10 NFL Rookies Drafted Outside the First Round Already Exceeding Training Camp Expectations

NFL training camp is officially winding down. At the end of this week (Aug. 30), all 32 franchises will be forced to submit their initial 53-man rosters. The remaining practices and preseason game represents the final opportunity for rookies from the 2026 NFL Draft to make a lasting impression before regular-season preparations begin.

Luckily, various rookies have taken advantage of their offseason reps. Early standouts are already emerging from this 2026 draft class. Many of them were drafted outside the opening round.

We've identified 10 rookies selected outside the opening 32 picks making the biggest training camp impressions.

NFL Training Camp: 10 Rookies Drafted Outside the First Round Making An Impression

De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling has quickly embarrassed critics who called him a reach. The 4.36 wideout has been big, fast, and explosive at training camp. He's also been impressive in the preseason, recording seven catches for 63 yards in his debut, and had another 46 yards in Week 2. Stribling has quickly taken to Kyle Shanahan's offense, and is also a competitive blocker on the outside capable of creating rushing lanes for Christian McCaffrey. He'll be involved and productive as a rookie.

Denzel Boston, WR, Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns drafted two receivers with top-40 picks, and both have been productive at camp. The second-rounder, Denzel Boston, appears to possess the traits the offense was badly missing. He's a throwback X-receiver with a traditional boundary skill set. Boston features a massive catch radius and can box-out defenders on the sideline. The Browns are sorting through their future at quarterback, but at least they have promising young weapons on the roster.

Chris McClellan, DT, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers rookie defensive tackle Chris McClellan has occasionally received reps with the first-team defense at practice this summer. The former Missouri standout weighed in at 314 pounds at the NFL Combine, with 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands. Those are pro-ready measurables. McClellan is fast and explosive. He played 21 snaps in his preseason debut, notching a pressure en route to a stellar Pro Football Focus grade of 71.9.

Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Ja'Kobi Lane has been among the most impressive rookie wide receivers at training camp regardless of which round they were drafted in. The Baltimore Ravens are beyond pleased with his form. The former USC wideout scored a touchdown in the first preseason game. Lane possesses a strong opportunity to win the WR3 job behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. He's already developed chemistry with Lamar Jackson, and that means something heading into the regular season.

Eli Raridon, TE, New England Patriots

Eli Raridon began capturing a role for himself with the New England Patriots the minute veteran tight end Julian Hill suffered a season-ending injury. His momentum began building at OTAs and has totally carried over to training camp. The Patriots' offense has many mouths to feed, but Raridon will be an underrated contributor all campaign long. He's done a nice job forming a partnership with veteran starter Hunter Henry.

Keionte Scott, DB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The second the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stole defensive back Keionte Scott in the fourth round, we possessed faith that he'd win the starting nickel job. The 116th selection is firmly in the mix for notable snaps in Todd Bowles' defense. Scott was fantastic in the Bucs' opening preseason contest, allowing just one catch in coverage for a measly five-yard gain. His versatility and football IQ will be an asset in Bowles' aggressive defense.

Mike Washington Jr., RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has been a standout in both preseason games. The 4.33 speedy back rushed for 63 yards via six attempts in the opener, including an explosive 53-yard gain. In Week 2, Washington gained another 56 yards on nine carries, with a long run of 33. He's averaging 7.9 yards per attempt in the exhibition. He's doing everything needed to capture the change-of-pace role behind Ashton Jeanty.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills selected Kaleb Elarms-Orr in the fourth round partially because they possessed an opening at linebacker. Still, it's noteworthy when a late-round pick can claim a starting job as a rookie. That's precisely what Elarms-Orr appears slated to do. The former TCU standout registered 130 tackles for the Horned Frogs last season. That production prepared him to immediately hit the ground running at training camp.

Fernando Carmona, IOL, Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Fernando Carmona started training camp as a third-team player and appears poised to conclude it as the starting right guard. Carmona began earning more reps as the Titans were displeased by the competition going on between veteran Cordell Volson and sophomore Jackson Slater. The hard-nosed blocker ran with the opportunity, having started both of Tennessee's preseason games. The team is internally impressed and appears ready to name him a Week 1 starter.

Cyrus Allen, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wideout Cyrus Allen has been a total revelation this offseason. Despite scoring 13 touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bearcats last season, he was slept-on during the predraft process. Allen has routinely made explosive plays at camp and appears headed to capture a top-three receiving role in Andy Reid's offense. Patrick Mahomes loves him. If these things were decided in camp, he'd be considered the biggest steal of the entire draft.

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