2025 NFL Rookie Class Report: Training Camp Standouts and Future Stars

A comprehensive analysis of the 2025 NFL rookie class, highlighting standout performances and future stars as training camps wind down.

2025 NFL Rookie Class Report: Training Camp Standouts and Future Stars

As the 2025 NFL preseason winds down, all eyes are on the rookie class, a group of 257 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the regular season fast approaching, NFL Nation reporters have been tracking the progress of every single draft pick, from the top selections to Mr. Irrelevant. Here’s a breakdown of how the rookies are shaping up across the league.

Tennessee Titans

  • Cam Ward (Round 1, No. 1): The Titans’ top pick has quickly emerged as the starting quarterback and a team leader. Ward’s deep passing ability and chemistry with veteran receiver Calvin Ridley have been standout features of his camp.
  • Oluwafemi Oladejo (Round 2, No. 52): The edge rusher has shown flashes of potential, particularly in one-on-one drills, but remains a work in progress.
  • Kevin Winston Jr. (Round 3, No. 82): The safety was heavily involved in defensive reps before being sidelined with hamstring and knee soreness.

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Travis Hunter (Round 1, No. 2): The Jaguars’ dual-threat player has been practicing on both offense and defense, impressing coaches with his physical conditioning and mental toughness. Despite a minor injury, Hunter is expected to start on both sides of the ball in Week 1.
  • Caleb Ransaw (Round 3, No. 88): The safety was getting third- and fourth-team reps before a lower-body injury sidelined him for the rest of camp.

New York Giants

  • Abdul Carter (Round 1, No. 3): The edge rusher has lived up to the hype, dominating camp with his explosiveness and versatility. Carter is expected to be a key part of the Giants’ pass rush rotation.
  • Jaxson Dart (Round 1, No. 25): The quarterback has shown improvement in recent weeks, particularly in preseason games, but Russell Wilson remains the starter.

New England Patriots

  • Will Campbell (Round 1, No. 4): The left tackle has been a starter since Day 1, showcasing an aggressive playing style. While he’s still learning, Campbell has been a solid presence on the offensive line.
  • TreVeyon Henderson (Round 2, No. 38): The running back has shown explosive speed, returning the opening kickoff of the preseason for a 100-yard touchdown.

Cleveland Browns

  • Mason Graham (Round 1, No. 5): The defensive tackle has adjusted well to the Browns’ new defensive scheme and is projected to start in Week 1.
  • Carson Schwesinger (Round 2, No. 33): The linebacker has been given defensive playcaller duties, a testament to the Browns’ trust in his abilities.

Las Vegas Raiders

  • Ashton Jeanty (Round 1, No. 6): The running back has impressed throughout camp and is expected to be the Raiders’ starter. Jeanty’s ability in the passing game has also caught the attention of coaches.
  • Jack Bech (Round 2, No. 58): The wide receiver has shown potential as a physical presence, particularly in contested catches.

New York Jets

  • Armand Membou (Round 1, No. 7): The offensive tackle has been a starter since being drafted, though he’s still adjusting to the speed of the NFL.
  • Mason Taylor (Round 2, No. 42): The tight end is expected to have a major role on offense, with coaches praising his blocking ability.

Carolina Panthers

  • Tetairoa McMillan (Round 1, No. 8): The wide receiver has been a standout in camp, proving to be a reliable target for quarterback Bryce Young.
  • Nic Scourton (Round 2, No. 51): The edge rusher’s relentless pursuit has been on full display, though a collapsed lung has put his short-term availability in question.

New Orleans Saints

  • Kelvin Banks Jr. (Round 1, No. 9): The offensive tackle has been a steady presence on the left side, with no major issues reported during camp.
  • Tyler Shough (Round 2, No. 40): The quarterback has had a strong second half of camp and is competing for the starting job.

Chicago Bears

  • Colston Loveland (Round 1, No. 10): The tight end has shown versatility, excelling both as a blocker and a receiver. Loveland is expected to be a key part of the Bears’ offense.
  • Luther Burden III (Round 2, No. 39): The wide receiver has shown explosive playmaking ability, though he’s still adjusting to the complexity of the Bears’ scheme.

San Francisco 49ers

  • Mykel Williams (Round 1, No. 11): The edge rusher has been a starter since Day 1, though a hyperextended knee has slowed his progress slightly.
  • Alfred Collins (Round 2, No. 43): The defensive tackle has progressed well after a slow start and could work his way into the rotation by Week 1.

Dallas Cowboys

  • Tyler Booker (Round 1, No. 12): The guard has been a starter for most of camp, showcasing his strength as a run blocker.
  • Donovan Ezeiruaku (Round 2, No. 44): The edge rusher has been a standout in camp, showing an array of moves to get to the quarterback.

Miami Dolphins

  • Kenneth Grant (Round 1, No. 13): The defensive tackle has stood out in camp, particularly in defending the run. Grant is expected to contribute immediately.
  • Jonah Savaiinaea (Round 2, No. 37): The guard has flashed brilliance and is expected to be a solid rookie starter.

Indianapolis Colts

  • Tyler Warren (Round 1, No. 14): The tight end has been a reliable target in camp, making difficult catches look routine.
  • JT Tuimoloau (Round 2, No. 45): The edge rusher has shown potential as a rotational player, though a knee injury has slowed his progress.

Atlanta Falcons

  • Jalon Walker (Round 1, No. 15): The edge rusher has missed most of camp with injuries but has shown potential when healthy.
  • James Pearce Jr. (Round 1, No. 26): The pass rusher has been one of the team’s most valuable defenders in camp.

Arizona Cardinals

  • Walter Nolen III (Round 1, No. 16): The defensive tackle has yet to practice due to a calf injury but is progressing well.
  • Will Johnson (Round 2, No. 47): The cornerback has impressed from the jump, quickly earning a starting role in nickel and dime packages.

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Shemar Stewart (Round 1, No. 17): The edge rusher has been disruptive in camp, earning respect from teammates and coaches.
  • Demetrius Knight Jr. (Round 2, No. 49): The linebacker has been attentive in learning the defense and is expected to be a day one starter.

Seattle Seahawks

  • Grey Zabel (Round 1, No. 18): The guard has been a standout in camp, showing both athleticism and power.
  • Nick Emmanwori (Round 2, No. 35): The safety has made enough plays in camp to look like he could be an impact player right away.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Emeka Egbuka (Round 1, No. 19): The wide receiver will get significant snaps in the Bucs’ offense, lining up at multiple positions.
  • Benjamin Morrison (Round 2, No. 53): The cornerback has been sidelined with injuries but is expected to contribute once healthy.

Denver Broncos

  • Jahdae Barron (Round 1, No. 20): The cornerback has been impressive in camp, earning situational work with the starters.
  • RJ Harvey (Round 2, No. 60): The running back has received most of the starting work in camp and is expected to be a key contributor.

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Derrick Harmon (Round 1, No. 21): The defensive tackle was carted off with a knee injury in the preseason finale, putting his immediate future in question.
  • Kaleb Johnson (Round 3, No. 83): The running back has shown power and instincts, though he’s still adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Omarion Hampton (Round 1, No. 22): The running back has impressed coaches with his size and swiftness.
  • Tre Harris (Round 2, No. 55): The wide receiver dazzled in the third preseason game, leading the Chargers with six catches for 85 yards.

Green Bay Packers

  • Matthew Golden (Round 1, No. 23): The wide receiver has been a standout in camp, showing speed and the ability to get open.
  • Anthony Belton (Round 2, No. 54): The offensive tackle has shown power as a run blocker but needs to clean up his technique.

Minnesota Vikings

  • Donovan Jackson (Round 1, No. 24): The guard appears set to be a Week 1 starter after taking every rep at left guard during camp.
  • Tai Felton (Round 3, No. 102): The wide receiver/kick returner has shown speed and open-field running ability.

Baltimore Ravens

  • Malaki Starks (Round 1, No. 27): The safety will start immediately, filling a key role in the Ravens’ secondary.
  • Mike Green (Round 2, No. 59): The edge rusher will be used heavily in the Ravens’ rotation due to his relentless mindset.

Detroit Lions

  • Tyleik Williams (Round 1, No. 28): The defensive tackle has taken first-team reps all summer and is expected to contribute immediately.
  • Tate Ratledge (Round 2, No. 57): The guard continues to fight for a starting role on the Lions’ offensive line.

Washington Commanders

  • Josh Conerly Jr. (Round 1, No. 29): The offensive tackle has been solid in camp and is expected to earn a starting nod early in the season.
  • Trey Amos (Round 2, No. 61): The cornerback has impressed throughout camp, particularly in press coverage.

Buffalo Bills

  • Maxwell Hairston (Round 1, No. 30): The cornerback suffered a right LCL sprain and hasn’t returned, putting his Week 1 status in doubt.
  • T.J. Sanders (Round 2, No. 41): The defensive tackle has made a splash at times and is expected to be part of the rotation.

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Jihaad Campbell (Round 1, No. 31): The linebacker has made a number of impact plays in camp, showing speed and physicality.
  • Andrew Mukuba (Round 2, No. 64): The safety has come on lately, making big plays in the preseason.

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Josh Simmons (Round 1, No. 32): The offensive tackle has been nearly flawless in camp and is expected to start at left tackle.
  • Omarr Norman-Lott (Round 2, No. 63): The defensive tackle had a strong start to camp but has been slowed by an ankle injury.

Houston Texans

  • Jayden Higgins (Round 2, No. 34): The wide receiver is fighting for a starting job and is expected to get significant playing time.
  • Aireontae Ersery (Round 2, No. 48): The offensive tackle is expected to start at either left or right tackle.

Los Angeles Rams

  • Terrance Ferguson (Round 2, No. 46): The tight end has been dealing with a groin injury but could contribute once healthy.
  • Josaiah Stewart (Round 3, No. 90): The edge rusher has shown toughness against the run and as a pass rusher.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the rookie class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. From top picks like Cam Ward and Travis Hunter to late-round gems, these players are poised to make an immediate impact on their teams. Keep an eye on these rookies as they take the field in Week 1 and beyond.

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