The 2026 NFL preseason has officially reached its conclusion, marking the end of a grueling summer for the latest crop of signal-callers. As the league turns its attention toward the final "cut-down day"—a high-stakes deadline where rosters must be trimmed to 53 players—the atmosphere across the league is thick with tension. For established stars and locked-in veterans, this week is a mere formality. For the 17 rookie quarterbacks who took the field during this final exhibition window, it was the definitive moment to secure a career lifeline.
While prospects like Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson enjoy the security of high-draft-pick status, the vast majority of this year’s rookie class is currently fighting for the fringes: a spot on the active roster, a coveted slot on the practice squad, or, at the very least, enough quality film to entice a team in need of depth. As the dust settles on the final weekend of action, we break down the performances that will define the immediate futures of these young players.
The Landscape: High Stakes and Hard Lessons
The final week of the preseason is rarely about high-octane offensive schemes. Instead, it is a test of poise under pressure. Coaches are looking for decision-making, pocket presence, and the ability to command a huddle when the offensive line is shifting and the receivers are fighting for their own roster lives.
The performances were a mixed bag of brilliance and disaster. We saw potential franchise cornerstones flash their elite talent, while undrafted free agents struggled to keep their heads above water. Below is a comprehensive assessment of how these rookies performed under the bright lights of the final exhibition games.
Performance Breakdown: From the Field to the Film Room
The Standouts: Building a Case for the Future
Ty Simpson, Los Angeles Rams (1st Round, No. 13 Overall)
If there were any lingering doubts regarding the Rams’ decision to draft Simpson in the first round, those questions were largely silenced this weekend. In a win over the Chargers, Simpson was clinical, completing 18-of-23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. His ability to move the chains and his composure outside the pocket—specifically his 11-yard touchdown strike to Brennan Presley—highlighted a level of maturity rarely seen in rookies. Rams GM Les Snead’s vision for the post-Stafford era seems to be on the right track.
- Grade: A
Joe Fagnano, Baltimore Ravens (Undrafted)
Perhaps the most surprising performance of the weekend came from Fagnano. Tasked with managing a short field after a defensive takeaway, the UConn product looked like a seasoned veteran. He accounted for two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) and consistently put the Ravens in scoring position. Despite two missed field goals by his teammates, Fagnano’s ability to drive the offense was undeniable.
- Grade: A
Taylen Green, Cleveland Browns (6th Round, No. 182 Overall)
Green proved that his athleticism is a legitimate weapon at the NFL level. After inheriting a comfortable lead from Dillon Gabriel, Green took the reins and didn’t let up. His 98-yard touchdown drive was the highlight of his day, punctuated by a dynamic 30-yard scramble that left defenders grasping at air. If the Browns value mobility as a secondary trait, Green has made an ironclad case for a roster spot.
- Grade: B
The Mid-Tier: Consistency Issues and Growing Pains
Garrett Nussmeier, Kansas City Chiefs (7th Round, No. 249 Overall)
Nussmeier’s performance was the definition of a roller coaster. After an early interception led to a Seahawks field goal, the LSU product showed the mental fortitude to settle in. He led back-to-back scoring drives, proving he can navigate a professional offense. In a room headlined by Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields, Nussmeier is playing for the third-string spot, and his steady recovery from an early turnover will likely be viewed favorably by the coaching staff.
- Grade: C
Joey Aguilar, Jacksonville Jaguars (Undrafted)
Aguilar’s limited action in the fourth quarter was unremarkable but efficient. While he didn’t generate points, he protected the ball reasonably well—aside from a fumble he managed to recover—and demonstrated a quick release. He remains a "bubble" player, likely looking toward the practice squad.
- Grade: C
Cade Klubnik, New York Jets (4th Round, No. 110 Overall)
Klubnik’s final outing was arguably his most frustrating of the summer. While he was present for an opening drive touchdown, he was largely a passenger to the running game. His interception—a poorly layered pass that was easily snagged by the defender—revealed a lack of touch on intermediate throws. He has shown promise throughout the summer, but this performance left the door open for criticism.
- Grade: C-
Athan Kaliakmanis, Washington Commanders (7th Round, No. 223 Overall)
The Commanders’ offense was stagnant under Kaliakmanis, though he was hampered by poor field position and early turnovers by his teammates. He played a safe, conservative game that ultimately yielded little in the way of production. He’ll need a strong showing in the film room to prove he can elevate the play of those around him.
- Grade: C-
Miller Moss, Chicago Bears (Undrafted)
Moss had limited opportunities to showcase his arm, as Chicago opted to burn clock for the majority of his time on the field. His 15-yard scramble was a highlight, but his 1-of-2 passing line makes him difficult to grade. He remains a long shot for the final roster.
- Grade: C-
The Strugglers: Fighting for Survival
Luke Altmyer, Detroit Lions (Undrafted)
The stakes couldn’t have been higher for Altmyer, who was locked in a direct battle with Joshua Dobbs for the QB2 spot. An early interception effectively derailed his momentum. While he managed a subsequent touchdown drive, Dobbs’ more polished performance likely solidified the depth chart, leaving Altmyer on the outside looking in.
- Grade: D+
Jack Strand, Falcons (Undrafted)
Strand struggled to recapture the magic of his previous week’s performance. A costly interception on a third-down play deep in his own territory put the defense in a bad spot, and the rest of his outing was defined by punts. He remains a fan favorite, but the logistics of the Falcons’ roster will likely force them to stash him on the practice squad.
- Grade: D+
Mark Gronowski, Dolphins (Undrafted)
Gronowski’s day was a mix of flashes and fatal errors. While he moved the ball well between the 20s, a fumble on a snap at the goal line was a back-breaking mistake that killed a promising scoring chance. In the NFL, ball security is the primary currency, and Gronowski’s error was costly.
- Grade: D+
Fernando Mendoza, Raiders (1st Round, No. 1 Overall)
The No. 1 overall pick remains the backup to Kirk Cousins, but his final preseason appearance highlighted the steep learning curve he faces. Working under center—a rarity for him in college—clearly still causes friction. His interception, triggered by a tipped ball on a play-action pass, was a classic "rookie moment." While there is no panic in Las Vegas, it is clear that Mendoza’s development is an ongoing process.
- Grade: D
Cole Payton, Eagles (5th Round, No. 178 Overall)
Payton’s final appearance was, statistically, a nightmare. A three-and-out that resulted in negative yardage and a sack is the worst possible tape a rookie can leave for coaches on the final weekend.
- Grade: F
Jalon Daniels, Buccaneers (Undrafted)
Daniels struggled to move the chains throughout the third quarter. With three sacks taken and a fumble lost, this was a difficult performance to defend. His inability to sustain drives left the defense on the field far too long.
- Grade: F
Behren Morton, Patriots (7th Round, No. 234 Overall)
Morton had a night to forget, throwing two interceptions and struggling with accuracy across his 28 attempts. The Patriots’ coaching staff will likely look elsewhere for depth given the turnover issues shown in this final audition.
- Grade: F
Implications: The Road to the 53-Man Roster
As of Sunday morning, the implications of these performances are becoming clear. Teams are currently holding internal meetings to determine who makes the cut and who is designated for the waiver wire.
For the "A-grade" performers like Ty Simpson and Joe Fagnano, the path is clear: they have secured their standing and will likely be given significant reps in the regular season. For the "D" and "F" performers, the next 48 hours will be filled with uncertainty. Many will be released, hoping that their earlier preseason film is enough to garner interest from other franchises.
The NFL is a league of attrition, and for these 17 rookies, the preseason was only the first chapter. Whether they find themselves on a 53-man roster, a practice squad, or looking for a new opportunity, the transition from college to the professional ranks has been laid bare. The tape is in, the grades are finalized, and the final roster decisions will shape the competitive landscape for the 2026 season.
