As the NFL season kicks off on September 5, 2026, a striking trend has emerged from the final roster cuts: the share of undrafted rookies is plummeting to levels not seen in a decade (excluding the pandemic-affected 2020-21 seasons). According to data compiled by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, just 45 of the 259 rookies on active rosters (as of Sept. 4) went undrafted—a mere 17.4%. If that holds for Week 1, it would mark the lowest undrafted share since 2015, with the exception of the COVID-era seasons (15.5% in 2020, 13.1% in 2021). For context, every season from 2017 to 2025 featured at least 20% undrafted rookies, peaking at 24.5% in 2024.
Dolphins Double Down on Draft Picks
The shift is most pronounced in Miami, where the Dolphins boast a league-high 12 drafted rookies among their 13 total rookies. This aggressive approach stems from their league-leading 13 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft—the most in the league and their second-highest total since 1994. Head coach Mike McDaniel has clearly prioritized building through the draft, with first-round picks Kadyn Proctor (offensive lineman, Alabama) and Chris Johnson (cornerback, San Diego State) expected to contribute immediately. Miami's rookie class outnumbers even the Kansas City Chiefs, who have 12 rookies, but the Chiefs' composition tells a different story.
Chiefs Bet on Undrafted Gems
While Miami embraced the draft, the Chiefs are leaning on undrafted talent more than any other team. Under Andy Reid, Kansas City has five undrafted rookies on their 53-man roster—the largest such contingent in the NFL. This isn't uncharted territory for the Chiefs, who have historically found value in undrafted free agents, but it underscores a league-wide philosophical divide. As the Vulius Sports analysis notes, teams are split between trusting their draft board and scouring the waiver wire for diamonds in the rough.
Contenders Keep Rookie Rosters Lean
Interestingly, the teams with the fewest rookies are proving that experience still rules in the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams, Super Bowl favorites this season, have just four rookies on their active roster—including potential Matthew Stafford heir, quarterback Ty Simpson out of Alabama. Only one of those four (linebacker Wesley Bailey from Louisville) went undrafted, earning his spot after a strong preseason finish, per Rams' writer Stu Jackson. Similarly, the Seattle Seahawks—who defeated the Rams in last season's NFC Championship—also carry four rookies, led by first-round running back Jadarian Price from Notre Dame. Their lone undrafted player is cornerback Avery Smith, who previously spent time with the Chargers.
The Denver Broncos, who reached the AFC title game before falling to the New England Patriots, round out the trio with four rookies. All four were drafted, including tight end Dallen Bentley (second-to-last pick) and linebacker Red Murdock, this year's Mr. Irrelevant, though Murdock is on the practice squad rather than the active roster. The Patriots, meanwhile, sit on the opposite end of the spectrum with 11 rookies on their roster—a sign that even successful teams are willing to integrate youth, though perhaps not as aggressively as Miami.
Historical Context and What It Means
This trend raises questions about roster construction in the modern NFL. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk points out, the decline in undrafted rookies could reflect improved scouting and draft-day trades, or it might signal a preference for players who have been through the structured NFL draft process. Teams like the Dolphins are clearly betting on the certainty of drafted talent, while the Chiefs are demonstrating that undrafted players can still make an impact. As Week 1 approaches, all eyes will be on these rookies to see which approach pays off.
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