All rookies in the NFL carry a certain degree of expectations, no matter the draft pick or undrafted free agency signing routes. However, some are under the microscope a bit sooner than others. Excluding which may be considered a “work in progress,” or a “low risk, high reward” type of pick, which 2026 NFL rookies bear the weight of huge expectations right out of the gate?
Mansoor Delane, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were very aggressive in landing Mansoor Delane out of LSU with the 6th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With that comes high expectations. Most first-round picks are considered day-one starters, or players who will be required to contribute immediately. With the Chiefs’ secondary undergoing recent changes, Delane will be called upon to perform like a veteran early on.
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Also, with the Chiefs struggling last year with a record below .500 and missing the playoffs, Mansoor Delane’s development could be one of the more important storylines coming out of Chiefs training camp this summer.
Caleb Banks, DL, Minnesota Vikings
Caleb Banks was the 18th pick in the first round for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2026 NFL Draft. Veteran defensive linemen have departed from Minnesota, so Banks will be immediately thrust into bolstering the line on a team that wasn’t very good against the run last season. The Vikings will look to Banks to be the centerpiece of the men up front this season.
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Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Chicago Bears
Another first-round selection that will have astronomical expectations on the list is Oregon product Dillon Thieneman, who will be called upon to play safety for the Chicago Bears. The Bears have lost multiple defensive pieces this offseason, so Thieneman may feel the most pressure to contribute in the immediate future.
Defensively, the NFC North is always tough, but Thieneman brings a knack for generating turnovers and being physical around the ball at all times. It will be crucial for Thieneman to come out of the gate hot, flying around the football and making plays for the Bears to stay in contention, and he will play a critical role in doing so.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: These NFL rookies will be under the most pressure in 2026
