As we roll into the 2026 NFL season, the buzz around rookies who might pull a "Tyler Shough" is palpable. Last year, Shough, the New Orleans Saints quarterback, shattered pre-draft expectations with a standout rookie season, setting the stage for this year's class to make their mark.
While quarterbacks often grab the spotlight, the next breakout star could emerge from any position across the league. Let's dive into the AFC and spotlight one rookie from each division who could surprise us all this season.
AFC East: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, fresh off a challenging year despite being the reigning AFC Champions, are looking to bolster their defense. Enter Gabe Jacas, a second-round pick with a knack for getting to the quarterback.
With the departure of K'Lavon Chaisson to the Commanders, Jacas has a prime opportunity to step up. His college career at Illinois was marked by an impressive 19 sacks over his last two seasons, complemented by 35.5 tackles for loss.
Jacas' athletic prowess and production make him a potential game-changer for a Patriots team eager to improve their sack differential. Under the guidance of Mike Vrabel, who has a track record of maximizing talent, Jacas could be the defensive spark New England needs.
AFC South: Nate Boerkircher, Tight End, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars made waves when they selected Nate Boerkircher in the second round, a move that left many scratching their heads. Projected as a later-round pick, Boerkircher has a lot to prove.
Despite not being the most physically imposing or statistically dominant tight end, his potential to surprise is undeniable. With less than 40 collegiate receptions, he's set to play behind the highly-paid Brenton Strange.
However, if Boerkircher can rise to the occasion, he might just silence his critics and become a key player for the Jaguars. The storyline of his season could be one of redemption and validation, making him a rookie to watch closely.
As the season unfolds, these AFC rookies have the potential to redefine expectations and carve out significant roles on their respective teams. Whether it's Jacas bringing the heat off the edge or Boerkircher making unexpected plays, the 2026 season promises to be full of surprises and breakout performances. Keep an eye on these young talents as they aim to follow in Tyler Shough's impressive footsteps.
In Other News...
Jaguars Suddenly Have A Linebacker Battle Fans Thought Was Settled
The offseason has already nudged a few assumed depth-chart answers back into the conversation, and linebacker is suddenly one of them. For Jacksonville, the spot next to Foye Oluokun looked like it had a clear favorite heading into camp, with Ventrell Miller positioned to keep building on his role while the coaching staff continued sorting out the rest of the defense.
What makes it interesting is how often the Jaguars have talked about competition under Liam Coen, and that now appears to include the linebacker room as much as anywhere else. A young challenger has earned more chances in recent work and shown enough to keep the job from feeling locked up, which means this is shaping up as one of those camp battles that can change the tone of the entire defense before the preseason even really gets going. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars QB Room Faces A Sneaky Camp Decision Behind Trevor Lawrence
As training camp approaches, the Jaguars quarterback room looks mostly settled at the top, with Trevor Lawrence in place and Nick Mullens expected to remain the primary backup. The real intrigue is lower on the depth chart, where Jacksonville is sorting out a third quarterback spot that could carry more weight than the label suggests.
Carter Bradley enters with the sort of familiarity that usually matters in camp, especially in Liam Coens system, and that gives him a reasonable early edge. But Joey Aguilar brings enough upside to make this more than a formality, and the Jaguars will have to decide whether comfort or potential matters more when they fill out the room behind Lawrence. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Camp Could Finally Settle Their Most Frustrating Backfield Debate
Training camp is about to give the Jaguars something they have not had much clarity on in the backfield: a real chance to sort out who should lead the way. Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez and LeQuint Allen are lined up for a competition that has been waiting for the pads to come on, and the extra reps during the offseason have already helped shape the early pecking order.
Tuten has taken advantage of the opening to get a longer look, while Allen gives Jacksonville a different kind of option if the staff wants more versatility in the passing game. Even if one runner emerges as the front-runner entering the season, the more likely outcome is a shared workload that keeps all three involved, which means this may be less about finding one answer than about deciding how the Jaguars want the pieces to fit. [Read more 🡒]