Which rookies will have the biggest impact in the AFC North during the 2026 NFL season?
The division is building up to be another slugfest with a healthy Joe Burrow leading the Cincinnati Bengals, a healthier and more motivated Lamar Jackson headlining the Baltimore Ravens and Aaron Rodgers back another season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the Cleveland Browns moved on from Myles Garrett, the division remains loaded with talent thanks to blockbuster trades, key free-agent additions and the return of several star players.
What could set a team apart in this division will be the 2026 NFL Draft class where teams selected players in key positions who could be difference makers if they live up to their talent and are put in positions to succeed in their roles.
This series from NFL Mocks examines one rookie from each AFC North team who has the potential to be the most important first-year player on their respective roster.
The rookies who could define the AFC North in 2026
Baltimore Ravens: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (No. 45 overall)
Can the Baltimore Ravens build a championship-caliber defense around Pro Bowler Namdi Madukuike and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson? After the Maxx Crosby blockbuster trade reversal, the Ravens’ defense will be under the spotlight in the AFC North. That makes the rookie addition of Zion Young an important one.
After selecting Mike Green in the 2025 NFL Draft and Young with the 45th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ravens are mixing youth with veterans. If Green makes a Year 2 leap and emerges as a consistent pass rush presence, Young could give the Ravens an intriguing edge rotation if his talent translates immediately to the NFL. Although the Ravens have other draft picks who will play important roles, the addition of Young could help elevate the defensive front seven back into one of the more fearsome units in the division.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington (No. 72 overall)
The Bengals' projected starters for the 2026 NFL season is Dax Hill and DJ Turner, but all eyes will be on third-round pick Tacario Davis due to the rare physical traits he brings to the table as a big, physical corner with explosive speed. As the team's largest defensive back, Davis is expected to be assigned to cover tight ends and larger receivers due to his physicality and proficiency in press-man coverage. Additionally, Davis's notable speed sets him apart; standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 194 pounds, the former Washington star recorded a 4.41-second 40-yard dash.
While Davis projects initially as a depth corner who can match up against bigger receivers, his long-term upside is what makes him one of the Bengals' most important rookies. If he develops into a full-time starter, Cincinnati could have another cornerstone piece in its secondary.
Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, T, Utah (No. 9 overall)
After key departures along the offensive line, the Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL Draft on a mission to rebuild the line with talent, youth and depth. The biggest and most important piece of that overhaul is Spencer Fano, the athletic tackle out of Utah.
Selected with the 9th overall pick in the draft, the promising prospect projects as the team’s starting left tackle which does put a lot of pressure on him as the team’s cornerstone on the offensive line. If anyone is in position to handle the pressure, it is Fano who was highly regarded as one of the top tackles in the nation and one of the top offensive linemen in the entire draft.
The Browns also added Parker Brailsford and Austion Barber, making the rebuild of their offensive line one of the franchise's biggest priorities entering 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (No. 47 overall)
With Aaron Rodgers back under center for another season, new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and the offense are building offensive talent around the veteran quarterback. In adding Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade this offseason to pair with DK Metcalf, the Steelers secured their No. 2 receiver. The Steelers also selected former Alabama star Germie Bernard, who projects as the team's No. 3 receiver and primary slot weapon.
Bernard, picked 47th overall, could be a valuable addition to the Steelers’ offense. While Metcalf is a deep threat and Pittman excels as a possession receiver, Bernard brings toughness, reliable hands and short-area quickness that could make him Aaron Rodgers' favorite target over the middle. If he develops quickly, Pittsburgh's offense becomes much more difficult to defend.
