The NFL's training camps have arrived, and with them, a flurry of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. While veterans are still trickling in, the focus is on the rookies, who will be a central part of the early camp buzz. Among the most talked-about newcomers are Dillon Thieneman, Kadyn Proctor, Carson Beck, Fernando Mendoza, David Bailey, Jadarian Price, and Bryce Boettcher. Each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact on their respective teams, but the question remains: who will live up to the hype and who will fall short?

Buy: Dillon Thieneman

Dillon Thieneman, the Oregon safety drafted by the Chicago Bears, is a player who has already lived up to the pre-draft hype. His speed, instincts, versatility, aggressiveness, and passion make him a long-term building block for the defense. Pairing him with Coby Bryant, another newcomer, offers a dangerous edge to the back end of the secondary. Thieneman's versatile skillset is being underrated as a true three-down impact defender in the NFL, and he has all the traits and intangibles needed to be a legitimate difference-maker out of the gate. While he will have to solidify a starting role in the coming weeks, his potential is undeniable.

Sell: Kadyn Proctor

Kadyn Proctor, the former Alabama standout drafted by the Miami Dolphins, is a mammoth along the offensive line with the physical potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler. However, it's hard to accurately gauge an offensive lineman's development during practices that don't involve pads or anything close to full contact. Proctor may well be preparing like a veteran, but we're inclined to sell the idea that he's already performing like a polished instant star. According to Brandon Thorn, Proctor has a 'bad habit of dipping head into contact' and deals with 'undisciplined, erratic positional leverage in pass protection'.

Buy: Carson Beck

Carson Beck, the third-round pick out of Miami, is a quarterback who could challenge for the Arizona Cardinals' QB1 job. Part of the reason Beck could get the chance to compete is the fact that he has flashed the traits and the work ethic needed to push Brissett in camp. Beck spends his time talking football with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, watching film with quarterbacks coach and former NFL QB Matt Schaub, and going through the playbook. While Brissett is the favorite, Beck is expected to be in the mix for QB1 during camp.

Sell: Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana quarterback drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, is a player who has been treated like a developmental player since drafting him. The Raiders added veteran Kirk Cousins earlier this offseason and have been patient with Mendoza's adjustment to the next level. However, one former NFL coach believes that the Raiders should instead make the rookie the Week 1 starter. While some quarterbacks have been able to work through early hiccups on the field and emerge as high-end starters, rushing Mendoza onto the field just to get his growing pains out of the way would be irresponsible.

Buy: David Bailey

David Bailey, the Texas Tech edge rusher drafted by the New York Jets, is expected to be a big-time contributor as a rookie. Despite his deficiencies as a run defender, Bailey's first-step quickness jumps out even to the casual observer. He will have a major role, and the Jets, playing for 2026 and beyond, are expected to find their QB of the future next spring. This season will be all about growing the supporting cast.

Sell: Jadarian Price

Jadarian Price, the Notre Dame running back drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, has the potential to be a very good one at the next level. However, the early reports indicate that he might not be first in line for the RB1 job. In the six full-squad practices that were open to reporters, it was George Holani who tended to get the first crack with the No. 1 offense. Fans should expect to see Holani hold a significant position in Seattle's committee backfield this fall, but Price should also be cemented in the RB1 role at some point during the preseason.

Buy: Bryce Boettcher

Bryce Boettcher, the Oregon linebacker drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, is pushing for a starting role. He took a significant number of snaps with the starting defense during last week's minicamp, and his athleticism and work ethic make him a strong contender. Boettcher has the sort of athleticism needed to be a three-down defender in Lou Anarumo's defense, and his drive and work ethic make him a player who can help turn around a defense that wasn't playoff-caliber last season.