It’s just about time to start finding out which teams struck gold and which might’ve whiffed in the 2026 NFL Draft.Preseason is over, and with initial 53-man rosters now set, every team in the league has a clearer picture of where its rookies might be headed.Let’s take a look at how all of this year’s first-rounders performed in the preseason. Who were the winners, and who needs more time?Can the 2027 QB draft class live up to the hype?Dane Brugler and Madison EadesPreseason winnersDavid Bailey, edge, New York Jets (No. 2 pick)Bailey basically has been with the Jets’ starters the whole way, and he’s been a bit more impactful versus the run than I might’ve originally expected. He picked up a sack last week against the Steelers, too, beating a tackle off the corner using his speed and length.Bailey still has plenty to prove, but you notice him just about every time he’s out there.Arvell Reese, edge, New York Giants (No. 5)Reese has looked very comfortable as a starting stack linebacker. We know what he’s capable of with his hand in the dirt, but the fact he’s looked so sharp this early as an inside ‘backer has to be very exciting for John Harbaugh and company.Reese was my favorite defender in the ’26 draft, and my mind hasn’t changed.Spencer Fano, OT, Cleveland Browns (No. 9)After playing mainly right tackle at Utah, Fano has had no trouble adjusting to the left side. He’s such a perfect fit for Todd Monken’s offense, and though he’s still feeling his way around NFL power, Fano will be a day one starter. I loved this pick — and still do.Caleb Downs, DB, Dallas Cowboys (No. 11)This was another great pick. To the surprise of no one who saw him play at Ohio State, Downs has been an immediate starter in Dallas’ back seven, working as both a slot and a safety. He picked off Dak Prescott in the back of the end zone at practice last week.Dallas has already seen that Downs won’t repeat mistakes, so he will only get better from here.Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles Rams (No. 13)Simpson once compared trying to learn an NFL offense from Sean McVay to drinking from a firehose. Apparently, this is a talent of Simpson’s, as he’s seemingly done a good job of handling everything thrown at him. At no point this preseason has he looked overwhelmed, and he’s shown off his arm talent and escapability.Simpson has a long way to go in the consistency department, which is probably why he’ll sit as a rookie — even if he’s better than Stetson Bennett right now. Frankly, Simpson has been more impressive than some recent QBs who did earn starts as rookies.Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 15)Bain suffered an AC joint sprain that ended his preseason, but he’s expected to be ready for Week 1. Other than that, though, Bain was an impact player up front throughout camp. He was the most physical defender in the ’26 draft class and — as you saw on draft night — wasn’t happy about sliding as far as he did. He could be in for a big year, health permitting.Blake Miller, OT, Detroit Lions (No. 17)The Lions expected Miller to compete with veteran Larry Borom at right tackle, opposite Penei Sewell. That really hasn’t happened, as Miller simply took the job and hasn’t let go. He’s a better athlete than former Lions OT Taylor Decker and a potential upgrade as a run blocker.Akheem Mesidor, edge, Los Angeles Chargers (No. 22)This was one of my favorite fits on draft night.A Jim Harbaugh player if ever there were one, Mesidor has given Joe Alt all he can handle in camp and looks like he’ll be an early factor. His maturity, physicality and versatility could make him one of the more exciting defensive rookies.KC Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns (No. 24)Concepcion was built to play in Monken’s offense, in the same manner Zay Flowers once was. We’ve already seen examples in training camp, both in Concepcion’s ability after the catch and the versatility he offers.Dillon Thieneman, S, Chicago Bears (No. 25)Ben Johnson this summer compared Thieneman to a robot, in the best way possible, saying Thieneman’s work ethic from the start of spring drills through the end of camp was high level. Thieneman will be a day one starter, as expected.Keylan Rutledge, iOL, Houston Texans (No. 26)One of the toughest prospects in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class, it’s been in no way surprising to see Rutledge handle himself as well as he has. He never played center in college but quickly earned the Texans’ starting job there. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder could be the type of over-the-ball hammer many teams covet but never find.Keldric Faulk, edge, Tennessee Titans (No. 31)I’m not sure anyone quite knew what to expect from the young and raw Faulk, but he’s had a strong camp all things considered. With the tools to play any spot along the front, Faulk is going to be a work in progress, but he’s already shown an ability to defend the run at an NFL level and be an asset for the Titans. Stock up.Jeremiyah Love figures to handle a heavy workload for the Cardinals, provided he stays healthy. (Ian Maule / Getty Images)Ready to startJeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals (No. 3)Love looked really good early in Arizona’s win over the Raiders, both as a rusher and a receiver. He ripped off 58 yards on 11 attempts but also suffered a high ankle sprain that could linger into the regular season. If that setback doesn’t turn into a big deal, Love could have an immediate breakout year.Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans (No. 4)Tate didn’t record a catch during the preseason, but he has by and large looked capable as a weapon in practice (and as a blocker in games). He and QB Cam Ward will need time together, but Tate is ready to start, despite his August stat line.Mansoor Delane, CB, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 6)Delane was limited early in training camp by a shoulder injury, but he looked just fine in the Week 2 starting lineup against the Bucs. He is such an effortless mover on the field, with a sharp IQ. If he can avoid injury setbacks, I’d expect a strong rookie year.Sonny Styles, LB, Washington Commanders (No. 7)Styles has had his share of hiccups against the run this preseason, playing with overeager eyes and overrunning his gaps a bit too much. However, Dan Quinn has put a ton on his plate.Physically and mentally, Styles is ready to roll. He’ll make mistakes, like all rookies in his spot, but he’s good enough to power through.Francis Mauigoa, OL, New York Giants (No. 10)As expected, Mauigoa’s power has translated well to guard, where his movement skills only help him as a run blocker. He held up pretty well in the ground game during the preseason opener, while playing 30 snaps with the starters. His pass pro still shows a few hiccups, but it’s been a promising start.Kadyn Proctor, OL, Miami Dolphins (No. 12)Moving Proctor inside was a terrific decision. He’s still a sloppy player technically, but he’s not as exposed inside, and his ability to dominate in the run game has translated physically. Remember: He’s still a puppy (with gigantic paws) who just turned 21 two months ago.Vega Ioane, G, Baltimore Ravens (No. 14)Similar to Proctor, Ioane’s physicality has translated to the NFL, as he’s been a starter at right guard throughout camp. He was mostly a left guard in college, so there’s been some adjustment early, but he’s a high-floor player who should settle in quickly.Monroe Freeling, OT, Carolina Panthers (No. 19)This might be more of a “ready or not, he’s starting” situation — the Panthers sort of threw Freeling into the pool at right tackle and have yet to pull him back. He’s been inconsistent, though he’s also flashed the elite athleticism that made him a coveted prospect. The future remains bright.Malachi Lawrence, edge, Dallas Cowboys (No. 23)Lawrence flashed in his two preseason performances, picking up a pressure in each game. Downs has been so good that it might’ve caused some Cowboys observers to think Lawrence was struggling, but that’s really been the case. He’ll be a factor, at least in package work.Chris Johnson, CB, Miami Dolphins (No. 27)Johnson missed a little time in early August but bounced back quickly and is in position to be a Week 1 starter. His length and foot speed make him a very effective slot defender — the job he’ll have in Week 1.Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets (No. 30)Cooper improved quite a bit in training camp, which is no surprise, and he’s seems ready to take the Jets’ No. 3 receiver job. Expect his role to grow over time, because he’s a very dependable player.Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks (No. 32)Some of this is a matter of circumstance, as the Seahawks had a serious need at running back. But Price has earned the right to be a starter in Seattle. Though he missed some time with a leg injury, Price seems ready for it.We’ll seeFernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders (No. 1)Mendoza was hardly been perfect in three preseason outings. His interception versus the Texans was a case of getting stuck on a read for too long, and his pick Thursday against the 49ers was an overthrow over the middle. But he also showed bright spots in all three games.Kirk Cousins likely will open the year as the starter, but Mendoza is not in bad shape — and he’s in no rush.Jordyn Tyson, WR, New Orleans Saints (No. 8)Tyson was one of the biggest “ifs” of the entire 2026 draft. And if he can stay healthy, he arguably might be the best receiver in this class. But that didn’t happen enough in college, and he’ll start the year on IR-return with a hamstring injury.Kenyon Sadiq, TE, New York Jets (No. 16)Sadiq was limited in camp after suffering an injury related to the sports hernia surgery he had in spring. The Jets have been pretty careful with the rookie, so we’ll see how his health progresses.Caleb Banks, DT, Minnesota Vikings (No. 18)Banks was a considerable gamble at No. 18 on draft night and, so far, still looks like one. He admittedly has been out of shape this preseason after rehabbing a foot injury and looked downright bad early in August, although he improved by the end of camp. He’s a tough customer and a relatively quick turnaround wouldn’t be a surprise, but it’s far from a guarantee.Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 20)Lemon missed three weeks with a hamstring injury early in camp and hasn’t gotten up to speed yet, as evidenced when a pass bounced off his hands for an interception in his Week 3 preseason debut. He has physical limitations that’ll make working outside in the NFL more of a challenge than he’s used to.Max Iheanachor, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 21)Iheanachor went down with a neck/shoulder injury in early August and missed multiple weeks of contact drills, putting him in a catch-up position right away. He was more of a developmental prospect anyway, so starting the year as a backup wouldn’t be the worst thing — but it’s hardly ideal.Caleb Lomu, OT, New England Patriots (No. 28)Lomu got starts at both tackle spots in training camp, but he appears headed for the swing tackle job. Mike Vrabel has kept Lomu at tackle rather than asking him to compete at guard, so the Patriots appear comfortable taking their time.Peter Woods, DL, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 29)I thought many scouts and analysts overvalued Woods last spring. His athletic flashes will always wow people and he’ll look great in drills, but questions pop up when he’s asked to be disciplined with his pad level and gap responsibility. He’s also battling an ankle injury. He is athletic enough to prove doubters wrong, but it’ll take some time.