The NFL Draft always brings excitement, but the true test begins once rookies step onto the field. The 2025 preseason has given fans, coaches, and analysts a chance to evaluate how this year’s 257 draft picks stack up against professional competition. Some players have impressed immediately, while others may need time to adjust to the NFL’s speed and complexity.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive rookie report card, covering standout performances, struggles, and everything in between. If you want to know how your team’s draft class looks heading into Week 1, this is your ultimate guide.
Why Rookie Preseason Performance Matters
For many rookies, the preseason is more than just warm-up games:
- Roster Spots – Late-round picks and undrafted players fight for a place on the 53-man roster.
- Depth Chart Positioning – Even early-round picks need to prove they can earn starting roles.
- Coaching Confidence – Preseason performance often determines how much playing time a rookie gets in the regular season.
While preseason results don’t always predict long-term success, they give valuable insight into who’s NFL-ready and who may need more development.
Top Rookie Standouts from the 2025 NFL Draft
1. First-Round Picks Living Up to the Hype
- Caleb Williams (QB, Chicago Bears) – The No. 1 pick showcased poise, accuracy, and leadership. Even in limited preseason snaps, Williams looked like the franchise quarterback Chicago desperately needed.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Arizona Cardinals) – Harrison displayed NFL-ready route running and strong chemistry with Kyler Murray. Expect him to make an immediate impact.
- Dallas Turner (EDGE, Minnesota Vikings) – Explosive off the edge, Turner proved he can disrupt both the pass and run game, validating his high draft status.
2. Mid-Round Surprises
- Malik Nabers (WR, New York Giants) – Though technically a high pick, Nabers exceeded expectations with his big-play ability in preseason. He looks like Daniel Jones’ No. 1 target.
- Jared Verse (EDGE, Los Angeles Rams) – A relentless motor and surprising strength made Verse one of the standout defenders of preseason.
- Braelon Allen (RB, Green Bay Packers) – Allen’s physical running style impressed, and he may carve out a bigger role in Green Bay’s rotation than expected.
3. Late-Round & Sleeper Picks
- Spencer Rattler (QB, New Orleans Saints) – Once a polarizing prospect, Rattler showed flashes of strong decision-making and arm talent. He could develop into a long-term backup or more.
- Isaiah Davis (RB, New York Jets) – Davis’ versatility and vision made him a preseason highlight reel, earning strong consideration for roster spots.
Rookie Report Cards by Position
Quarterbacks
- Top-tier rookies like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye looked sharp.
- Developmental QBs like Michael Penix Jr. showed potential but also raw mechanics that need refining.
Running Backs
- Braelon Allen and Trey Benson stood out for their physicality.
- Some mid- to late-round RBs struggled with pass protection — a key factor for earning playing time.
Wide Receivers
- Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers led the way, showing instant NFL impact.
- Several rookies flashed special-teams ability, boosting their roster chances.
Defensive Players
- Dallas Turner and Jared Verse proved disruptive up front.
- Rookie cornerbacks had mixed results, with some struggling against NFL-caliber receivers.
Early Draft Class Grades by Team
- Chicago Bears: A — Caleb Williams looks like the real deal, with strong support from their class.
- Arizona Cardinals: A- — Harrison Jr. looks elite; defensive depth still questionable.
- New York Giants: B+ — Nabers is a gem, but OL prospects need work.
- Minnesota Vikings: A — Dallas Turner looks like a future Pro Bowler.
- Los Angeles Rams: B — Jared Verse impressed, but offensive rookies struggled.
(These are preseason impressions — grades may change during the regular season.)
What to Expect in the Regular Season
- Expect first-round offensive players like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. to make immediate contributions.
- Defensive rookies like Dallas Turner and Jared Verse should see significant snaps early.
- Mid-round players may take time to develop but could be valuable rotational pieces.
- Late-round picks face uphill battles, but preseason showed several hidden gems that could surprise fans this year.
