NFL Quarter-Season Award Candidates: Arvell Reese and Klint Kubiak Lead Rankings

Through four weeks of the 2026 NFL season, Giants linebacker Arvell Reese leads the league with 27 solo tackles.

Through the first four weeks of the 2026 NFL season, New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese has emerged as the top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Reese leads the league in solo tackles with 27 and has played over 99% of defensive snaps. In a Week 4 victory against the Cardinals, he recorded a tackle for loss, a batted pass, and an interception. Following a season-ending ACL injury to Brian Burns, Reese increased his edge defender usage to 46% of snaps.

In the Offensive Rookie of the Year race, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston leads the rankings. Boston has recorded three catches of 45 yards or more, including a 46-yard touchdown against the Jaguars. He currently ranks fourth in the NFL in air yards per target at 16.9. Kansas City Chiefs undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson follows at second, having allowed only one sack while starting at left tackle in place of the injured Josh Simmons.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is the top choice for Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 3-1 start. Under Kubiak, quarterback Kirk Cousins ranks 13th in Total QBR. The Raiders' offense has achieved this despite ranking 28th in EPA per play on designed rush attempts. Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears holds the second spot, having utilized three different quarterbacks to secure wins during the first month of the season.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan ranks third for Coach of the Year as his team leads the league in most offensive categories. The 49ers utilize pre-snap motion at a 75.4% rate, the second-highest in the NFL. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq of the New York Jets also earned recognition, ranking fifth among all tight ends with 2.1 yards per route run.