The ability to draft and develop talent is one of the most valuable things an NFL franchise can do. This is especially true when a player immediately makes an impact upon arriving in the NFL. This season, we have seen several young rookies take over in the NFL, and their performances have given fans and analysts a lot of hope for the future of their favorite teams. Today, I decided to take a look and put together what my All-Rookie first team ballot would look like.
QB – Tyler Shough
The Saints did the right thing, allowing Shough to take his time learning Kellen Moore’s offense and developing his skills in practice before he was pushed onto the field. Shough was the only QB other than Cam Ward in last year’s draft that held a first-round grade on my board, and so far this season, he has made me look good. Since taking over as the starting quarterback, the Saints are 4-4 and have won their last three games. It took him some time, but over the past few weeks, Shough has looked like the best rookie QB in the NFL and has given Saints fans hope for the franchise’s future.
Runner-ups – Jaxson Dart, Cam Ward
RB – Quinshon Judkins
Judkins was RB 2 on my draft board, just behind Ashton Jeanty, as I loved everything I saw from him at Ole Miss, even before he played for the National Championship-winning Buckeyes. Judkins only slipped on the big board a bit due to some off-the-field concerns, but his play on the field for the Browns is not surprising to me one bit. This one should be a unanimous vote, as Judkins has clearly been the best rookie back in football this season.
Runner-ups – Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Dylan Sampson
WR – Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Elic Ayomannor
The first two WRs are easy, as McMillan and Egbuka have clearly been the best rookie pass catchers in the NFL this season. McMillan was my WR 1, Egbuka was my WR 3, and Ayomannor was my WR 5, all of whom have looked as advertised this year. McMillan has dominated as expected, and Egbuka has cooled off as the year goes on, but his incredible start to the season earns him a spot. Ayomannor is my pick for the third spot as he has really impressed me on a middling Titans roster. On film, he looks excellent and will be a big part of the Titans’ future offensively.
Runner-ups – Jayden Higgins, Luther Burden, Travis Hunter
TE – Tyler Warren
Several of these early picks have felt somewhat dull, and while I would love to make some hot takes, Warren clearly deserves the TE spot this season. Warren was easily my TE 1 going into this year, and he has absolutely lived up to the hype he got throughout the draft process. He has been a better blocker than I expected and has been one of the best pass-catching TEs in the entire NFL.
Runner-ups – Harold Fannin, Orandre Gadsden, Jackson Hawes
OL – Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Grey Zabel, Will Campbell, Aireonte Ersery
I will gladly pat myself on the back with this one, as my preseason predictions for offensive line prospects were almost spot on. All four tackles on this list were in my top 5 – only one missing is Josh Simmons, who missed a lot of time this year – and Zabel was my second-ranked utility lineman, only behind Donavan Jackson. Each of my top pre-draft offensive linemen has looked like a cornerstone of an organization, and I can’t wait to see what they do going forward.
Runner-ups – Josh Simmons, Donavan Jackson, Ozzy Trapilo
IDL – Walter Nolen, Jamaree Caldwell
The IDL group is tough because so many players have played at a similar level; it is hard to decide who deserves a spot and who doesn’t. In my eyes, Walter Nolen is clearly the top guy, as he has looked dominant when he gets on the field, and while injuries have kept him out some this year, his skills are legit. For the second spot, I went with Jamaree Caldwell, who I loved in the pre-draft process and has played a significant role in the Chargers’ jump this season. Caldwell provided LA with the run-stuffing nose tackle they had been looking for, and his performance on film is why he earns my vote.
Runner-ups – Mason Graham, Deone Walker
EDGE – Abdul Carter, James Pierce Jr
EDGE voting feels pretty straightforward as long as you are watching the tape, not the stat sheet. While Abdul Carter has not logged the stats that many analysts had hoped he would, he has still been one of the most disruptive players in the NFL. On the other hand, James Pierce Jr has 8.5 sacks and has only been getting better. Both of these guys are great defensive ends who can play multiple positions and consistently rush the passer. Both will be game-wreckers for the next several years.
Runner-ups – Mike Green, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Nick Scourton
LB – Carson Schwesinger, Jalon Walker
This one is also a shoo-in, as Schwesinger is the favorite to win rookie of the year, and Jalon Walker may well be the runner-up. Both guys are sideline-to-sideline players who can make tackles all over the field, but are also impressive in coverage and as pass rushers. Both are some of the biggest game changers in the NFL and have the potential to be future all-pro talents.
Runner-ups – Jihaad Campbell, Demetrius Knight, Danny Stutsman
CB – Will Johnson, Upton Stout, Andrew Mukuba
The 2025 cornerback class has been somewhat underwhelming this year, but the few players who have stood out are impressive. Will Johnson has been the best of the bunch, and he never should have fallen in the draft the way that he did. Stout and Mukuba have been among the best slot corners in the nation, and their ability to stick in coverage and impact the run game is impressive.
Runner-ups – Denzel Burke, Jacob Parrish, Nohl Williams
S – Nick Emmanwori, Jonas Saker
Emmanwori is undoubtedly the best rookie safety in the NFL, and if I had a say, he would be my vote for defensive rookie of the year. His impact on the game this year has been incredible, and his athleticism is precisely what made him my top safety in the 2025 draft. Sanker was my third-ranked safety, and after Tyraan Mathieu retired, he stepped to the plate and has looked incredible.
Runner-ups – Xavier Watts, Malachai Starks
