FOX Sports Digital
Through the draft, free agency and trades, NFL teams have added players who they believe will bring them success in 2026. But who are the newcomers poised to make the largest impact on wins and losses for their squads? Here’s my top 15, in descending order: A perennial Pro Bowl fullback, Ricard will be integral in helping the Giants establish the physical brand of football that new head coach John Harbaugh wants. Ricard's lead-blocking skills will clear rush lanes for dual-threat quarterback Jaxson Dart and a balanced running back room that gets Cam Skattebo back from injury. Tate, the No. 4 overall pick, has a good chance of being quarterback Cam Ward’s No. 1 wide receiver as a rookie, opening up a Titans pass game that struggled mightily last season. The Cowboys had the NFL’s worst pass defense a year ago. Enter Downs, selected No. 11 overall out of Ohio State, where he was a two-time All-American. From the nickelback position, Downs — touted as a generational safety prospect — is poised to make a massive difference in the back end with his communication skills, coverage IQ and sure tackling. In Moore, acquired from the Bears for a second-round pick, Josh Allen and the Bills get a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver for the first time since Stefon Diggs’ departure after the 2023 season. Buffalo hasn’t had a pass-catcher reach 900 yards over the past two years. With uncertainty at quarterback, the Cardinals’ offense could run through Love in 2026. Even with such talented pass-catchers as tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, don’t be surprised to see the No. 4 overall pick surpass 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie. The Chiefs’ secondary underwent significant changes this offseason, highlighted by the blockbuster trade of CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams and the loss of Jaylen Watson in free agency. As a rookie, Delane, the No. 6 overall pick and an All-American out of LSU, will be expected to perform like a No. 1 cornerback. Linderbaum, a perennial Pro Bowl center for the Ravens, is expected to take significant pressure off quarterback Kirk Cousins (and eventually No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza) in reading defenses pre-snap at the line of scrimmage. His presence should also create more interior rush lanes for second-year running back Ashton Jeanty, who was frequently hit behind the line of scrimmage as a rookie. The Raiders signed Linderbaum for three years and $81 million, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. In McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro selection for Kansas City, the Rams now have a cornerback capable of taking a No. 1 receiver out of the game. Given the explosiveness of its offense, Los Angeles could be playing with the lead quite often in 2026, which makes McDuffie particularly valuable. The Rams sent four picks to the Chiefs for McDuffie, including a first-rounder in 2026. The former Notre Dame standout should immediately step in as RB1 for...
