Denver Broncos: CB Jahdae Barron
Denver has enough talent and depth to excel even if the first-round pick fails to make a major impact once again, but there’s also virtually no pressure on RJ Harvey, Pat Bryant and Sai’vion Jones for the same reason. It’s quite the luxury.
That said, the ceiling is highest for Barron. If he can turn it on as a sophomore, it could be what puts the Broncos over the top.
Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Simmons
Injuries and an undisclosed extended absence caused the first-round pick to miss the majority of his rookie season. Now, Simmons has apparently trimmed down significantly ahead of what might be a make-or-break year for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
The man charged with protecting Mahomes’ blind side will be a critical factor in how it all plays out in 2026.
Las Vegas Raiders: WR Jack Bech
The second-round pick caught just 20 passes and failed to score as a rookie, but the Raiders didn’t make any major moves at wide receiver in the offseason.
The path is there for Bech to play a huge role and potentially establish some early chemistry with hopeful Raiders franchise quarterback Fernando Mendoza in a new offense.
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Tre Harris
Bigger performances from sophomores Omarion Hampton, Oronde Gadsden II and Jamaree Caldwell would all be huge for a Chargers team on the brink, but with Keenan Allen potentially done in L.A., Harris—the team’s second-round pick—is in line to have a lot more responsibilities after a quiet rookie season that contained just 30 catches and one touchdown. He could do major things in Mike McDaniels’ offense.