Grading all 32 NFL first-round rookies after Week 9

OTIA Sports published its weekly NFL Rookie Card Report after Week 9, noting the 2026 class still lacks a runaway superstar but that several skill-position players are building stronger cases as short-term hobby targets while quarterbacks remain patience plays. Fernando Mendoza continues to sit at No. 1 among collectors watching for quarterback upside, even with uncertainty around exactly when his opportunity could fully open up. Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love remains right behind him as one of the class's most trusted non-quarterback investments. Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate holds the No. 3 spot as one of the safest receiver names, while Saints receiver Jordyn Tyson rounds out the top four after a debut that flashed opportunity but included an early missed scoring chance that kept the performance from becoming a true launch point.

The next group shows the most practical hobby action. Cleveland's Denzel Boston stays fifth after continuing to produce as the Browns' top rookie pass catcher; his 507 receiving yards lead all rookie receivers. Broncos running back Jonah Coleman makes one of the strongest pushes, climbing after Denver's five-game win streak and a go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown in Week 9; he posted 88 yards in the latest outing and has nearly 200 total scrimmage yards over the past two weeks. KC Concepcion jumps from No. 10 to No. 7, giving Cleveland two rookie pass catchers with hobby relevance. Seahawks running back Jadarian Price holds at No. 8, Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck remains ninth, and Jets receiver Omar Cooper climbs to No. 10.

Quarterback lottery tickets face a difficult wait. Ty Simpson drops to No. 12 from sixth a week ago; with Matthew Stafford continuing to hold the job and the Rams hovering in the playoff mix, Simpson's route to a meaningful 2026 impact remains cloudy. Carson Beck falls into a similar patient, longer-view speculation category. After the top 10, the list moves into more speculative territory. Eagles receiver Makai Lemon checks in at No. 11, Steelers wideout Germie Bernard stays at No. 13, Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq lands at No. 14, and Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson climbs to No. 15 from No. 17. The final tier includes 49ers running back Kaelon Black at No. 16, Raiders running back Mike Washington at No. 17, and 49ers receiver De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 18.