One rookie from every NFL team who could surprise in 2025 (including the Jets)

USA Today

10 hours ago

NFL training camps are just around the corner where rookies across the league will be looking to prove themselves as they transition to the pro game. Roster spots and starting jobs are on the line, so these rookies will need to make a strong impression.
While there are some big-name rookies who have been garnering attention and praise this offseason, including two-way player Travis Hunter and running back Ashton Jeanty, there are some under-the-radar rookies who could surprise during the 2025 season. And they might not be names many NFL fans are familiar with.
Our NFL Wire editors each examined one rookie from their respective teams who could turn heads in 2025 and develop into impact players for their teams down the line.
Arizona Cardinals: LB Cody Simon
The collective expectation is that defensive lineman Walter Nolen, the Cardinals' first-round pick, and cornerback Will Johnson, their second-round pick, will contribute and have solid rookie campaigns. But the rookie who could have the most surprising role is Simon, the linebacker out of Ohio State the Cardinals picked up in the fourth round. Right now, the two starting inside linebackers are projected to be Mack Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither. Davis-Gaither has 11 career starts in his five NFL seasons. Wilson had a full-time role for the first time in years last season. Simon has the smarts, the athleticism and was the Buckeyes' defensive leader in their championship run last year. If he is given an opportunity to play, he could end up making the largest individual impact of the Cardinals' rookie class. – Jess Root, Cards Wire
Atlanta Falcons: DB Billy Bowman
The Falcons were praised for drafting Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts, but their fourth-round selection of Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman has flown somewhat under the radar. Bowman is a natural playmaker, recording eight interceptions for the Sooners over the last two years. Atlanta plans to play Bowman at nickel this season, and the rookie has already made a good impression on the coaching staff. While we anticipate Dee Alford to start at nickel this season, Bowman should at least give the veteran a run for his money. Whether or not he starts, the rookie is too talented to keep off the field. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire
Baltimore Ravens: WR LaJohntay Wester
While he could struggle to earn snaps on offense, the Ravens addressed their most under-the-radar need in return specialist LaJohntay Wester. Baltimore was middle of the pack in punt return last season, ranking 16th with a 9.7-yard average and using four different players. Wester is a speedy returner who averaged 12.2 yards on punts in his final season at Colorado, including a 76-yard touchdown. At the Shrine Bowl, his acceleration was clocked at 6.2 yards per second squared, making him the second-fastest on offense since the Shrine Bowl partnered with Zebra Sports. Wester has a connection to Baltimore, having played under Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart at Florida Atlantic. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire
Buffalo Bills: DE Landon Jackson
Jackson was Buffalo's third-round selection at this year's draft and while those taken by the Bills before him will get their reps, Jackson might have one of the best routes to the field. Joey Bosa signed in Buffalo this offseason, but can he stay healthy? Michael Hoecht joined the Bills via free agency too, but he's suspended for the first six games… not to mention AJ Epenesa could be overtaken on the depth chart. Head coach Sean McDermott and Buffalo's front office clearly liked Jackson during the pre-draft process as well. The path is there for Jackson. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire
Carolina Panthers: S Lathan Ransom
The Panthers moved on from the majority of their safety room this offseason and signed former Las Vegas Raiders standout Tre'von Moehrig to a meaty three-year, $51 million deal. That's all good and well (especially for Moehrig), but they have yet to firmly address the uncertainty at the other starting safety spot. Ransom, the second of Carolina's two fourth-round picks, could provide an answer. The six-foot, 206-pounder was a three-year starter at Ohio State—where he exhibited great instincts, physicality and toughness. His exceptional run defense should also be a plus for the Panthers, who allowed a league-high 179.8 rushing yards per game in 2024. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire
Chicago Bears: OT Ozzy Trapilo
There's been a lot of buzz about Chicago's top two rookies in tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III, but offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo also has the potential to make an impact as a rookie. Trapilo is currently entrenched in a battle for the starting left tackle job with incumbent Braxton Jones and second-year pro Kiran Amegadjie. But with Jones sidelined as he recovers from a broken fibula, it's given Trapilo an opportunity to make a greater impact. Amegadjie and Trapilo rotated with the first-team offense during the offseason program, and that will continue into training camp with Jones expected to be limited to start the summer. Trapilo has already been impressive in his time with the starters, but the real test comes when the pads come on later this month. Still, it certainly looks like Trapilo has a good opportunity to win the starting left tackle job and serve one of the most important roles on this team in 2025. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
Cincinnati Bengals: LB Demetrius Knight
We could say third-round guard Dylan Fairchild here (we certainly can't say first-rounder Shemar Stewart, though his situation is surprising), but he's not guaranteed to win a job. Second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight is, though. The Bengals took some heat at the time for taking Knight because he's an older rookie. But that's what the team wanted, hoping he's an immediate plug-and-play prospect to replace Germaine Pratt next to Logan Wilson. So far, he's certainly looked the spot and should exceed expectations with a big snap count and stat sheet. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire
Cleveland Browns: TE Harold Fannin Jr.
The Cleveland Browns are returning to their roots as a team that often employs heavy 12- and 13-personnel formations. That means despite rostering a Pro Bowl tight end in David Njoku, rookie third rounder Harold Fannin Jr. will see the field a great deal as a rookie as the TE2 in those personnel groupings. Fannin Jr. is a sure-handed and explosive pass catcher who fits the mold as a similar H-back and move piece that Njoku played for the Browns before taking back the reigns as the top dawg in the room in 2022. Njoku occupied that TE2 role in 2020 and 2021 for the Browns with Austin Hooper still under contract. In 2021, Njoku managed 475 yards and four touchdowns on 36 catches. If Fannin Jr. hits that number as a rookie, the Browns will feel quite good about their third round pick. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire
Dallas Cowboys: CB Shavon Revel
The team was ecstatic to see Revel fall to the second round in April's draft, but didn't pull the trigger. Somehow he made it to the third round. With Dallas clearly looking to end their investment in Trevon Diggs, Revel will be given every possible chance to prove he's a capable boundary corner once he's given the green light following his ACL recovery that might delay his debut until October. Once he makes it to the field though, fans shouldn't be surprised if he's one of the better rookie DBs in the game. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
Denver Broncos: WR Pat Bryant
When the Broncos used a third-round pick to select Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant in this year's NFL draft, some pundits viewed it as a reach. Denver coach Sean Payton clearly didn't. Payton has already compared Bryant to Saints great Michael Thomas. Bryant (6-2, 204 pounds) has ideal size and reliable hands, and he's a willing blocker. Those are traits that Payton loves, and the receiver could end up making a much bigger impact than national pundits projected this spring. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
Detroit Lions: S Dan Jackson
One of the very few available roster spots in Detroit entering the offseason was at safety depth, where the Lions needed a replacement for Ifeatu Melifonwu. Jackson is the type of heady, hard-hitting strong safety who can fill the No. 4 safety spot. But his true contribution as a rookie figures to come on special teams. Every year, the Lions draft someone specifically for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. Jackson appears to be this year's edition, following Sione Vaki and Antoine Green in 2023. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
Green Bay Packers: DE/LB Collin Oliver
The Packers' fifth-round pick could have a hybrid role as both a sub-package edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, and he's perfect for playing multiple roles on special teams. Oliver is undersized for a 4-3 defensive end but has big-time athleticism, and his disruptive instincts and playmaking ability were all over the tape at Oklahoma State. Could he give the Packers some much-needed speed and explosiveness at edge rusher in certain pass-rushing situations while also playing 150 or more snaps on special teams? Don't be surprised if he slides into that role as a rookie in 2025. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire
Houston Texans: RB Woody Marks
There will be a role for Marks in Nick Caley's offense. How big? That depends on the status of Nick Chubb, who when healthy should be the primary No. 2 back behind Joe Mixon. Still, the Texans didn't give up a future third-round pick in 2026 for the former USC star to sit. Marks' best asset are his hands, especially on third down in the receiving game. Over five college seasons with Mississippi State & USC, he caught 261 passes for 1,546 yards and five touchdowns. Caley's offense has always featured at least one stable pass-catching runner, so if Marks can provide that spark out of the backfield for C.J. Stroud during training camp, he'll be a gadget type that keeps the sticks moving on manageable situations through the air. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire
Indianapolis Colts: CB Justin Walley
The Colts picked Walley in the third round, which compared to the consensus big board, was much earlier than many anticipated him going. Walley is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with really good speed, and skill set-wise, he is a great fit for Lou Anarumo's defense. With that speed, he can hold his own in man coverage, he had good ball production at Minnesota, and the Colts view him as a versatile defender, an important element to have in this new disguise-heavy defense. The starting cornerback spot opposite of Charvarius Ward is up for grabs, and Walley has received rave reviews so far from coaches and teammates. Whether he starts Week 1 still has to be determined, but in a defense where there will be a greater reliance on the defensive back position, it sure looks like he will have some sort of role as a rookie. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire
Jacksonville Jaguars: RB LeQuint Allen
As a seventh-round pick and at a position that is fairly crowded in Jacksonville, finding playing time won't be easy for Allen. However, his ability to provide a pass-catching presence out of the backfield could give him a path to earn some opportunities this season. If we look at Liam Coen's Tampa Bay offense, the running backs were featured heavily in the passing game, with Rachaad White and Bucky Irving both ranking top 10 in targets among running backs. Allen has ample pass-catching experience from his time at Syracuse, with 78 targets in 2024 alone. He also has experience lining up in the slot, and it's not as if all those targets were dump-offs when no one else was open, there were drawn-up plays for Allen as well in that offense. – Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jalen Royals
The Chiefs have dealt with significant setbacks relative to injuries at the wide receiver position in recent seasons, and if that trend should continue in 2025, Royals would be the likely breakout candidate for Kansas City as a rookie. He was a scoring machine during his three-year tenure with the Utah State Aggies as a collegian, tallying 21 touchdown receptions between his 2023 and 2024 campaigns. Though Royals is likely to be buried behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown on the Chiefs' depth chart, fans should expect to see the fourth-round pick to be the 'next man up' if any of Kansas City's veterans are sidelined. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire
Las Vegas Raiders: WR Dont'e Thornton Jr
Despite not getting selected until round four, and not even the first receiver the Raiders took in this year's draft, Thornton has been lining up with the first team throughout the offseason. And barring some shocker free agent addition before training camp, that will continue. The former Tennessee Volunteer was not asked to do a whole lot in terms of the route tree during his college days. Leading many to wonder if he was capable of being multifaceted as a receiver. The jury may still be out on that, but as it stands, he is a 6-5 and runs a 4.3 40. Even if all he does is run go routes and fades, he would fulfill the Raiders need at X receiver and thus could put up some decent numbers. And if he can prove that it was the Tennessee offense that was holding him back, rather than the other way around, watch out. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire
Los Angeles Chargers: TE Oronde Gadsden II
The Chargers traded up for and selected Gadsden in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Gadsden joins a tight end room that features veterans Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. Gadsden was taken to provide a spark in the passing game, especially down the seam and in the red zone. The former Syracuse product impressed in spring practices. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman expressed confidence in his ability, stating that he expects him to "ascend quickly." – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
Los Angeles Rams: LB Chris Paul Jr.
Paul was a fifth-round pick but he has a lot of things working in his favor. For starters, inside linebacker is the weakest position group on the Rams' roster. He could easily outplay Troy Reeder, Nate Landman and/or Omar Speights to earn a starting job, putting him on the inside track to playing time. He's also the most athletic linebacker on the Rams' roster, and likely the best coverage linebacker, too. He'd pair perfectly with a run stopper like Landman or Speights, playing on the weak side where he can flow sideline to sideline and make plays on the ball. He first needs to stand out in camp and the preseason but he has the skill set to earn playing time early this season. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire
Miami Dolphins: S Dante Trader Jr.
When looking at the Miami Dolphins' 2025 rookie class, several players have opportunities to make an immediate impact, including safety Dante Trader Jr. A two-sport athlete at Maryland, where he played both football and lacrosse, Trader's athleticism extends beyond the metrics that may have pushed him into a Day 3 selection. His versatility as a safety, able to play deep or step into the box as a nickel, fits well with defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's scheme. At times, Weaver could deploy three safeties on the field, and Trader's work ethic, leadership, and football IQ make him a strong contender for instant snaps. Although Miami's safety room recently welcomed back Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins still need to evaluate a group where multiple players could claim the second and third spots on the depth chart.
Trader also brings value as a special teams contributor, having started in multiple roles during his college career. He comes with a glowing endorsement from Maryland head coach Mike Locksley, who said in June on the Dolphins' Drive Time podcast with Travis Wingfield, 'There's no doubt about Dante and his aptitude and football intelligence. He was a guy that, if you can teach it, then you can execute it. And he's one of those players I see all the time grabbing the young safeties and corners, imparting the wisdom he gained, not just from his successes, but also from his failures as a young player.' – Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire
Minnesota Vikings: LB Kobe King
The Vikings had few draft picks in April's NFL Draft, so they had to make the most with each selection. While everyone will be talking about their top draft pick, Donovan Jackson, I will highlight another Big Ten player they selected in linebacker Kobe King. While they have Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. leading the unit, King should see some rotational work and maybe even a bigger role as the season goes on. The Vikings' run defense needed to be improved upon from their 2024 efforts. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is hoping that King can play some sort of role in that in 2025. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire
New England Patriots: WR Kyle Williams
Where are the offensive weapons in New England? That has been the lingering question since Tom Brady was still under center for the Patriots. The wait for wide receiver help might finally come to an end with the arrival of third-round draft pick Kyle Williams. No, he wasn't the center of attention during the draft, but maybe he should have been considering he was the best pure separator in the 2025 class. Williams can get open consistently and blow past defenders with the ball in his hands. He has all of the makings of an elite offensive playmaker, and he'll get his NFL start playing across from a four-time Pro Bowler in Stefon Diggs. Grab your popcorn—for real this time. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire
New Orleans Saints: CB Quincy Riley
It wasn't too long ago that the Saints drafted a starting defensive back in Round 4, and from that perspective Riley just might be following in C.J. Gardner-Johnson's footsteps. He put a lot of quality play on tape in college and may have been drafted a couple rounds earlier if not for an injury this spring. Expect him to compete with experienced backups like Isaac Yiadom,
Rico Payton, and Rejzohn Wright for that opportunity while Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor continue to draw the majority of snaps. In today's game NFL defenses need three corners (at least) and Riley has a real shot at locking down that third spot. – John Sigler, Saints Wire
New York Giants: DT Darius Alexander
While all eyes will be on quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Abdul Carter, the biggest rookie surprise may come from third-round defensive tackle Darius Alexander. Assuming he returns to full health, Alexander will likely play a significant role for the Giants, providing depth on the inside and pairing with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence. It was an area of concern for the Giants last season, and Alexander is viewed as having huge upside and a high floor. He will see an increased number of snaps as he develops and the season goes on. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire
New York Jets: WR Arian Smith
The Jets' top two rookie draft picks in Armand Membou and Tyler Mason are already penciled in as starters. But with those two being selected by New York early, that meant the Jets did not take a wide receiver early in the draft. Garrett Wilson is the clear No. 1 wideout, but it's a lengthy depth chart that's battling for playing time behind Wilson. Others in that training camp battle include Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire
Philadelphia Eagles: DB Andrew Mukuba
Jihaad Campbell may be the first-round pick, but it's the Swiss army knife from the University of Texas that will have an opportunity to make the most significant impact from Day 1. At 6-0, 186 pounds, Mukuba is undersized but makes up for it with excellent ball skills and instincts. He possesses good length and exhibits ball-hawking tendencies, tying the SEC lead with five interceptions in 2024. Over his final 26 games in college, Mukuba recorded 18 pass breakups and committed zero penalties. That's impressive for a player who's aggressive at the catch point. Mukuba allowed just 74 yards and a 12.1 passer rating on 401 coverage snaps last season, per PFF. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
Pittsburgh Steelers: S Sebastian Castro
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted several players who we expect to have a big impact, including defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and running back Kaleb Johnson. But the name to keep an eye on is an undrafted free agent. Former Iowa safety Sebastian Castro signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent after a stellar college career. The trade that send Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins gives Pittsburgh a spot on the depth chart open and we won't be at all shocked if Castro uses a strong training camp and preseason to make the 53-man roster and more. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
San Francisco 49ers: S Marques Sigle
Marques Sigle's path to snaps was opened significantly with news that second-year safety Malik Mustapha is dealing with a knee injury he sustained in the 2024 season finale. It's unclear what Mustapha's timeline for return is, but it opens a starting safety spot alongside Ji'Ayir Brown whose job is also not safe. Sigle brings a ton of athleticism to a safety room that doesn't have enough of it. If he winds up starting in Robert Saleh's defense, he has the tools to become a Swiss Army knife defender who causes havoc in the secondary. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
Seattle Seahawks: S Nick Emmanwori
During the predraft season, mocks were split fairly evenly between Seattle selecting guard Greg Zabel or safety Nick Emmanwori in the first round, and with good reason. Ultimately, the Seahawks managed to get their cake and eat it too as Emmanwori fell to them in the second round. Given his physical traits, the natural comp is Kam Chancellor. However, a more apropos comp would be Kyle Hamilton of the Ravens, as defensive guru Mike Macdonald is likely to use him in a similar capacity given the fact Seattle already has two solid starting caliber safeties. Emmanwori represents a unique piece on Macdonal's chessboard. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jacob Parrish
While everyone will know the name Benjamin Morrison, who they drafted in the second round, it is the cornerback they selected after him who could make the more immediate impact. While Morrison continues to be brought along from a hip injury he suffered last year, Parrish has been able to practice and is now in the conversation to have the starting nickel role in 2025. He plays in a physical way, he provides run support, and is everything Todd Bowles looks for in his cornerbacks so look for him to play early and often. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire
Tennessee Titans: WR Elic Ayomanor
Many believe that the Titans got a steal when they selected Ayomanor in the fourth round of the NFL draft. A prototypical boundary receiver, he has the size and ball skills to be a perfect complement to Calvin Ridley on the outside, and he has a path to early playing time as a rookie. Ayomanor stood out during OTAs and minicamp and should be able to build upon that momentum and seize the opportunity to make an impact early in his career. – Dan Benton/Bryan Manning Titans Wire
Washington Commanders: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Croskey-Merritt isn't a typical seventh-round pick. A bogus NCAA eligibility issue cost him all but one game after he transferred to Arizona last season. Croskey-Merritt has thrived each time he moved up a level and was slated to be a much higher pick in April's NFL draft. He has a good combination of size and speed and runs with excellent power. One knock is his lack of impact in the passing game during his college career. The Commanders have Austin Ekeler for that. Croskey-Merritt could quickly move up the depth chart if Brian Robinson Jr. misses any time. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire