Undrafted rookie share on NFL rosters tracks toward decade low

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 5:07 PM

Last updated Sep 5, 2026

Undrafted rookie share on NFL rosters tracks toward decade low
Summary

As of September 4, undrafted players account for approximately 17.4% of rookies on NFL active rosters. This percentage marks a potential non-pandemic decade low for the league as teams increasingly rely on drafted personnel. The Miami Dolphins lead the league with 13 total rookies, including 12 who were drafted, while teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Denver Broncos carry only four rookies each. Last season's conference finalists generally show lower rookie counts, with the exception of the New England Patriots, who retain 11 rookies. The league analysis used roster data from September 4 and compared figures against historical trends dating back to 2017. These roster compositions remain subject to change as teams prepare for Week 1 of the regular season.

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By the Numbers
  • Undrafted players represent roughly 17.4% of all NFL rookies as of September 4.
  • The Miami Dolphins currently lead the NFL with 13 total rookies on their roster.
  • The Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Denver Broncos each carry four rookies.
  • The 2026 undrafted rookie share tracks toward a decade low excluding pandemic-era seasons.
Latest Updates
  • 5:07 PMYahoo SportsNFL’s undrafted-rookie share tracking toward non-pandemic decade low
What they're saying
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Miami tops the league with 13 rookies, while the Rams, Seahawks and Broncos — all conference finalists last season — have just four each.

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