Jeremiyah Love was not the first offensive player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the running back has quickly emerged as the top contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year after being chosen by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall.
Multiple sportsbooks have placed Love’s odds to win the award between +200 and +300, solidifying his position as the consensus favorite following the draft. The first offensive player taken was Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Love is joined in the early conversation by four other offensive rookies, all selected in the top five:
- Carnell Tate (Wide Receiver, Tennessee Titans, No. 4 overall)
- Jordyn Tyson (Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints, No. 5 overall)
- Makai Lemon (Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles, No. 6 overall)
On the defensive side, the New York Jets made David Bailey the first defensive player off the board at No. 2 overall, and he is the early favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
While sportsbooks differ slightly on the rankings behind Bailey, several other defensive rookies are considered top contenders:
- Arvell Reese (Linebacker, New York Giants)
- Sonny Styles (Linebacker, Washington Commanders)
- Rueben Bain (Edge Rusher, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Caleb Downs (Safety, Dallas Cowboys)
- Mansoor Delane (Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs)
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