Highest-graded NFL rookies through Week 2 of the 2026 preseason

After two full weeks of preseason play the PFF list of highest-graded rookies (30+ preseason snaps required this week) highlights 15 first-year players whose early play grades stand out. The list includes quarterbacks, offensive linemen, skill-position players and multiple defensive backs and edge pieces. Grades reflect coverage, run-defense, pass-blocking and pass-rushing components where relevant.

• Jacob Thomas, S, Minnesota Vikings — 92.2: The highest-graded rookie through two preseason games. Thomas posted a 90.9 coverage grade, a 72.4 run-defense grade, recorded an interception, a pass breakup and three tackles that resulted in defensive stops.

• Diego Pounds, T, Baltimore Ravens — 90.9: The top-graded rookie offensive lineman through two weeks. Pounds has not allowed a sack, hit or hurry on his pass-blocking snaps and owns a 91.1 run-blocking grade on 19 run-blocking snaps.

• Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Washington Commanders — 90.8: Built on two preseason outings, averaging 10.4 yards per attempt and an 8.0% big-time throw rate.

• Wide receivers: De'Zhaun Stribling (49ers, 90.0) leads in target volume early with 13 preseason targets, catching 11 passes for 109 yards and averaging 4.95 yards per route run. Camden Brown (Cowboys, 89.7) has five catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.15 yards per route run.

• Running back: Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders, 88.5) leads running backs with at least five preseason carries, averaging 7.9 yards per carry and 7.1 yards after contact. He's forced six missed tackles through two games and holds a 90.3 PFF rushing grade.

• Offensive line: Albert Reese IV (Panthers, 86.5) has played 140 preseason snaps at right tackle and leads offensive linemen with a 92.6 run-blocking grade. Fernando Carmona (Titans, 86.3) has shown above-80.0 grades in both run- and pass-blocking across 47 snaps.

• Secondary and linebackers: Chandler Rivers (Ravens, 88.4) allowed only two receptions for six yards on six targets across 40 coverage snaps and produced two pass breakups. Bangally Kamara (Vikings, 87.0) has excelled as a run defender with an 86.4 run-defense grade and nine defensive stops without missing a tackle.

Early preseason grades reveal which rookies took advantage of reps in August. Grades reflect small sample sizes and are intended to track development through preseason. Players on this list earned their spots through coverage performance, big plays, run-blocking effectiveness or pass-rushing productivity in the first two weeks of action.