LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane is selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Michael Grant on

2026 NFL training camps start next month. Here are five rookies who will be under the most pressure to succeed:

5. Blake Miller, OT, Detroit Lions

College: Clemson

Drafted: No. 17 overall

Every quarterback benefits from good pass protection, but Jared Goff may rely on it the most. He has enjoyed his best seasons when he has had an elite offensive line (2024 with the Lions, 2018 with the Rams). He doesn’t handle pressure or play off script well. This year, the Detroit Lions will move All-Pro Penei Sewell from right to left tackle, with Blake Miller taking over Sewell’s old spot. That’s a lot, considering Sewell might be the best offensive lineman in the league. Also, Miller might have been the Lions’ second choice in the draft. They reportedly tried to trade up for Kadyn Proctor, who was taken by the Miami Dolphins at No. 12 overall.

4. Caleb Downs, S, Dallas Cowboys

College: Ohio State

Drafted: No. 11 overall

The Dallas Cowboys appear to have a championship-caliber offense. Dak Prescott is coming off one of his best seasons. They have two top wide receivers in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, and a solid running game led by Javonte Williams. That will mean nothing if they don’t fix the league’s worst scoring defense (30.1 points per game allowed). There’s reason for optimism with the addition of Caleb Downs, considered one of the best safety prospects in decades. Downs will be counted on under the new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker.

3. Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans

College: Ohio State

Drafted: No. 4 overall

Carnell Tate was a surprise pick by the Tennessee Titans; most mock drafts had him going later in the draft. Tate became the sixth Ohio State wideout selected in the first round since 2022. The track record is exceptional (Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka). Can Tate live up to those lofty standards? The Titans have revamped their receiving corps under new coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Tate needs to be good immediately to help sophomore quarterback Cam Ward.

2. David Bailey, EDGE, New York Jets

College: Texas Tech

Drafted: No. 2 overall

The New York Jets had their pick of pass rushers, and they chose David Bailey over Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. Notably, Reese was taken by the New York Giants at No. 5 overall. If Reese turns out to be significantly more productive than Bailey, the Jets will never hear the end of it. Bailey was viewed as the safer pick because he is established as a pass rusher. However, the narrative is that Reese is more versatile and has a bigger upside. We’ll quickly find out who is right, as both will play in the same market.

1. Mansoor Delane, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

College: LSU

Drafted: No. 6 overall

For the Kansas City Chiefs to be immediate contenders again, Mansoor Delane must perform from the start. They lost both cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie (trade) and Jaylen Watson (free agency), on a defense clearly in transition. Kansas City traded up to select Delane, underscoring their view of him as a vital piece in their retooling. Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best defensive coordinators in league history, so he’ll put Delane in a position to succeed. However, the Chiefs’ apparent lack of pass rush and Delane’s youth will mean the young corner will be tested early and often.

About Michael Grant

Born in Jamaica. Grew up in New York City. Lives in Louisville, Ky. Sports writer. Not related to Ulysses S. Grant.

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