The AFC West once again features some of the NFL's biggest stars, but the division's next chapter could be written by its newest arrivals.
The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding another franchise quarterback to a division already featuring Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix.
Can Mahomes lead the Kansas City Chiefs back after an injury-shortened season? Will Bo Nix elevate the Denver Broncos with Jayden Waddle now leading the receiving room? Can Herbert finally capitalize on a healthy offensive line in Los Angeles?
While those storylines will dominate headlines, each AFC West team also drafted at least one rookie who could help shape the outcome of the division. In this NFL Mocks series, we identify the most important rookie on every AFC West roster entering the 2026 NFL season.
Which AFC West rookies will have the biggest impact in 2026?
Denver Broncos: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (No. 108 overall)
The Broncos ground attack could be what helps get them over the top in the AFC in 2026. Veteran running back J.K. Dobbins is expected to lead the backfield, but Denver will also need significant contributions from second-year back RJ Harvey and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman.
Coleman's value as a rookie for the Broncos lies in his toughness and ability to excel in short-yardage situations, where he shows a special talent for scoring touchdowns. A strong, aggressive running game led by Coleman could make third-year quarterback Nix even more threatening, both as a passer and a runner. Though Coleman stands at just 5’9” and weighs 220 pounds, he plays with remarkable strength and determination, making him a consistent scoring threat, especially inside the 20-yard line and near the end zone.
Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (No. 6 overall)
Mansoor Delane is the Chiefs' most important rookie because he must immediately justify two major organizational decisions: trading into the top 10 to draft him and moving on from Trent McDuffie. Kansas City needs Delane to become its No. 1 cornerback from Day 1.
Delane was highly ranked as the top cornerback in the draft because of his impressive size (6’0”, 190 pounds) and his ability to make plays on defense as a tough boundary corner who’s comfortable stepping up to help stop the run. In addition to being disruptive in the secondary, Delane demonstrates strong football intelligence and field awareness, traits that Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looks forward to utilizing effectively.
In all, if Delane establishes himself as an impactful cornerback Year 1, the Chiefs could be back in business in the AFC on the back of their defense.
Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (No. 1 overall)
The most important rookie for the Raiders is obvious, it’s the quarterback who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite bringing in veteran QB Kirk Cousins, the Raiders are hopeful its Mendoza from the start. The organization simply needs him to take command of the position sooner rather than later and he has the right coaching in Klint Kubiak to be successful in Year 1.
Along with the coaching, Mendoza simply has the tools to be an effective quarterback in the NFL. He won’t wow anyone with his long ball, but his work ethic, velocity in his throws and his cerebral skillset will inject excitement into the franchise. The Raiders also have minority owner Tom Brady, whose experience and mentorship could play a role in Mendoza's development. Although there is no rush to get Mendoza onto the field, the team needs him to win the starting role from Cousins as the future starts now for the Raiders.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jake Slaughter, OL, Florida (No. 63)
The entire Chargers draft class is important because they addressed top priority needs like adding edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with their top pick and an interior lineman with their second pick in Jake Slaughter. Out of the two, Mesidor will be more impactful, but Slaughter is more important given the team’s struggles along the offensive line, especially at the guard position.
With their top tackles returning from injury, the team needs someone like Slaughter to secure the left guard spot. His versatility gives the Chargers immediate depth at both guard spots and center while providing the long-term interior stability needed to keep Justin Herbert protected. If Slaughter wins the starting left guard job early, he could become one of the most valuable picks in the Chargers' draft class.
While quarterbacks will dominate the headlines throughout the AFC West, success in this division may ultimately come down to how quickly these rookies contribute. Whether it's Mendoza leading a franchise turnaround, Delane anchoring Kansas City's secondary, Coleman strengthening the Broncos' rushing attack or Slaughter protecting Herbert, each rookie has the potential to reshape the AFC West race in 2026.
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