Initial Impressions of NFL Rookies: Highlighting Early Performances
As the offseason program progresses, NFL rookies have had the opportunity to make their first impressions before teams gear up for the most exciting part next month, when training camps begin. Below, a look at the performance of the first-round draft picks of 2025 and what coaches and league players have said about them:
1. Titans: Cameron Ward, QB
Ward has proven to be a leader. He would gather the rookie receivers at 5 a.m. to study videos and did not hesitate to correct veteran receivers on how to run routes. Coach Brian Callahan praised his resilience after an interception on the second day of minicamp, highlighting his consistency. Ward took the majority of the reps in team and 7-on-7 drills, performing well against various blitz strategies. On one play, Ward made an adjustment that resulted in a long touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley.2. Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR
Hunter has impressed players and coaches with his tireless energy and work ethic, comparable to that of an “Energizer Bunny”, according to quarterback Trevor Lawrence. His ability to catch the ball and his intelligence in the game stand out. Although he has focused primarily on offense, he has also shown his worth on defense, demonstrating a great capacity for learning. Coach Liam Coen appreciates his versatility and potential.3. Giants: Abdul Carter, DE
Carter has demonstrated remarkable explosiveness. Linebacker Bobby Okereke highlighted his speed. Carter has been used in various positions during the spring, including as a pass rusher, defensive tackle, and inside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has recognized his versatility and potential to be one of the team’s top eleven players.4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT
Campbell has been the starting left tackle since the start of spring, with veteran right tackle Morgan Moses praising his willingness to learn. Right guard Mike Onwenu has noted his fluidity in pass protection. Although the real test will come with the use of pads in training camp, Moses highlights his talent and dedication to improve.5. Browns: Mason Graham, DT
Graham is in the process of adapting. Although in Michigan he focused on blocking, in Cleveland he is expected to penetrate the defensive line. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz considers him to be “very advanced.” Graham has rotated with the starting defense during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire has noticed his progress in the running game.6. Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB
Jeanty has made a great impression. Coach Pete Carroll admires his receiving ability and understanding of the offense. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly considers him one of the most talented running backs he has seen. During OTAs and minicamp, Jeanty has led the repetitions with the first team, establishing himself as the primary running back. Left tackle Kolton Miller highlights his balance and strength.7. Jets: Armand Membou, OT
Membou seems set to be the starter at the right tackle position. Despite the limitations of the non-padded practices, he has proven to be an exceptional player for his weight. Although he had some problems against Will McDonald IV, his agility suggests a good performance in the second line. Line coach Steve Heiden is confident in his ability to play football.8. Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR
McMillan has met expectations, improving the performance of those around him. His presence has generated competition and has benefited Xavier Legette. Coach Dave Canales is working to make him comfortable in different positions and formations.9. Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT
The Saints appear poised for Banks to be their future left tackle, allowing Taliese Fuaga to move to right tackle. Although there have been changes in OTAs, Banks is expected to play tackle. Center Erik McCoy believes Banks will be on the left side for a long time.10. Bears: Colston Loveland, TE
Loveland did not participate in spring training due to shoulder surgery, but he made an appearance at the minicamp. Coach Ben Johnson hopes he can participate in training at some point in training camp.11. 49ers: Mykel Williams, DE
Williams has received positive reviews for his willingness to learn from veterans like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek is satisfied with his approach. Bosa has expressed his enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with him.12. Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G
Booker has impressed with his dedication and work. He has been with the starters from the first OTAs to the minicamp, and is expected to be a starter from day one. Quarterback Dak Prescott highlights his pride and professionalism.13. Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT
Grant has demonstrated a great work ethic and mindset off the field. Coach Mike McDaniel highlights his dedication and consistency. Grant has shown good performance in technique and fundamentals.14. Colts: Tyler Warren, TE
Warren has been very active in practices, with frequent participation. Quarterback Daniel Jones has praised his game, highlighting his instincts, strength, and ability to catch the ball.15. Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB
Walker has had a successful transition. Linebacker Kaden Elliss has praised his explosiveness. Coach Raheem Morris has identified him as a potential team leader.16. Cardinals: Walter Nolen III, DT
Nolen has impressed coaches and teammates. Calais Campbell highlights his lateral quickness and instincts.17. Bengals: Shemar Stewart, DE
Stewart did not participate in the offseason training due to a contract dispute. Coach Al Golden is hoping for his prompt integration into the team.18. Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G
Zabel is on track to be the starter at the left guard position, building a good relationship with left tackle Charles Cross. Coach Mike Macdonald is excited about his performance.19. Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR
Egbuka will have an important role in the offense, especially with Chris Godwin recovering. He has proven his worth in the short passing game and has also made big plays. Quarterback Baker Mayfield highlights his intelligence and adaptability.20. Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Broncos are working to integrate Barron into their defense, primarily using him as a cornerback. His versatility and tackling ability offer various options to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.21. Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT
Harmon has been named a starter by coach Karl Dunbar. Although the base 3-4 defense is not widely used, this designation indicates the impression Harmon has made. He feels comfortable with the defense and is learning the speed of the game.22. Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB
Hampton has been the center of attention for his performance and physique. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman highlights his ability to find the gaps.23. Packers: Matthew Golden, WR
Golden has impressed quarterback Jordan Love. With Christian Watson recovering, Golden has had many opportunities with the starters.24. Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G
Jackson has worked with the first team at the left guard position. Coach Kevin O’Connell expects versatile options on the team.25. Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB
Dart has had an “excellent” spring, according to Brian Daboll. He has shown flashes of his potential, but also needs to learn. He started taking reps with the third team and now works with the second.26. Falcons: James Pearce Jr., DE
The coach Raheem Morris and the team are delighted with Pearce. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich believes he is a great pass rusher.27. Ravens: Malaki Starks, S
Starks has played with the first team since the beginning of spring and has shown maturity. Coach John Harbaugh highlights his professionalism.28. Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT
Williams has participated limitedly due to an injury. Coach Dan Campbell is satisfied with his progress and hopes he will fill Alim McNeill’s spot.29. Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT
The Commanders are excited about Conerly. He works at the right tackle position and is expected to play on the left side in the future. His movement skills have impressed.30. Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB
Hairston did not participate in the last day of the minicamp. He is competing for the number 2 cornerback position. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich expects him to use his speed on the field.31. Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB
Campbell was unable to fully participate due to shoulder surgery. He is expected to return in August. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio plans to use him as an inside linebacker.
