NFL 2025: Rookies Guide, Rising Stars, and OROY/DROY Favorites

The 2025 NFL season is about to begin, and with it, the debut of a new class of rookies who promise to give a lot to talk about.

Rookies Who Will Debut Strong

The quarterback Cam Ward has been confirmed as the starter for Week 1 in Tennessee, while Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough await their opportunity in New York and New Orleans, respectively. In addition, promising running backs like Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, and TreVeyon Henderson are ready to make a splash. On defense, Abdul Carter and Jahdae Barron will face league veterans after preseason filled with expectations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2025 rookie class, analyzing projections and players to watch.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates

• Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders: After a standout career at Boise State, Jeanty arrives to lead the Raiders’ ground attack. With limited options for quarterback Geno Smith in the passing game, Jeanty could quickly stand out as a runner and receiver.
• Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans: Ward, with his dynamic playing style and great precision, arrives at the Titans with the hope of becoming the franchise quarterback. He will be the undisputed starter due to Will Levis’ injury.
• Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: Hunter, with his versatility, could have a significant impact on both sides of the ball. He is expected to form a promising duo with Brian Thomas Jr. for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
• Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Hampton’s running style fits perfectly into offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s scheme. He is expected to share responsibilities with Najee Harris, although his physical condition for Week 1 is uncertain.
• Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are looking for a star receiver for Bryce Young, and McMillan, with his imposing physique, could quickly become a reliable target.

Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates

• Abdul Carter, Edge, New York Giants: Carter has the talent and opportunity to shine, backed by a solid defensive line. His speed and ability to pressure the quarterback could give him an advantage.
• Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos: Barron, winner of the Jim Thorpe award, arrives at one of the best defenses in the NFL. He is expected to take advantage of opportunities to intercept passes and demonstrate his instincts in coverage.
• Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens: Starks, a versatile safety, will form a duo with Kyle Hamilton, which could generate a great impact on the Ravens’ defense.
• Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals: Johnson, despite injuries, has the talent to be a key player in the Cardinals’ defense, thanks to his height, speed, and instincts.
• Andrew Mukuba, S, Philadelphia Eagles: Mukuba has proven to be an impact player, with the ability to make important plays and versatility in his position.

Rookies to Watch

• Tre’ Harris, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: Harris has impressed with his route-running ability and his ability to adapt to different positions in the offense.
• Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks: Horton, despite an injury, has the opportunity to stand out as the third option in the Seahawks’ receiving corps.
• Upton Stout, CB, San Francisco 49ers: Stout, although smaller in size, is fast and energetic, and is expected to be the starting slot cornerback.
• Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Johnson, a power runner, could become a key piece in the Steelers’ ground attack.
• Gunnar Helm, TE, Tennessee Titans: Helm, with his ability to catch important passes, could become the Titans’ starting tight end.

Rookie Quarterback Outlook

• Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans: Ward, with his exciting playing style, is expected to adapt quickly to the Titans’ offense.
• Jaxson Dart, New York Giants: Dart, with his arm strength and quick decisions, could have an earlier impact than expected.
• Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints: Shough has the opportunity to prove his worth in Kellen Moore’s offense, despite not being the initial starter.

Fantasy Football Predictions

• Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders: Jeanty is expected to have a big impact on the Raiders’ ground and air game.
• Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Hampton could generate good numbers as a running back.
• RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos: Harvey could be a RB2 in fantasy due to his ability to run and catch passes.
• Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: Hunter could be a WR3 with great potential.
• Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers: McMillan could have an important role and generate good numbers as a WR3.
• TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots: Henderson could be an RB2 with great potential in the passing game.
• Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Johnson could become an RB2 or flex player in the Steelers’ scheme.
• Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers: Golden could be a WR3 with great potential.
• Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants: Skattebo could be a valuable addition to the Giants’ running game.
• Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears: Loveland could be a TE1 in the revamped Bears offense.

Leaders in Statistics for the Rookie Class

• Passing Yards: Cam Ward, 3,821; Jaxson Dart, 1,990; Tyler Shough, 1,647.
• Passing Touchdowns: Cam Ward, 23; Jaxson Dart, 10; Tyler Shough, 8.
• Interceptions: Cam Ward, 14; Jaxson Dart, 8; Tyler Shough, 6.
• Rushing Yards (QB): Cam Ward, 298; Jaxson Dart, 183; Tyler Shough, 114.
• Rushing Yards: Ashton Jeanty, 1,248; Omarion Hampton, 1,144; TreVeyon Henderson, 992.
• Rushing Touchdowns: Omarion Hampton, 11; Ashton Jeanty, 8; TreVeyon Henderson, 6.
• Receiving Yards (RB): Ashton Jeanty, 484; RJ Harvey, 351; TreVeyon Henderson, 329.
• Receiving Yards: Tetairoa McMillan, 1,027; Travis Hunter, 967.