This is my list of rookies that should especially stand out in their first year. Obviously, this list will include several 1st round picks but I will also include players drafted all the way into the 7th round.
First Round Standouts
Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)
This is an obvious choice. A great two-way player who is so good the Jaguars were willing to give up several 1st round picks for him. He should be an instant star at whatever position he plays.
Abdul Carter (EDGE, New York Giants)
Abdul Carter was an absolute beast at Penn State and looked even better during the few preseason snaps he played. Absolute monster who gets to play a very talented Giants D-line. Should be a great year.
Ashton Jeanty (RB, Las Vegas Raiders)
Another obvious choice. Jeanty’s skill set should translate to the NFL and become an instant star. The only potential issues are his offensive line and fumbling issues.
Mykel Williams (DE, San Francisco 49ers)
While he is seen as a little bit of a developmental project, Mykel Williams could be a great player even in year 1 with outstanding run defense and untapped potential in pass rush.
Tyler Warren (TE, Indianapolis Colts)
Warren should be the number 1 target in the Colts offense. He isn’t playing with a great QB, but should still have a great year. Fantasy tip: at his current ADP in fantasy football, he is a steal.
Grey Zabel (OG, Seattle Seahawks)
Dominated at the Senior Bowl and then dominated in the preseason. Zabel looks the part and should be a beast even in year 1.
Emeka Egbuka (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
With Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan out, Egbuka should take on a serious role in this explosive Tampa Bay offense. Another player who could win your fantasy league.
Jahdea Barron (CB, Denver Broncos)
I think Barron was an absolute steal at pick #20 in the 2025 NFL draft. Such a talented player in so many ways, and he gets to play next to Pat Surtian II. Should lock down WR2 across the league.
Derrick Harmon (DT, Pittsburg Steelers)
Great player who should excel on the talented Steelers defensive line. His pass rush is really impressive and he should get several sacks this year.
Second Round Standouts
Nick Emmanwori (S, Seattle Seahawks)
Seattle traded up for potentially the most athlete player in this whole draft class. Emmanwori is a physical freak who also excels in coverage. He should take on a significant role in Mike Macdonald’s defense. Look for him to get multiple INTs and sacks this year.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB, New England Patriots)
Great player and person who should be the RB1 in New England. He flashed in the preseason and could be Mike Vrabel’s new Derrick Henry.
Elijah Arroyo (TE, Seattle Seahawks)
Arroyo is an extremely talented TE who excels in the pass game. The Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald has even said Arroyo was a top-15 player in this draft if not for his injury. He will be their instant TE1.
Trey Amos (CB, Washington Commanders)
Amos is a talented player who showed flashes in camp and the preseason. Definitely a player to watch.
Third Round Standouts
Jaylin Noel (WR, Houston Texans)
Really good player who could end up being the WR2 in the Houston Texans offense this year. Noel is fast and explosive.
Kaleb Johnson (RB, Pittsburg Steelers)
Kaleb Johnson is a explosive RB who has the chance to be the RB1 in a run heavy offensive attack. Should be a player to watch
Jordan Burch (DE, Arizona Cardinals)
Great pass rush skills in a young Cardinals D-line. Underrated coming out of Oregon and could be a standout in the pros.
Fourth Round Standouts
Dont’e Thorton Jr. (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
Seems to have a connection with Geno Smith and has fought his way into some playing time.
Fifth Round Standouts
Yayha Black (NT, Pittsburg Steelers)
Great run defender who should be a top NT for years to come.
Tory Horton (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
Really dynamic but injury ridden player who had second round talent but dropped due to injuries. Horton has already established himself as the WR3 in the Seahawks offense and should play a big role in special teams as well. I expect him to be a star.
Seventh Round Standouts
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Washington Commanders)
With Brian Robinson Jr. being traded away, Jacory is now the RB2 behind Ekeler and should get some decent playing time. He has a great opportunity to be show what he can do.
