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
- RB TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
- 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.
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Top players in 2025 rookie class
- RB RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
- 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.
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Top players in 2025 rookie class
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
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.
