There is still much to learn about this year’s NFL rookie class. But hitting pause at the midway point to reflect on the first half is an interesting exercise to determine which rookies have been the best at their positions thus far.
Some of the calls for our midseason All-Rookie Team were close, while others were no-brainers.
Cam Ward held this spot almost uncontested over the season’s first month, because he was the lone rookie quarterback to start from day one. But Dart surged past him in October and made this an easy choice at the midway point.
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Despite having made three fewer starts than Ward, Dart has twice as many passing touchdowns (10) and half as many interceptions (three) as Ward (five and six, respectively) plus five rushing touchdowns (to Ward’s zero). Dart also leads all rookie QBs in completion percentage (62.3), yards per attempt (6.7) and yards per completion (10.8).
He is still playing like a rookie — his 46.1 percent offensive success rate is in the bottom half of the league, sandwiched between Carson Wentz and Justin Fields. But his early command of the offense and unflinching play style are promising for a quarterback-starved organization.
Sideline went crazy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ykMmV2Ewhj — New York Giants (@Giants) a season-ending ankle injury, but he deserves recognition. Though his 51.3 rushing yards per game places him behind Jeanty, Hampton and Judkins, he is tied with Judkins in yards per carry (4.1) and rushing touchdowns. And Skattebo leads all rookie backs in catches (24), receiving yards (207) and total first downs (38).Aside from the stats, he also passes the “vibes” test. The Giants’ offense felt wildly different in Week 9 with Skattebo out of the lineup.Honorable mention: Ashton Jeanty (Raiders), Omarion Hampton (Chargers), Kyle Monangai (Bears), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders), Woody Marks (Texans), Bhayshul Tuten (Jaguars), TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots), RJ Harvey (Broncos) What You Should Read Next NFL Week 10 power rankings: Rams, Bills on rise, new No. 1 after another top-10 shakeup After four of the top six teams lost, the top 10 has a new look — and a new No. 1 — as we hand out our midseason report cards. Wide receiverEmeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 1, No. 19)Egbuka started hot out of the gate and has yet to cool off. He leads all rookie receivers in receiving yards (562), receiving touchdowns (five) and yards after catch per reception (5.4). He is one of just six NFL players averaging better than 16.5 yards per catch, and one of three with at least 11 receptions of 20-plus yards (only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and George Pickens have more).With Mike Evans on injured reserve and Chris Godwin still working his way back from injury, Egbuka has been forced into Tampa Bay’s No. 1 receiving role. He has been more than up for the challenge.AdvertisementRunner-up: Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (Round 1, No. 8)Though Egbuka holds onto the top spot, McMillan isn’t far behind — and it wouldn’t be surprising if he made up the gap during the second half of the season. The Panthers rookie has 41 receptions for 558 yards and two touchdowns through nine games. The key number with McMillan, though, is 82.9: the percentage of his receptions that have resulted in a first down or touchdown.Another key number: four, which is how many defensive pass interference penalties he’s drawn, most among the rookies.our early All-Rookie team, Membou was the top tackle and Campbell the runner-up. I’m flipping those picks for the midseason edition.Both players have performed to the levels expected of top-10 picks, but Campbell has been just a little more consistent, especially in pass protection (at least when he doesn’t have to face Myles Garrett).Aside from a sack allowed against fellow rookie Jalon Walker, Campbell had a strong game this past Sunday against the Falcons. He graded well in pass protection and had a few key blocks in the run game (see Terrell Jennings’ second-quarter touchdown). He also notched his first NFL tackle when he chased down another Falcons rookie, James Pearce Jr., to prevent a touchdown after a fumble.Runner-up: Armand Membou, New York Jets (Round 1, No. 7)Membou had one of the best debuts for a rookie tackle that I have seen, and his play hasn’t fallen off much since then. His veteran teammates rave about the way he has worked and handled himself, despite being one of the league’s youngest players. Membou looks like a cornerstone of the franchise.Honorable mention: Josh Simmons (Chiefs), Kelvin Banks Jr. (Saints), Aireontae Ersery (Texans) Rookie Grey Zabel has helped the Seahawks establish one of the NFL’s top offenses in 2025. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images)Interior offensive lineGrey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks (Round 1, No. 18)Double-digit rookie guards have started so far this season, with plenty of ups and downs from each. But Zabel and Detroit’s Tate Ratledge have been the most consistent and impactful.Zabel played well over the first month of the season and was even better in October, specifically in pass protection. Over the last four games, he allowed a total of two pressures and has yet to give up a sack. The alert, physical play style Zabel showed at North Dakota State has translated well, as he’s stonewalling rushers at contact and shielding the pocket. His run blocking hasn’t been as impressive, but it has been an upgrade over what Seattle had last season.AdvertisementRunner-up: Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions (Round 3, No. 57)Despite battling a shoulder injury, Ratledge played arguably his best game as a pro Sunday against the Vikings. Predictably, he has been kind of the opposite of Zabel — run blocking is his specialty, but his pass protection needs work. He didn’t allow a pressure to Minnesota, however, and has been showing gradual improvements in that regard.Honorable mention: Tyler Booker (Cowboys), Dylan Fairchild (Bengals), Donovan Jackson (Vikings), Jonah Savaiinaea (Dolphins), Connor Colby (49ers), Jared Wilson (Patriots)Edge defenderAbdul Carter, New York Giants (Round 1, No. 2)“Carter only has a half sack!” I get it. Ideally, that number should be higher. (The Cardinals’ Walter Nolen just made his NFL debut Monday night and already has more.)But Carter is consistently affecting the backfield, as evidenced by his 32 pressures, which leads all rookies and ranks No. 1 on the Giants (three ahead of teammate Brian Burns). His pass-rush productivity percentage (6.7 percent), which includes hits and hurries along with sacks, is better than T.J. Watt’s (6.3) or Maxx Crosby’s (5.7).Fans might be frustrated with Carter’s low sacks total, especially after he played his least-productive game Sunday against the 49ers, but Carter is clearly impacting the game.Runner-up: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas Cowboys (Round 2, No. 44)Ezeiruaku has been around the football all season, and he notched his second sack Monday night against Arizona. His impact can be felt way beyond the sacks category, however. TruMedia tracks a “splash” statistic, which compiles impact plays such as sacks, tackles for loss, turnovers, third-down stops, etc. — Ezeiruaku leads all rookies with 16 splash plays.Honorable mention: Jalon Walker (Falcons), Mykel Williams (49ers), James Pearce Jr. (Falcons), Nic Scourton (Panthers), Olu Oladejo (Titans), Mike Green (Ravens), Josaiah Stewart (Rams), Princely Umanmielen (Panthers), Jordan Burch (Cardinals), Jack Sawyer (Steelers), Ashton Gillotte (Chiefs) What You Should Read Next NFL trade grades: Colts going all in, Jets cash out in Sauce Gardner blockbuster We are analyzing and grading all of the biggest deals ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. Defensive tackleDeone Walker, Buffalo Bills (Round 4, No. 109)The summer before the 2024 college football season, Walker was considered a potential top-10 pick by NFL scouts. But the 6-foot-8, 330-pound behemoth struggled with consistency and a back injury last season at Kentucky, teams worried about those issues following him to the league, and he fell out of the top 100.AdvertisementBut eight games into his NFL career, Walker has looked like a steal. Not only has he proved himself as a viable starter, but he is commanding double teams and helping create congestion on the line of scrimmage (go watch some of his goal-line snaps versus the Chiefs from Sunday). Time will tell if he can continue playing at this level, but he has changed the narrative around him.(On a side note, if Nolen plays the rest of the season like he did in his NFL debut Monday night, the Cardinals’ defensive tackle will soon find himself atop the rankings of the top rookie defensive linemen.)Runner-up: Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 1, No. 21)Despite missing the first two weeks because of a preseason injury, Harmon has quickly established himself as a vital part of the Steelers’ defensive front. The first-rounder out of Oregon did a great job against Indianapolis in Week 9 using his long arms to move blockers against their will and constrict run lanes, which contributed to a quiet day for Jonathan Taylor.Harmon currently leads all rookie interior defensive linemen in pressures (15), and he also has two sacks and 13 tackles.Honorable mention: Mason Graham (Browns), Jamaree Caldwell (Chargers), Walter Nolen (Cardinals), Elijah Roberts (Buccaneers), Kenneth Grant (Dolphins), Tyleik Williams (Lions), Alfred Collins (49ers), Yahya Black (Steelers), Jordan Phillips (Dolphins), Adin Huntington (Browns), Darius Alexander (Giants)LinebackerCarson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns (Round 2, No. 33)The Browns had five picks in the top 100, and all five resulted in immediate contributors. Since day one, though, Schwesinger has been the most impactful of the group — he leads all rookies at 8.0 tackles per game. He recorded his first NFL interception against Drake Maye and his first sack by closing on Jordan Love on a pivotal third down in Cleveland’s win over the Packers.Traditionally, rookie linebackers struggle with the mental complexity and play speed of the NFL, but Schwesinger looks like a veteran. YESSIR SUNSHINE!!!!pic.twitter.com/ROTbEbCqg2 — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) Runner-up: Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles (Round 1, No. 31)Like Schwesinger, Campbell is pushing back on the idea that rookie linebackers are slow translators to the NFL game. He doesn’t fill up the stat sheet as much as other linebackers (currently 93rd in the NFL with 45 tackles, seventh best among rookies), but Campbell’s impact in coverage separates him from most rookies.Honorable mention: Teddye Buchanan (Ravens), Demetrius Knight Jr. (Bengals), Shemar James (Cowboys), Francisco Mauigoa (Jets), Danny Stutsman (Saints), Shaun Dolac (Rams), Carson Bruener (Steelers), Barrett Carter (Bengals), Marlowe Wax (Chargers)AdvertisementCornerbackWill Johnson, Arizona Cardinals (Round 2, No. 47)Despite missing a few games, Johnson has been impressive when on the field and leads all rookies with six passes defended. He fell in the draft because of speed and durability questions, but his size, short-area agility and ball skills were strong selling points — and they’ve been keys to his strong start as a pro. Johnson is allowing just 62.5 percent completions when targeted.Between Johnson and Denzel Burke, the Cardinals’ secondary is getting a nice boost from this rookie class.Runner-up: Nohl Williams, Kansas City Chiefs (Round 3, No. 85)Williams has been a promising role player much of the season. It wasn’t all perfect this past weekend against the Bills, but he played well considering it was his first career start (and the most snaps he’s played as a pro). The Chiefs are hoping that Williams can lock down an outside corner spot to keep Trent McDuffie at his more natural nickel position.Honorable mention: Trey Amos (Commanders), Quincy Riley (Saints), Denzel Burke (Cardinals), Benjamin Morrison (Buccaneers), Darien Porter (Raiders), Johnathan Edwards (Colts)Nickel DBJacob Parrish, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 3, No. 84)A member of the Bucs’ front office recently told The Athletic it was evident from day one of camp that Parrish was going to be a difference-maker on defense. And that is exactly how it has played out.Lining up primarily as the nickel, Parrish has done a nice job in coverage — but his plays against the run stand out. He leads all rookies in first-down-preventing tackles on third or fourth down and has accounted for 14 “splash” plays, according to TruMedia, third most among all rookies. For a player who models his game after McDuffie, Parrish has made a similar impact early in his career.Runner-up: Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks (Round 2, No. 35)Labeled by some before the draft as a freaky size-speed athlete without a true position, Emmanwori has quickly served crow to the doubters. Lining up as a nickel in Mike Macdonald’s scheme, he has been at his best driving downhill, as he did Sunday night against the Commanders to blow up a block and tackle Deebo Samuel for a loss on a wide receiver screen. It hasn’t all been perfect, but the early returns are promising.Honorable mention: Billy Bowman (Falcons), Upton Stout (49ers), Jahdae Barron (Broncos)AdvertisementSafetyXavier Watts, Atlanta Falcons (Round 3, No. 96)Any debate about the “steal” of the 2025 NFL Draft must include Watts, who stayed on the board until the tail end of the third round. He didn’t have the same ball production in October that he did in September, but his two interceptions are still tied for the rookie lead, and quarterbacks must account for his presence post-snap. Watts looks like a long-term starter.Runner-up: Jonas Sanker, New Orleans Saints (Round 3, No. 93)Sanker and Justin Reid have formed a better-than-expected safety duo. Drafted a few spots ahead of Watts, Sanker became a starter in Week 2 and has been steady contributor each game. He is tied with Watts for the rookie lead among safeties with four passes defended and has yet to commit a penalty.Honorable mention: Andrew Mukuba (Eagles), Malaki Starks (Ravens), Craig Woodson (Patriots), Marques Sigle (49ers), Malachi Moore (Jets), Lathan Ransom (Panthers), Dante Trader Jr. (Dolphins)Special teamsKicker: Ryan Fitzgerald, Carolina Panthers (undrafted)Honorable mention: Tyler Loop (Ravens), Andres Borregales (Patriots)Punter: Jeremy Crawshaw, Denver Broncos (Round 6, No. 216)Honorable mention: Kai Kroeger (Saints) Nov 10, 2025Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports termsPlay today's puzzleBoxingCollege FootballCricketEuropean ChampionshipFantasy FootballFIFA Men's World CupGlobal SportsLeague CupMen's College BasketballMotorsportsNHLPeakSerie AStart SubscriptionCode of ConductFAQThe PulseFull TimeMoneyCallCookie Policy
Sideline went crazy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ykMmV2Ewhj
— New York Giants (@Giants) a season-ending ankle injury, but he deserves recognition. Though his 51.3 rushing yards per game places him behind Jeanty, Hampton and Judkins, he is tied with Judkins in yards per carry (4.1) and rushing touchdowns. And Skattebo leads all rookie backs in catches (24), receiving yards (207) and total first downs (38).
Aside from the stats, he also passes the “vibes” test. The Giants’ offense felt wildly different in Week 9 with Skattebo out of the lineup.
Honorable mention: Ashton Jeanty (Raiders), Omarion Hampton (Chargers), Kyle Monangai (Bears), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders), Woody Marks (Texans), Bhayshul Tuten (Jaguars), TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots), RJ Harvey (Broncos)
Egbuka started hot out of the gate and has yet to cool off. He leads all rookie receivers in receiving yards (562), receiving touchdowns (five) and yards after catch per reception (5.4). He is one of just six NFL players averaging better than 16.5 yards per catch, and one of three with at least 11 receptions of 20-plus yards (only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and George Pickens have more).
With Mike Evans on injured reserve and Chris Godwin still working his way back from injury, Egbuka has been forced into Tampa Bay’s No. 1 receiving role. He has been more than up for the challenge.
Though Egbuka holds onto the top spot, McMillan isn’t far behind — and it wouldn’t be surprising if he made up the gap during the second half of the season. The Panthers rookie has 41 receptions for 558 yards and two touchdowns through nine games. The key number with McMillan, though, is 82.9: the percentage of his receptions that have resulted in a first down or touchdown.
Another key number: four, which is how many defensive pass interference penalties he’s drawn, most among the rookies.
Both players have performed to the levels expected of top-10 picks, but Campbell has been just a little more consistent, especially in pass protection (at least when he doesn’t have to face Myles Garrett).
Aside from a sack allowed against fellow rookie Jalon Walker, Campbell had a strong game this past Sunday against the Falcons. He graded well in pass protection and had a few key blocks in the run game (see Terrell Jennings’ second-quarter touchdown). He also notched his first NFL tackle when he chased down another Falcons rookie, James Pearce Jr., to prevent a touchdown after a fumble.
Membou had one of the best debuts for a rookie tackle that I have seen, and his play hasn’t fallen off much since then. His veteran teammates rave about the way he has worked and handled himself, despite being one of the league’s youngest players. Membou looks like a cornerstone of the franchise.
Honorable mention: Josh Simmons (Chiefs), Kelvin Banks Jr. (Saints), Aireontae Ersery (Texans)
Double-digit rookie guards have started so far this season, with plenty of ups and downs from each. But Zabel and Detroit’s Tate Ratledge have been the most consistent and impactful.
Zabel played well over the first month of the season and was even better in October, specifically in pass protection. Over the last four games, he allowed a total of two pressures and has yet to give up a sack. The alert, physical play style Zabel showed at North Dakota State has translated well, as he’s stonewalling rushers at contact and shielding the pocket. His run blocking hasn’t been as impressive, but it has been an upgrade over what Seattle had last season.
Despite battling a shoulder injury, Ratledge played arguably his best game as a pro Sunday against the Vikings. Predictably, he has been kind of the opposite of Zabel — run blocking is his specialty, but his pass protection needs work. He didn’t allow a pressure to Minnesota, however, and has been showing gradual improvements in that regard.
Honorable mention: Tyler Booker (Cowboys), Dylan Fairchild (Bengals), Donovan Jackson (Vikings), Jonah Savaiinaea (Dolphins), Connor Colby (49ers), Jared Wilson (Patriots)
“Carter only has a half sack!” I get it. Ideally, that number should be higher. (The Cardinals’ Walter Nolen just made his NFL debut Monday night and already has more.)
But Carter is consistently affecting the backfield, as evidenced by his 32 pressures, which leads all rookies and ranks No. 1 on the Giants (three ahead of teammate Brian Burns). His pass-rush productivity percentage (6.7 percent), which includes hits and hurries along with sacks, is better than T.J. Watt’s (6.3) or Maxx Crosby’s (5.7).
Fans might be frustrated with Carter’s low sacks total, especially after he played his least-productive game Sunday against the 49ers, but Carter is clearly impacting the game.
Ezeiruaku has been around the football all season, and he notched his second sack Monday night against Arizona. His impact can be felt way beyond the sacks category, however. TruMedia tracks a “splash” statistic, which compiles impact plays such as sacks, tackles for loss, turnovers, third-down stops, etc. — Ezeiruaku leads all rookies with 16 splash plays.
Honorable mention: Jalon Walker (Falcons), Mykel Williams (49ers), James Pearce Jr. (Falcons), Nic Scourton (Panthers), Olu Oladejo (Titans), Mike Green (Ravens), Josaiah Stewart (Rams), Princely Umanmielen (Panthers), Jordan Burch (Cardinals), Jack Sawyer (Steelers), Ashton Gillotte (Chiefs)
The summer before the 2024 college football season, Walker was considered a potential top-10 pick by NFL scouts. But the 6-foot-8, 330-pound behemoth struggled with consistency and a back injury last season at Kentucky, teams worried about those issues following him to the league, and he fell out of the top 100.
But eight games into his NFL career, Walker has looked like a steal. Not only has he proved himself as a viable starter, but he is commanding double teams and helping create congestion on the line of scrimmage (go watch some of his goal-line snaps versus the Chiefs from Sunday). Time will tell if he can continue playing at this level, but he has changed the narrative around him.
(On a side note, if Nolen plays the rest of the season like he did in his NFL debut Monday night, the Cardinals’ defensive tackle will soon find himself atop the rankings of the top rookie defensive linemen.)
Despite missing the first two weeks because of a preseason injury, Harmon has quickly established himself as a vital part of the Steelers’ defensive front. The first-rounder out of Oregon did a great job against Indianapolis in Week 9 using his long arms to move blockers against their will and constrict run lanes, which contributed to a quiet day for Jonathan Taylor.
Harmon currently leads all rookie interior defensive linemen in pressures (15), and he also has two sacks and 13 tackles.
Honorable mention: Mason Graham (Browns), Jamaree Caldwell (Chargers), Walter Nolen (Cardinals), Elijah Roberts (Buccaneers), Kenneth Grant (Dolphins), Tyleik Williams (Lions), Alfred Collins (49ers), Yahya Black (Steelers), Jordan Phillips (Dolphins), Adin Huntington (Browns), Darius Alexander (Giants)
The Browns had five picks in the top 100, and all five resulted in immediate contributors. Since day one, though, Schwesinger has been the most impactful of the group — he leads all rookies at 8.0 tackles per game. He recorded his first NFL interception against Drake Maye and his first sack by closing on Jordan Love on a pivotal third down in Cleveland’s win over the Packers.
Traditionally, rookie linebackers struggle with the mental complexity and play speed of the NFL, but Schwesinger looks like a veteran.
YESSIR SUNSHINE!!!!pic.twitter.com/ROTbEbCqg2 — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) Runner-up: Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles (Round 1, No. 31)Like Schwesinger, Campbell is pushing back on the idea that rookie linebackers are slow translators to the NFL game. He doesn’t fill up the stat sheet as much as other linebackers (currently 93rd in the NFL with 45 tackles, seventh best among rookies), but Campbell’s impact in coverage separates him from most rookies.Honorable mention: Teddye Buchanan (Ravens), Demetrius Knight Jr. (Bengals), Shemar James (Cowboys), Francisco Mauigoa (Jets), Danny Stutsman (Saints), Shaun Dolac (Rams), Carson Bruener (Steelers), Barrett Carter (Bengals), Marlowe Wax (Chargers)AdvertisementCornerbackWill Johnson, Arizona Cardinals (Round 2, No. 47)Despite missing a few games, Johnson has been impressive when on the field and leads all rookies with six passes defended. He fell in the draft because of speed and durability questions, but his size, short-area agility and ball skills were strong selling points — and they’ve been keys to his strong start as a pro. Johnson is allowing just 62.5 percent completions when targeted.Between Johnson and Denzel Burke, the Cardinals’ secondary is getting a nice boost from this rookie class.Runner-up: Nohl Williams, Kansas City Chiefs (Round 3, No. 85)Williams has been a promising role player much of the season. It wasn’t all perfect this past weekend against the Bills, but he played well considering it was his first career start (and the most snaps he’s played as a pro). The Chiefs are hoping that Williams can lock down an outside corner spot to keep Trent McDuffie at his more natural nickel position.Honorable mention: Trey Amos (Commanders), Quincy Riley (Saints), Denzel Burke (Cardinals), Benjamin Morrison (Buccaneers), Darien Porter (Raiders), Johnathan Edwards (Colts)Nickel DBJacob Parrish, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 3, No. 84)A member of the Bucs’ front office recently told The Athletic it was evident from day one of camp that Parrish was going to be a difference-maker on defense. And that is exactly how it has played out.Lining up primarily as the nickel, Parrish has done a nice job in coverage — but his plays against the run stand out. He leads all rookies in first-down-preventing tackles on third or fourth down and has accounted for 14 “splash” plays, according to TruMedia, third most among all rookies. For a player who models his game after McDuffie, Parrish has made a similar impact early in his career.Runner-up: Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks (Round 2, No. 35)Labeled by some before the draft as a freaky size-speed athlete without a true position, Emmanwori has quickly served crow to the doubters. Lining up as a nickel in Mike Macdonald’s scheme, he has been at his best driving downhill, as he did Sunday night against the Commanders to blow up a block and tackle Deebo Samuel for a loss on a wide receiver screen. It hasn’t all been perfect, but the early returns are promising.Honorable mention: Billy Bowman (Falcons), Upton Stout (49ers), Jahdae Barron (Broncos)AdvertisementSafetyXavier Watts, Atlanta Falcons (Round 3, No. 96)Any debate about the “steal” of the 2025 NFL Draft must include Watts, who stayed on the board until the tail end of the third round. He didn’t have the same ball production in October that he did in September, but his two interceptions are still tied for the rookie lead, and quarterbacks must account for his presence post-snap. Watts looks like a long-term starter.Runner-up: Jonas Sanker, New Orleans Saints (Round 3, No. 93)Sanker and Justin Reid have formed a better-than-expected safety duo. Drafted a few spots ahead of Watts, Sanker became a starter in Week 2 and has been steady contributor each game. He is tied with Watts for the rookie lead among safeties with four passes defended and has yet to commit a penalty.Honorable mention: Andrew Mukuba (Eagles), Malaki Starks (Ravens), Craig Woodson (Patriots), Marques Sigle (49ers), Malachi Moore (Jets), Lathan Ransom (Panthers), Dante Trader Jr. (Dolphins)Special teamsKicker: Ryan Fitzgerald, Carolina Panthers (undrafted)Honorable mention: Tyler Loop (Ravens), Andres Borregales (Patriots)Punter: Jeremy Crawshaw, Denver Broncos (Round 6, No. 216)Honorable mention: Kai Kroeger (Saints) Nov 10, 2025Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports termsPlay today's puzzleBoxingCollege FootballCricketEuropean ChampionshipFantasy FootballFIFA Men's World CupGlobal SportsLeague CupMen's College BasketballMotorsportsNHLPeakSerie AStart SubscriptionCode of ConductFAQThe PulseFull TimeMoneyCallCookie Policy
YESSIR SUNSHINE!!!!pic.twitter.com/ROTbEbCqg2
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns)
Like Schwesinger, Campbell is pushing back on the idea that rookie linebackers are slow translators to the NFL game. He doesn’t fill up the stat sheet as much as other linebackers (currently 93rd in the NFL with 45 tackles, seventh best among rookies), but Campbell’s impact in coverage separates him from most rookies.
Honorable mention: Teddye Buchanan (Ravens), Demetrius Knight Jr. (Bengals), Shemar James (Cowboys), Francisco Mauigoa (Jets), Danny Stutsman (Saints), Shaun Dolac (Rams), Carson Bruener (Steelers), Barrett Carter (Bengals), Marlowe Wax (Chargers)
Despite missing a few games, Johnson has been impressive when on the field and leads all rookies with six passes defended. He fell in the draft because of speed and durability questions, but his size, short-area agility and ball skills were strong selling points — and they’ve been keys to his strong start as a pro. Johnson is allowing just 62.5 percent completions when targeted.
Between Johnson and Denzel Burke, the Cardinals’ secondary is getting a nice boost from this rookie class.
Williams has been a promising role player much of the season. It wasn’t all perfect this past weekend against the Bills, but he played well considering it was his first career start (and the most snaps he’s played as a pro). The Chiefs are hoping that Williams can lock down an outside corner spot to keep Trent McDuffie at his more natural nickel position.
Honorable mention: Trey Amos (Commanders), Quincy Riley (Saints), Denzel Burke (Cardinals), Benjamin Morrison (Buccaneers), Darien Porter (Raiders), Johnathan Edwards (Colts)
A member of the Bucs’ front office recently told The Athletic it was evident from day one of camp that Parrish was going to be a difference-maker on defense. And that is exactly how it has played out.
Lining up primarily as the nickel, Parrish has done a nice job in coverage — but his plays against the run stand out. He leads all rookies in first-down-preventing tackles on third or fourth down and has accounted for 14 “splash” plays, according to TruMedia, third most among all rookies. For a player who models his game after McDuffie, Parrish has made a similar impact early in his career.
Labeled by some before the draft as a freaky size-speed athlete without a true position, Emmanwori has quickly served crow to the doubters. Lining up as a nickel in Mike Macdonald’s scheme, he has been at his best driving downhill, as he did Sunday night against the Commanders to blow up a block and tackle Deebo Samuel for a loss on a wide receiver screen. It hasn’t all been perfect, but the early returns are promising.
Honorable mention: Billy Bowman (Falcons), Upton Stout (49ers), Jahdae Barron (Broncos)
Any debate about the “steal” of the 2025 NFL Draft must include Watts, who stayed on the board until the tail end of the third round. He didn’t have the same ball production in October that he did in September, but his two interceptions are still tied for the rookie lead, and quarterbacks must account for his presence post-snap. Watts looks like a long-term starter.
Sanker and Justin Reid have formed a better-than-expected safety duo. Drafted a few spots ahead of Watts, Sanker became a starter in Week 2 and has been steady contributor each game. He is tied with Watts for the rookie lead among safeties with four passes defended and has yet to commit a penalty.
Honorable mention: Andrew Mukuba (Eagles), Malaki Starks (Ravens), Craig Woodson (Patriots), Marques Sigle (49ers), Malachi Moore (Jets), Lathan Ransom (Panthers), Dante Trader Jr. (Dolphins)
Honorable mention: Tyler Loop (Ravens), Andres Borregales (Patriots)
Honorable mention: Kai Kroeger (Saints)
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