Projecting 2026 NFL rookie leaders in 10 stat categories - ESPN

It has been nearly a month since the 2026 NFL draft, so we have a much better grasp of what each team's roster will look like this season. That means we can start to project expectations for rookies.

Which newly drafted players will lead the pack in major statistical categories? What are reasonable expectations for Fernando Mendoza with the rebuilding Raiders? How many yards could top-five selections Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate pile up? And will David Bailey — the highest-drafted defender — have the most sacks?

Let's take a look at the top five projected leaders among 2026 rookies in a variety of categories. These team and player projections are my own, compiled through a process that is both quantitative (league, team, coaching and player trends) and qualitative (projected depth chart placement and role). Missed time due to injury is not factored in, with players projected for 17 games unless otherwise noted.

For full statistical outlooks, you can check out this handy PDF or head over to our projections page to sort and filter through the entire league. Both are updated often leading up to the start of the season.

Jump to stat leaders:
Passing | Receiving | Rushing | TDs
Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions

1. Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders: 3,052 yards, 14 TDs (14 starts)
2. Carson Beck, Arizona Cardinals: 448 yards, 3 TDs (2 starts)
3. Ty Simpson, Los Angeles Rams: 146 yards, 1 TDs (0 starts)
4. Cade Klubnik, New York Jets: 143 yards, 1 TDs (0 starts)

This is an extremely low-impact QB class, at least in terms of projected Year 1 expectations. It's possible we will see zero rookie starters in Week 1. This shouldn't be shocking considering two quarterbacks were selected in the first round and none were picked in