Top players in 2025 rookie class
The NFL’s rookie class has a chance to change the way several teams are perceived. By the nature of the sport, rookies often come into the league at the peak of their physical abilities.
While they have been taking hits since their high school days, they are far healthier than seasoned veterans who have taken tons of abuse throughout their professional careers.
While rookies don’t have the know-how and finely-honed instincts that are often the difference in the most important games, they can flash their skills and become immediate impact players.
Gambling Industry News take a look at this year’s rookie crop most likely to have a huge impact on their team.
1.RB Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Jeanty is quick and instinctive, and he should prove to be a major asset in head coach Pete Carroll’s offense. He proved he could handle any assignment during his college career at Boise State, and the Raiders will give him every chance to show that he can be a game-changing player in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly needs to tap into Jeanty’s strength and speed. If he does, the Raiders have a chance to change the thrust of their offense.
- WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have needed a true gamebreaker at the wide receiver position and McMillan appears to have the skills to fill the bill. He is a huge man at 6-4 and 215 pounds, and he combines that size with excellent hands that allows him to make the most difficult catches even when he is tightly covered. McMillan caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns last year at Arizona, and he comes into the 2025 season with the confidence of a seasoned veteran.
- RB TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
Henderson proved to be a dynamic back throughout his career at Ohio State. He can run outside with speed, inside with power and he excels at running circle routes that allow him to use his skills as a receiver. Henderson has a nose for the end zone as he scored 42 touchdowns during his four years with the Buckeyes. He has remarkable athletic skills, as evidenced by his 4.43 time in the 40 and his 38.5-inch vertical leap. Henderson should prove to be a major asset for first-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
- CB-WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars
The two-way star should get a chance to excel on defense right away while working his way into the Jacksonville offense with a limited number of plays. Hunter would like to show what he can do on either side of the ball without taking any time off, but Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen does not want to push Hunter too hard right from the start. However, this young player has superstar potential and the kind of confidence that should allow him to play both sides on a regular basis. No player can do this throughout the whole of their career, but Hunter should be able to compete on both sides of the ball for at least three seasons and possibly longer if he can avoid major injuries.
- C Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks
Zabel shot up draft boards throughout the college football season while dominating for North Dakota State. He can also play guard or tackle, but Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald needs him most in the middle. He is extremely tough and nasty, and that is exactly what the Seahawks need to succeed.
- Edge rusher James Pearce, Atlanta Falcons
Pearce has a chance to be an impact pass rusher in his first season with the Falcons
- RB RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
The Broncos have already learned that Harvey can play a key role in the passing offense in addition to being a solid runner.
- QB Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
Ward did not have the publicity or build up that the six quarterbacks selected in last year’s first round had, but he is an extremely talented passer and leader. The question is whether the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft will get the kind of support needed from the Titans offensive line that will allow him to thrive as a rookie quarterback.
- DB Malaki Starks, Baltimore Ravens
A notable player who should be able fit in anywhere in the Baltimore secondary. Going to the Ravens is an ideal situation for Starks.
- OG Donovan Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have completely remade their interior offensive line, and Jackson will get an opportunity to show that he belongs with the first unit. The former Ohio State offensive lineman is tough, nasty and versatile.
Liam is a content writer for Gambling Industry News. Liam has over 10 years experience in content & PR writing, with 100's articles published in global online news outlets, including The New York Times, Daily Mail & Sports Illustrated.
