Arvell Reese, linebacker, New York Giants, Giants Rookie Arvell Reese
Arvell Reese, linebacker, New York Giants, Giants Rookie Arvell Reese
There have been many great performances from NFL rookies during the 2026 preseason, and here are six of the best defensive NFL rookies of the preseason.
Top Defensive NFL Rookies During 2026 Preseason
Edge R Mason Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs
Thomas played well in all three preseason games. As a pass rusher, he showed a quick first step off the line of scrimmage along with good bend, and he played with consistently great leverage. Thomas also played really well against the run and made a few impressive run stops during the preseason. He also recorded a strip-sack in his last preseason game against the Seahawks. Thomas generated consistent pressure throughout the preseason, made plays against the run, and also finished the preseason with two pass deflections.
Edge Caden Curry, Indianapolis Colts
Curry generated consistent pressure on the quarterback during the preseason and also made many highlight plays. He was especially great in his week one preseason game against the Patriots, where he recorded four pressures and one sack. Curry finished the preseason with one sack, two tackles for loss, nine total tackles, four solo tackles, two pass deflections, and he also recorded a fumble recovery on special teams.
LB Arvell Reese, New York Giants
Reese was tremendous against the run during the preseason. He showed good instincts and great discipline against the run while also having elite athletic ability with good range and closing speed. Reese was a reliable tackler throughout the preseason as well, and also played well in pass coverage.
LB Anthony Hill Jr., Tennessee Titans
Hill was extremely productive throughout the preseason and had one of the best games of any defensive player in the preseason against the Seahawks. During the preseason, Hill showed tremendous sideline-to-sideline range, and he made big plays against both the run and the pass. Hill finished the preseason with 15 total tackles, 10 solo tackles, one pass deflection, and also recorded an interception against the Seahawks.
CB Chandler Rivers, Baltimore Ravens
Rivers was consistently great in coverage during the preseason for the Ravens. He played with good instincts in coverage and also showed tremendous long speed in coverage, including an impressive pass deflection he recorded on a pass attempt deep downfield. Rivers ended the preseason with nine total tackles, five solo tackles, and two pass deflections.
S Jacob Thomas, Minnesota Vikings
The undrafted free agent finished the 2026 NFL preseason as the highest-graded rookie from the 2026 preseason, according to Pro Football Focus, with a 92.7 overall PFF grade. He was consistently great throughout the preseason and played well in both pass coverage and against the run. Thomas finished the preseason with 11 total tackles, seven solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception.
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