We’re more than a quarter of the way through the 2026 NFL
season, which is about the time when many rookies start to flash as they catch up to the speed of the big leagues. Let’s take a look at four rookies who impressed in Week 5.
The Jets edged out the Cleveland Browns, 17-12, in the pouring rain in Week 5, and Bailey was the biggest reason why. The second overall pick terrorized Deshaun Watson all day long, racking up three sacks, four QB hits, seven total tackles and three tackles for loss in the victory.
Bailey made it impossible for Cleveland’s offense to operate on schedule by blowing up the offensive line and living in the backfield all game. Only a select few pass-rushers in this league can have that effect, and Bailey looks like he could become one of them soon.
We’d love to use this column to highlight different rookies every week, but Styles is making it impossible to leave him out. The Ohio State product was once again a key difference-maker for Washington’s defense, forcing a Cam Skattebo fumble when the New York Giants were in position to kick a game-winning field goal in overtime.
Styles finished the game with a team-high 13 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defensed. More than just the stat sheet, Styles is making impact plays in clutch moments nearly every week.
Bartholomew was thrown into the fire in Week 5 when T.J. Hockenson suffered a concussion in the first quarter. With backup tight end Josh Oliver on injured reserve, Bartholomew needed to step up, and that’s exactly what he did.
The sixth-round pick, who only had one career catch leading up to this game against the New Orleans Saints, ranked second on the team in targets (six), catches (five) and receiving yards (33). The stat line doesn’t stand out, but Bartholomew acted as Kyler Murray’s trusty security blanket all game and got the Vikings out of some tough spots. It was an impressive showing for the inexperienced rookie.
Lampkin is a developmental offensive lineman with clear physical deficiencies (5-foot-11, 290 pounds), but the Eagles had to slot him into the starting rotation earlier than planned in Week 5. The undrafted free agent responded with a strong showing in his first NFL start.
Lampkin held his own in pass protection, helping Philadelphia give up a season-low one sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite his size, Lampkin proved to be a physical presence who won’t back down to bigger, stronger defensive tackles in the NFL.