NFL Rookie Temperature Check: Who's Hot, Who's Cold Entering Final Week of Training Camp

There is approximately one week remaining of NFL training camp. Camp officially ends once roster cutdown day (August 30th) concludes, as attention immediately shifts to Week 1 preparation. There are limited opportunities left for the rookie class from the 2026 NFL Draft to change their current narrative.

Some rookies have undeniably trended in the desired direction throughout camp. Others have either struggled with availability or consistency. Everything is currently being decided.

We've identified several first-round rookies who are trending up and down. With camp concluding in roughly one week, rookie ongoings are extremely notable. There's either cause for concern or optimism.

NFL Training Camp: First-Round Rookies Trending Up, Others Trending Down

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders: Trending Up

The Las Vegas Raiders are treating Fernando Mendoza's development with care by planning to begin the season with veteran Kirk Cousins as the starter. That doesn't necessarily mean the No. 1 overall pick isn't ready to play. Mendoza looked fully prepared in his preseason debut, completing 10-of-16 passing attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown. He was accurate while going through his progressions in a timely fashion. The expectation is the Raiders will eventually insert him into the starting lineup. He's trending in the perfect direction.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, New Orleans Saints: Trending Down

Jordyn Tyson's scouting evaluation was complicated due to his lengthy history with various injuries. The New Orleans Saints decided to ignore the risks by drafting him at No. 8 overall. Now, Tyson has suffered a hamstring injury that is apparently separate from the hamstring injury that hampered him throughout the predraft process. Either way, it's set to carry a timetable of roughly two months. It's very concerning when weighing his history.

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trending Up

Rueben Bain Jr. was far too talented to slide to No. 15 overall, but teams questioned his ability to overcome a historic lack of arm length (30 7/8", 1-percentile). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pounced on his availability with a mid-round pick. At camp, he's looked fully capable of being the same impactful defender he was at Miami. Bain has been urgent and explosive, rushing the passer with routine success. The former Hurricanes standout should thrive in Todd Bowles' defense this season.

Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: Trending Down

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon will probably face unhealthy expectations from a raucous fanbase that views him as A.J. Brown's replacement. The bad news is that Lemon hasn't practiced since August 4th due to a pesky hamstring injury. The first-round wideout just recently began hitting the JUGS machine. The shifty route runner has missed a significant portion of camp, meaning he's likely behind with his offseason development. A slow start in Nick Sirianni's offense appears likely.

Arvell Reese, LB, New York Giants: Trending Up

New York Giants rookie linebacker Arvell Reese was outstanding in his preseason debut. The No. 5 overall pick was fast and explosive, making two tackles on just 12 defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus credited the urgent off-ball defender with an elite grade of 88.2 for his performance. Reese has impressed teammates at training camp with his twitchiness and energy, and that same profile was evident in his first exhibition game.

Peter Woods, DT, Kansas City Chiefs: Trending Down

Peter Woods was a high-ceiling defensive tackle at Clemson that often failed to realize his full potential. His preseason debut indicated he's still a work in progress. The former Tigers defender netted zero tackles or pressures despite playing a healthy 25 snaps. Woods has flashed at training camp, but he's already learning that in-game action is a different beast altogether. He's a developmental prospect who needs to improve the fundamental aspects of his game, and that's just fine at this stage.

Monroe Freeling, OT, Carolina Panthers: Trending Up

With Carolina Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton unexpectedly sidelined due to blood clots, rookie Monroe Freeling was immediately tasked with switching from left tackle to the right. Considering he started fewer than 20 games at Georgia, he's passed the early test with flying colors. Freeling looked good both in the preseason opener with the Buffalo Bills, and more recently in a joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Iron has sharpened iron with $120 million pass rusher Jaelan Phillips at practice. His raw talent is already shining through.

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