We’ve hit the slow stretch of the NFL offseason, with rookie mini-camps wrapping up and training camps still weeks away. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to talk about—especially when it comes to this year’s rookie class. In this week’s Rookie Report, we highlight Jaxson Dart’s early leadership in New York, a breakout day-three tight end in Buffalo, and how the Saints' quarterback situation is already unraveling.
Latest news and notes on the 2026 NFL rookie class
Jaxson Dart already becoming a leader
One of the most encouraging signs coming out of Giants rookie mini-camp is the leadership first-round pick Jaxson Dart is already showing. He’s done an excellent job building rapport with teammates and is constantly working through route details with his running backs and receivers. He’s also been fully locked into the playbook—an especially good sign given that one of the biggest concerns coming out of Ole Miss was his lack of experience in a pro-style offense.
Still recovering
Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland was a limited participant at the team’s rookie mini-camp, as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury that hindered much of his 2024 season and ultimately cut it short. Despite the injury, Loveland has the potential to be one of the more productive rookies in the NFL. He excels at gaining consistent separation in the passing game and will benefit from playing in Ben Johnson’s tight end-friendly offense.
New Orleans' shaky quarterback situation
With Derek Carr announcing his retirement last week, the Saints now find themselves with arguably the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. The likely Week 1 starter is Tyler Shough, the team’s second-round pick at 40th overall. While Shough brings experience and maturity as an older rookie, expecting him to start from day one is a major gamble—especially given his extensive injury history in college. If he goes down again, the backup plan is Spencer Rattler, who managed just four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games last season.
Day 3 rookie impresses
Buffalo Bills fifth-round pick Jackson Hawes made a strong impression during rookie mini-camp. He stood out with his reliable hands, showing the grip strength to secure tough catches and haul in passes through contact. That’s an encouraging sign, especially considering he entered the 2025 NFL Draft labeled by The 33rd Team as the top blocking tight end in the class. If he can contribute as a short-to-intermediate target and continue to pave running lanes, Hawes has a clear path to becoming a solid backup tight end this season.
Kaleb Johnson’s focus
One area Pittsburgh’s third-round pick Kaleb Johnson is targeting for improvement heading into training camp is his pass protection. That’s no surprise as one of the main weaknesses I saw in his game last season was the timing of his punches in pass sets. If he can clean that up and sharpen his route running, Johnson has a chance to make a major impact. I had him graded as a high second-round talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his downhill, physical running style fits perfectly with Pittsburgh’s identity.
Mason Taylor showing why he earned a first-round grade
One of my favorite tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft was LSU’s Mason Taylor, and he’s already showing why he earned a first-round grade on my board. At Jets rookie mini-camp, Taylor flashed the multidimensional skill set that stood out during the draft process—highlighted by the sure hands that helped him become LSU’s all-time leader among tight ends with 129 receptions and 1,308 yards. He also displayed the kind of explosiveness that will make him tough to cover from Day 1. Don’t be surprised if he finishes his rookie season with 30+ catches.