NFL ROOKIES TURNING HEADS THROUGH WEEK 2

Ajay Allen - August 25, 2026

With two weeks of the 2026 NFL preseason in the books, front offices are getting their first real look at how their rookie classes stack up against live professional competition. While established starters usually rest or log minimal snaps, August provides a vital runway for young playmakers to command immediate regular-season roles.

Here are six standout rookies making major noise exiting Preseason Week 2.

1. Carson Beck, QB, Arizona Cardinals

The former Georgia & Miami signal caller made an immediate splash in his debut and continues to hold top billing among all rookie passers this August. Beck turned heads in his opening action by going 15/19 for 188 yards, a touchdown, three big time throws, and zero turnover worthy plays. His quick processing, clean mechanics in the pocket, and sharp intermediate placement show a player operating well ahead of the traditional learning curve.

2. Emmett Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Drafted in the fifth round out of Nebraska, Emmett Johnson is putting up absurd efficiency metrics. Johnson led all NFL running backs in Preseason Week 1 with 10 forced missed tackles on just 12 carries, putting defenders on dynamic tilt every time he touched the rock. He followed up in Week 2 against Tampa Bay by adding more missed tackles to his tally and plunging in for a touchdown. Combined with his top ranked college elusiveness (68 missed tackles forced in 2025), Johnson’s elite tackle breaking rate is forcing Andy Reid to give him serious consideration for primary backup duties behind the starters.

3. Kamari Ramsey, S, Houston Texans

The fifth round draft pick out of USC burst onto the scene in the opening weeks of August by setting the pace as one of the league's highest-graded safety prospects. Driven by elite single high coverage instincts and sharp anticipation over the slot, Ramsey has displayed erasing speed when breaking on the ball. He’s pushing hard to secure meaningful secondary snaps come Week 1.

4. Matthew Hibner, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Tight ends typically face a steep learning curve adapting to NFL speed, but the 133rd overall pick has transitioned effortlessly. Hibner quickly established himself as a vertical safety valve, averaging over 5.0 yards per route run in his debut before following up with another crisp performance in Week 2. Running tight routes over the middle, he looks tailor made for Baltimore’s tight end heavy offensive sets.

5. De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Kyle Shanahan’s offense demands wide receivers who can create separation early in their route stems and block downfield, and De’Zhaun Stribling fits the mold seamlessly. Stribling has consistently won against single coverage through two weeks, displaying vacuum like hands on contested catches and immediate explosive acceleration after the catch. In a crowded San Francisco receiver room, his efficiency is making him impossible to keep off the field.

6. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Las Vegas Raiders

The fourth round selection out of Arkansas has been a force out of the backfield through two games, showing off 4.33 speed at 228 pounds with a 53 yard burst in his log. His workload takes on massive importance: after starting running back Ashton Jeanty suffered a scary practice injury that initially sparked fears of a torn ACL, evaluations revealed a sprained ankle instead. While Jeanty avoided a season-ending tear, he remains uncertain to be 100% for Week 1. Washington has stepped directly into first team reps and is poised to carry a heavy early-season workload.

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