Week 5 of the NFL season has come and gone, and we have a good sample size of snaps so far, including from rookies. Seven teams had more than one pick in the first round of the 2026 draft: Jets, Browns, Titans, Chiefs, Giants, Cowboys and Dolphins. So, how are those rookie classes performing in relation to others?
There are several ways to measure and weigh the impact of rookie performers, but there is no substitute for playing time. Before getting into the teams whose rookies have played the most, the five lowest snap totals belong to the Broncos (63), Rams (194), Seahawks (283), Eagles (403) and Cardinals (545). Here are the rookie classes that have played the most snaps this season: Baltimore's rookie class is headlined by offensive lineman Vega Ioane.
He was playing right guard but was forced to start at center in Week 5, and the acquisition of Cam Jurgens will allow the Ravens to get the five best linemen on the field. Ioane is allowing pressure for every 32.4 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia. Rookie tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas have helped the franchise absorb the losses of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar.
Wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane saw a significant workload in Week 1, but was then lost for the season due to injury. Cornerback Chandler Rivers and edge rushers Zion Young and Ethan Burke have also factored into the defensive rotation. New York made two selections in the top-10 overall: linebacker Arvell Reese and right guard Francis Mauigoa.
Those two players have accounted for more than half of the Giants' rookie snap counts. Additionally, 22% of the rookie snap count has been played on special teams. Reese has looked the part through five games.
Mauigoa is allowing a pressure once every 18.7 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia. Cornerback Colton Hood has started two games for the team. Wide receiver Malachi Fields has been an asset in both the run and the pass.
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