The first few months of an NFL rookie’s career are a whirlwind—from draft day to the regular season, every step matters. The 2026 class just cleared one of the biggest hurdles: rookie minicamp. Held over the past two weekends, these two- to three-day sessions gave first-year players their first real chance to hit the practice field with new coaches and teammates.
Every team except one participated. The Detroit Lions canceled their minicamp, meaning fans will have to wait for OTAs starting May 27 to see No. 17 pick Blake Miller in action. For the rest of the league, reports from coaches and players offered a fresh look at how this year’s draftees are settling in—from position changes to role projections, and from raw measurements to football IQ.
Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of what we learned, with insights from CBS Sports Research’s Kyle Ngo.
Arizona Cardinals
Head coach Matt LaFleur emphasized the value of quarterback Carson Beck’s experience with NFL-style systems during his time at Georgia and Miami. But Beck is an older rookie with a history of elbow injuries, so even if he transitions quickly, the Cardinals might still eye a first-round quarterback in next year’s draft. Meanwhile, running back Jeanty—taken No. 3 overall—showed flashes of the star power that made him a top pick, though consistency will be key.
Atlanta Falcons
Wide receiver Terrell’s hamstring issue resurfaced during minicamp. He aggravated the same injury that plagued him through the pre-draft process, including a private pro day on March 30. Once projected as a first-rounder, the hamstring concerns likely contributed to his fall to pick No. 48. The Falcons are taking a cautious approach, but his talent remains undeniable.
Baltimore Ravens
Guard Ioane, widely regarded as the best at his position in the draft, fills a major need on Baltimore’s interior offensive line. The question is where he’ll line up. Ioane played mostly left guard at Penn State, but he has experience on the right side. Versatility like that is a welcome asset for any offensive line coach.
Stay tuned for more updates as OTAs begin and these rookies continue their journey from draft picks to NFL contributors.