Top NFL Rookies to Watch in 2025

The 2025 NFL draft has brought a fresh wave of talent into the league, and with the season approaching, it's time to project which rookies will make the biggest impact. Here, we break down the top projected leaders in various statistical categories for the 2025 season.

Passing Yards and Touchdowns

1. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans: 3,392 yards, 20 TDs (15 starts)
2. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints: 3,020 yards, 13 TDs (13 starts)
3. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants: 1,968 yards, 10 TDs (9 starts)
4. Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns: 1,205 yards, 5 TDs (5 starts)
5. Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns: 925 yards, 4 TDs (4 starts)

Cam Ward is the standout in this year's quarterback class, expected to lead the Titans with a strong passing game. Tyler Shough, despite being a second-round pick, is now in a prime position to start for the Saints following Derek Carr's retirement.

Receiving Yards and Touchdowns

1. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers: 926 yards, 5 TDs
2. Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers: 889 yards, 6 TDs
3. Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars: 884 yards, 5 TDs
4. Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders: 747 yards, 4 TDs
5. Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans: 723 yards, 4 TDs

Tetairoa McMillan and Travis Hunter are expected to be the top receivers among rookies, with McMillan likely benefiting from Bryce Young's improved play. Hunter, a dual-threat player, will also contribute on defense but is projected to be a key offensive target for the Jaguars.

Rushing Yards and Touchdowns

1. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders: 1,120 yards, 7 TDs
2. Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers: 961 yards, 9 TDs
3. Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers: 947 yards, 7 TDs
4. Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns: 922 yards, 6 TDs
5. RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos: 841 yards, 5 TDs

The 2025 rookie running back class is one of the strongest in recent years, with Ashton Jeanty leading the pack. Jeanty is expected to be the feature back for the Raiders, while Omarion Hampton will play a significant role in the Chargers' run-heavy offense.

Tackles

1. Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens: 71
2. Nick Martin, LB, San Francisco 49ers: 58
3. Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos: 58
4. Andrew Mukuba, S, Philadelphia Eagles: 56
5. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles: 56

Malaki Starks is projected to lead all rookies in tackles, thanks to a clear path to an every-down role in Baltimore. Nick Martin and Jahdae Barron are also expected to make significant contributions in their respective defenses.

Sacks

1. Abdul Carter, Edge, New York Giants: 6.0
2. Mykel Williams, Edge, San Francisco 49ers: 6.0
3. Jalon Walker, Edge, Atlanta Falcons: 6.0
4. James Pearce Jr., Edge, Atlanta Falcons: 5.0
5. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals: 5.0

Abdul Carter, Mykel Williams, and Jalon Walker are the top projected rookie sack leaders, with each expected to make an immediate impact on their teams' pass rush.

Interceptions

1. Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens: 2
2. Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos: 2
3. Andrew Mukuba, S, Philadelphia Eagles: 1
4. Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons: 1
5. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Buffalo Bills: 1

Interceptions are always a tough stat for rookies, but Malaki Starks and Jahdae Barron are expected to lead the way with two interceptions each.

Stay tuned as the 2025 NFL season unfolds to see which rookies rise to the occasion and make their mark on the league.