Top 10 NFL Team Debuts Ranked by PFF Grades

As the NFL preseason wraps up, attention turns to the upcoming regular season, where several high-profile players will make their debuts with new teams. Among them are Myles Garrett, Dexter Lawrence, Jaylen Waddle, and Trey Hendrickson, who are set to play their first games with their respective franchises soon.

Since the inception of PFF charting in 2006, ten players have distinguished themselves with remarkable team debuts. Leading the list is Ben Hartsock of the Atlanta Falcons, who achieved a score of 94.6 in his Week 1 performance in 2008. Following closely is Jessie Bates III, also from the Falcons, who recorded a 94.5 in his debut in 2023, showcasing his skills with two interceptions against the Panthers.

Other notable debuts include Darian Stewart of the Denver Broncos in 2015 with a score of 94.2, and Joshua Uche of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, who impressed with a score of 93.9 despite limited snaps. Khalil Mack, playing for the Chicago Bears in 2018, also made a significant impact with a score of 93.4, highlighted by a sack and an interception. These performances set a high standard for future debuts in the league.