Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick of this year’s draft, just landed at No. 1 on the NFL Players Association’s annual Rising Stars list. Released Tuesday, July 21, 2026, this isn’t some generic popularity contest; it’s the NFLPA telling us who they project will be future members of the Top 50 in licensed player product sales. Think jerseys, merch, all the stuff that shows who fans are truly hyped about, and a rookie QB is leading the pack. That’s a massive statement heading into the season!
The Rookie Class Is Popping Off
Mendoza leading this list as the overall first pick? That’s not just a vote of confidence in his game; it’s a huge nod to his marketability and the immediate impact he’s expected to have, on and off the field. The NFLPA is basically saying this kid is going to sell jerseys like crazy, and usually, that kind of commercial buzz comes from making game-winning plays. Right behind him, the rookie list is stacked with talent already catching the eye of the league’s player’s association. We’re talking Cowboys safety Caleb Downs, Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love, Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate, Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon, Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles, Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Giants linebacker Arvell Reese, Ravens wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, and Buccaneers edge rusher Rueben Bain. These are the guys who the NFLPA sees as the future faces of the league’s commercial success. It’s an early look at who’s going to dominate not just the highlight reels, but the storefronts, too.
Experienced Players Still Making Their Mark
It’s not just the fresh faces getting love though. The NFLPA also dropped a list of 10 players with NFL experience who haven’t yet cracked that coveted Top 50 in product sales but are definitely on the rise. Topping that veteran list is Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. For a guy with NFL experience to still be considered a “Rising Star” means the league expects a significant jump from him this upcoming season. He’s been putting in the work, and the NFLPA sees him breaking through big time. Also on that list of veterans ready to explode are Bears tight end Colston Loveland, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane, Bills running back James Cook, and Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. These are players who’ve seen the field, shown flashes, and are now projected to make that leap into true commercial stardom.
So, what’s this list really telling us? It’s the NFLPA’s projection of who’s about to blow up, both with their play and with the fans. For these rookies, it’s about hitting the ground running and proving the hype is real. For the vets, it’s about seizing their moment and cementing their place in the league’s top tier. Keep an eye on these names as the season gets closer; they’re the ones the league expects to own the headlines and the merch shelves.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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