The NFC West is set up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL in 2026. It is also a division with some of the most intriguing first-year players looking to make an impact in the league and for their teams in what figures to be a tight race.
When it comes to the most important rookie, we are not always talking about the player selected with the top pick. Those players were selected to fill obvious holes on a roster, but sometimes a player selected in the later rounds becomes just as important due to depth, opportunity and the upside they bring at a key position.
For the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, the spotlight will be on two former Notre Dame running backs in Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. But what about the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers? That’s where a couple of under-the-radar rookies could step into important roles and make some noise in the NFC West. Let’s take a look at the most important rookie for each team entering the 2026 NFL season.
Which NFC West rookies could make the biggest impact in 2026?
Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (No. 3 overall)
Selected with the No. 3 overall pick, the Cardinals running back enters the 2026 NFL season as the team’s most important rookie.
Not only is he a top-five pick with generational talent, but he also has the ingredients to be a do-it-all back in Mike LaFleur’s offense. Although the Cardinals have talent at the playmaker positions, quarterback play will be a big factor in whether this offense can score points and remain competitive in a tough NFC West.
That’s where Love could make the biggest difference. He is the type of offensive weapon who can take over a game with his home-run potential from anywhere on the field.
Where Love could make this offense especially dangerous is in the passing game. With the uncertainty at quarterback, how LaFleur utilizes the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up in his outside-zone scheme could set the Cardinals up for explosive plays and make this offense tough to defend despite the question mark under center.
Los Angeles Rams: CJ Daniels, WR, Miami (No. 197 overall)
The Los Angeles Rams are stacked on the defensive side of the ball following the trade for Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald’s return from retirement. But what about the offensive side of the ball?
With reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford under center, whoever emerges as the third receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams could be the X-factor in the offense. Why can’t that player be sixth-round pick CJ Daniels?
The former Miami Hurricanes star impressed during training camp, bringing a combination of size and skill to the Rams’ offense that is reminiscent of Nacua. The question is whether he can put it all together, carve out a role as a rookie and emerge as one of the steals of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Why Daniels is important goes beyond his high-level route running and big frame. If either Adams or Nacua goes down with an injury, the Rams would suddenly be thin at the position. Daniels’ development in the system therefore becomes an important piece of how this offense performs throughout the season.
San Francisco 49ers: Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech (No. 70 overall)
The easy choice for the San Francisco 49ers’ most important rookie would be their top pick, wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who has been the talk of the preseason. But we are going to go with a player on the defensive side of the ball who could provide a boost to the pass rush.
Selected with the No. 70 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Romello Height played in the shadow of David Bailey at Texas Tech. Still impactful off the edge in that Red Raiders defense, Height logged 10.0 sacks while showcasing a high motor and the ability to set the edge with his blend of size and athleticism.
With the 49ers, he adds much-needed depth to the position and could flourish learning from Nick Bosa while giving San Francisco another pass-rushing option on the opposite side. With Mykel Williams starting the season on the Reserve/PUP list, Height should have an opportunity to contribute early as new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris likes to feature positional versatility along his fronts.
That’s where Height could make his move. If he shows more than Keion White early in the season, Height could earn snaps on the left side and carve out a significant role in the 49ers’ defensive front.
Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (No. 32 overall)
The Seattle Seahawks are going to be counting on their first-round pick right out of the gate. With Zach Charbonnett starting the season on the Reserve/PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, the defending Super Bowl champions will lean on the former Notre Dame star quite a bit.
Sharing the Notre Dame backfield with Jeremiyah Love, who we mentioned as the most important rookie for the Cardinals, Price was an outstanding contributor for the Fighting Irish. While Love was the headliner, the 5-foot-11, 203-pound running back was explosive when he got his opportunities. With his vision and elusiveness, Price projects as an upgrade over Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and should be in the conversation for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The key to Price’s effectiveness in Year 1 will be the Seahawks keeping him fresh. That means the team will need either or both George Holani and Emanuel Wilson to contribute early and often. By the time Charbonnett returns, the Seahawks could suddenly have a deep running back unit with Price as the primary option.
NFC West rookie impact could go beyond the first round
Love and Price enter the season with the expectations that come with being first-round picks, while Daniels and Height have a chance to make some noise as less-heralded rookies. If all four can take advantage of their opportunities, don't be surprised if they have a big say in how the NFC West race plays out in 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on Google