Since the NFL Draft is complete, we figured, why not dive into some way-too-early rookie of the year candidates for 2026?

An abundance of talent was taken from the wide receiver position, which has us thinking that without a deep premier-level quarterback class, and unless Jeremiyah Love wins it with the Arizona Cardinals, chances are that a wideout could take home the crown. A rookie wide receiver has won the award the past three out of five years. It appears that Fernando Mendoza will not start in Las Vegas immediately, ruling him out as well.

It would be hard for Jeremiyah Love to win, due to the fact that the Cardinals are expected to struggle again for the most part, but if Arizona lets him be the workhorse back, and doesn't split too many carries, as long as he stays healthy, it is a real possibility for Love.

My vote is for Carnell Tate, a rookie wide receiver out of Ohio State University. Tate will be relied on heavily as the number-one option immediately. As long as Cam Ward can get him the ball, and the two develop the chemistry downfield to air it out and win some games, Tate may have this one in the bag, even on a bad team.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Way-Too-Early: 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates