
We didn't see a single rookie quarterback take the field in NFL Week 1, but a few first-year players stood out as future stars in their debuts. Let's check out four rookies who made instant impressions with their respective teams in Week 1.
Price looked the part in his NFL debut against the New England Patriots. The rookie running back rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries and reeled in both of his two targets for six yards, but the flashes of speed and elusiveness told more than the stat sheet.
This isn't an easy situation for Price, who began his rookie year as the starter for the reigning Super Bowl champs after serving as a backup RB at Notre Dame, but he proved he can hold down the fort until Zach Charbonnet returns from injury.
In a passing offense led by veterans Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin, it was Williams who stole the show in Week 1. The Clemson product, who received rave reviews in training camp, caught all four of his targets for a team-high 64 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
With the game on the line late in the fourth quarter, Williams made a great play on a low throw from Jayden Daniels in the end zone to give Washington a chance to tie the game. Williams already looks like a steal as a third-round draft pick.
Styles wasn't perfect in his Commanders debut, but he showed flashes of how impactful he can be on this defense. The Ohio State product served as a chess piece for defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, blitzing from multiple positions and generating immediate pressure on Jalen Hurts.
The highlight of the day came in the third quarter when Styles blitzed from his linebacker position and trucked Saquon Barkley on his way to a sack. Styles gives Washington's defense a dynamic element it's been missing for years.
This is quite a hello from Sonny Styles. pic.twitter.com/VjPDpP01i6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2026
The Jets selected Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in hopes of transforming their pass rush, and the early returns were positive. The Texas Tech EDGE generated a team-leading six pressures and recorded a sack in his NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans.
New York had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season (26), but its pass rush already looks much-improved with Bailey now in the fold.
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