RADIO
Joe Nicely digs into the top 10 NFL rookies set to make an instant impact in the 2025 season. NFL rookie analysis, outlooks, and impact for the 2025 NFL season.
R.J. Harvey - Denver Broncos, Running Back
Denver’s second-round selection, R.J. Harvey, could hit the ground running in the Mile High City. The rookie will have a very real chance of getting serious reps for Sean Payton right away, as the Broncos elected to cut ties with Javonte Williams following another disappointing season from him in 2024. Harvey showcased excellent burst and athleticism while at UCF and will likely get every chance to be a contributor in his rookie season.
Cam Ward - Tennessee Titans, Quarterback
We’re not exactly going out on a limb by saying that the top overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft should make an immediate impact, but Ward almost has to be an upgrade from Will Levis in Tennessee. The former Hurricane is a big physical presence in the pocket and has proven himself to be a quick study along his three different stops at the collegiate level. With a fairly talented supporting cast that includes Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley, the Titans offense could take a surprisingly-big step forward in 2025.
Kaleb Johnson - Pittsburgh Steelers, Running Back
Former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson profiles as the perfect fit in the Steelers run-oriented scheme. Johnson is a dream replacement for the now-departed Najee Harris. A powerful runner who picked up 1,537 rushing yards in his last college season, the rookie will be a tremendous compliment to Jaylen Warren for Mike Tomlin’s bunch.
Travis Hunter - Jacksonville Jaguars, Wide Receiver/Cornerback
The Jaguars gave up a bundle in order to move up and select two-way star Travis Hunter with the second overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. It was the type of deal that’s rarely executed for a non-QB, though Hunter offers the unicorn-like potential to be a game changer at two premium positions. Jacksonville is initially viewing him primarily as a wide receiver who will mix into some defensive packages, and if Hunter’s college career is any indicator, he’ll make plays on both sides of the ball right away.
Abdul Carter - New York Giants, Edge
We didn’t forget about the type of immediate impact a great defensive player can make. In Abdul Carter, the Giants snagged a disruptive game changer who will play on the edge right away in New York. Carter would’ve been the first overall pick in several drafts of the past decade – and you can make the argument he is the most NFL-ready rookie in this year’s class.
Tetairoa McMillan - Carolina Panthers, Wide Receiver
Many draft analysts predicted the Panthers to address their cellar-dwelling defense with the eighth-overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. However, Carolina elected to take the top consensus wide receiver prospect in the class with the selection of Arizona’s Tet McMillan. Sporting an NFL-ready physique, McMillan should be an instant upgrade to the Carolina receiving corps, and provide developing QB Bryce Young a legitimate weapon.
Tyler Shough - New Orleans Saints, Quarterback
With the recent retirement of Saints quarterback Derek Carr, second-round rookie Tyler Shough will likely be thrust into the spotlight quickly for New Orleans. An older prospect, Shough tossed 23 TD passes for Louisville last season, and will likely be the starter for new Saints head coach Kellen Moore sooner rather than later.
Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders, Running Back
The Heisman finalist from Boise State was the first running back off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’ll be a tone-setter in new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll’s attempt to change the culture in Las Vegas. Jeanty is a talented, instinctual runner who will get immediately playing time for a Raiders offense that is short on game breakers.
Will Campbell - New England Patriots, OT
Offensive lineman aren’t flashy, but a good one sure can be effective. The top priority for the Patriots in this year’s draft was finding protection for quarterback Drake Maye. In Campbell, New England gets an instant upgrade to what was arguably the NFL’s worst offensive line in 2024. Campbell dominated SEC-caliber competition at LSU, and is excellent both in pass protection and run blocking. If we see Maye continue to trend upward in 2025, Campbell will probably be a big reason why.
Atlanta Falcons - James Pearce Jr., Edge
Atlanta elected to move back into the first round of this year’s draft for Tennessee’s freakish Edge James Pearce Jr., a player that comes with character concerns but Jevon Kearse-like physical traits. The rub? The Falcons sold the farm to select Pearce, sending a 2026 first-round pick to the Rams as part of the trade package. Despite what they gave up to get him, it’s hard not to love the fit for Pearce, as Atlanta injected tons of talent into a defense that was absolutely lifeless in 2024. We could see the team’s aggressive draft day move start paying dividends right away.
