injuries in the playoffs.
Which rookies will make an impact and be the topics of conversation this season? Here is a position-by-position look at the pre-season All-Rookie team: Mendoza was the most talented quarterback to come out of the 2026 NFL Draft, but he will open the season on the bench behind veteran Kirk Cousins. The Rams used the No. 13 overall selection on Alabama's Ty Simpson, but, short of an injury, he will see even less playing time than Mendoza this season.
Mendoza is a studious quarterback who should adopt Klint Kubiak's offense expeditiously. The No. 1 overall selection has tight end Brock Bowers in the short term, as the organization works to identify other outlets in the passing game. Would Arizona's Carson Beck play enough to potentially interrupt the Mendoza party?
There was a lot more confidence in this projection before Love sustained a high ankle sprain. The primary contender, Seattle's Jadarian Price, has also missed a portion of training camp and all of the preseason. Love looked like a player who would be heavily involved in the offense and had the talent to match.
In addition to his achievements as a runner, the No. 3 overall selection is equally competent as a pass catcher. Boston is a bigger X receiver with good body control downfield and the ability to win above the rim. The buzz coming out of northeast Ohio this summer has been palpable.
Boston comes from a Washington offense that encouraged its wide receivers to block in the run game, so his impact is layered. The quarterback situation in Cleveland is a limiting factor, but the exercise is not about projecting the best statistical performers. The objective is to construct a team of the most talented rookies.
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