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Joe Nicely breaks down every NFL team's top rookie standout performer of the 2025 NFL preseason for RotoBaller. Which rookies have shown the most ability during training camp?
Training camp and the preseason are a chance for NFL rookies to make a first impression and prove they are able to play on Sundays. Positive impressions in camp lead to more reps, more reps leads to more playing time. On and on it goes.
Some rookies are almost guaranteed at least a chance to succeed due to when they were drafted, while others are grinding their hearts out just to earn a spot on a team's 53-man roster. Playing in the NFL isn't easy, even for the best football players in the world.
In this article, we'll highlight every NFL team's preseason rookie MVP - these are the first-year players who have turned heads and impressed before the fast-approaching regular season begins.
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Arizona Cardinals - Jordan Burch, OLB
The third-round pick has arguably been Arizona's most impressive rookie in camps and preseason action. Burch has earned positive praise from coaches since the first day of training camp, and recently capped off his stout preseason showing by racking up two sacks against the Raiders. He's earned a spot in the Cardinals rotation opposite edge anchor Josh Sweat.
Atlanta Falcons - James Pearce Jr., Edge
The Falcons sold the farm to move back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Pearce - an athletic phenom out of Tennessee. If the reports out of Atlanta's training camp are any indication, the Falcons made a sound investment. The rookie's athleticism and potential to dominate have been the buzz from Atlanta, and he's recorded multiple pressures with a high pass-rush win rate during the preseason.
Baltimore Ravens - Mike Green, Edge
Green’s fall out of the first round is due to a pair of sexual assault allegations that surfaced before the draft, neither of which he was charged for. He's already looking like a draft steal, forcing six QB hurries in only 70 preseason snaps. The Ravens seem to know what they have in Green, as they've limited his snaps as the preseason progressed. Look for him to mix into Baltimore's pass-rush rotation right away this year.
Buffalo Bills - T.J. Sanders, DT
The Bills traded up to grab Sanders in the second round of the draft, and he's rewarded the club with consistent performance since the beginning of OTAs. The South Carolina product has displayed elite athleticism on the interior of the defensive line. Sanders appears well on his way to being a legitimate contributor to the Buffalo defense in his first pro season.
Carolina Panthers - Tetairoa McMillan, WR
Many analysts projected the Panthers would try to upgrade their league-worst defense with this pick – and that would have been reasonable – but they elected to take a swing on the consensus top WR of this year’s draft class in McMillan. He's looked every bit the part of a legit WR1 in the preseason. McMillan be an immediate upgrade and top target for developing Carolina signal caller Bryce Young, and should help accelerate the growth of the Panthers’ offense.
Bryce Young 🏈 Tetairoa McMillan All 2k25
— IAmWestsideFetti 💙🖤🤟🏾 (@4MR_Fetti) August 28, 2025
Chicago Bears - Colston Loveland, TE
The tight end position is a notoriously tough one for rookies. However, Loveland - the 10th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft - has looked comfortable throughout Chicago's training camp. The former Michigan star has consistently gotten open in team drills, while also showing the ability to stay in and block when needed. He'll share time with Cole Kmet, but don't be surprised to see some splash plays from Loveland this season.
Cincinnati Bengals - Dylan Fairchild, G
The transition from SEC competition to the NFL appears to have been a seamless one for Fairchild, a player the Bengals grabbed in the third round of the draft. Cincinnati was in desperate need of help along the offensive line, and it appears as though Fairchild will be the team's Week 1 starter at left guard following his impressive performance throughout the preseason.
Cleveland Browns - Carson Schwesinger, LB
With all the focus and buzz surrounding their rookie QBs and RBs, it's been a first-year linebacker that's been the talk of Browns camp. Schwesinger has handled himself like a veteran throughout the preseason. Cleveland has already handed him defensive play-calling duties and will likely heavily rely on the rookie this year.
Dallas Cowboys - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge
Some within the Cowboys organization wanted to select the BC edge rusher with the team's first-round pick, so Dallas was overjoyed when Ezeiruaku slipped to them in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That optimism has proven to be well warranted, as he's been one of the standouts of training camp. Expect the rookie to take on a large role for the Cowboys defense in 2025.
Denver Broncos - RJ Harvey, RB
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has notoriously been tough on rookie running backs. However, Payton has been quite consistent in his praise of Harvey throughout Denver's training camp. The only thing standing between Harvey and a potential workhorse-type role is the often-injured J.K. Dobbins.
Detroit Lions - Isaac TeSlaa, WR
We all know that we can't bet the entire farm on performance in preseason games. That said, TeSlaa has blown the Detroit staff away both with his work in practice and production in preseason games. He finished the preseason slate with 146 yards and 3 TDs on 10 catches. The team's faith in the Arkansas rookie was further confirmed by the recent trade of wide receiver Tim Patrick. Don't be surprised to see TeSlaa earning playing time very soon.
Green Bay Packers - Matthew Golden, WR
Golden was the first wide receiver selected in the first round by the Packers in 23 years and his preseason performance shows why Green Bay pulled the trigger on him. Although he wasn't heavily targeted in preseason games, Golden has made quite the impression on the Packers' staff with his ability to consistently make big plays happen in practice. He should get opportunities in regular season action right away.
Houston Texans - Aireontae Ersery, OL
The Texans were starved for help along the offensive line after fielding one of the NFL's worst units in 2024. Enter former Minnesota tackle Ersery, a 6'6" monster who has quickly proven himself to be one of the most talented lineman on the Houston roster. He's been impressive throughout camp and in limited preseason action. Look for him to start Week 1 for the AFC South contenders.
Indianapolis Colts - Tyler Warren, TE
The Colts have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the tight end position in recent years, but they finally got their man in Warren. A versatile, all-around playmaker who has shined throughout the preseason, Warren profiles as Shane Steichen’s new version of Dallas Goedert. The 2024 Mackey Award winner will be an immediate security blanket for Week 1 Indy starting QB Daniel Jones.
#Colts starters have played 35 snaps this preseason. Tyler Warren has been on the field for 34 of them. And posted 4-65-0 on six targets. pic.twitter.com/Ac75ddXa6D
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 18, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars - Bhayshul Tuten, RB
Slowed by a hamstring injury at the start of training camp, rookie running back Tuten has done nothing but gained momentum in recent weeks. Jacksonville loves his speed, as well as his dual-threat potential to the point that trading either Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby has been an internal discussion. He'll need to continue to work his way up the depth chart, but don't be surprised to see some splash plays from Tuten early in the regular season.
Kansas City Chiefs - Justin Simmons, OT
Kansas City picked up an extra fifth-round pick in a quirky pick swap with the Eagles that saw them move back from 31 to 32 on the board. They proceeded to select what could ultimately be the steal of the draft in Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, a player with top-10 upside who slipped due to a torn patellar injury. It looks as though the gamble will pay off handsomely for the Chiefs, as Simmons has been the star of KC's camp and exceeded the team's expectations in every way. He's set to be the Week 1 starter in charge of protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side.
Las Vegas Raiders - Ashton Jeanty, RB
It would be hard for Jeanty - the sixth overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft - to exceed sky-high expectations, but he's done nothing but impress coaches and teammates with his play, character, and work ethic. Jeanty was sluggish in limited action in the first game of the preseason, but turned heads with 35 yards and a TD on 14 snaps in a preseason game against the Niners.
Los Angeles Chargers - Omarion Hampton, RB
Hampton has wowed the Bolts with his rare combination of size and speed. He's repeatedly demonstrated his power and averaged a chunky 5.50 yards after contact in preseason action. Questions remain when it comes to Najee Harris and a now-infamous fireworks eye injury, but regardless of Harris' status to start the year, we'll see a sizeable amount of action for Hampton.
Los Angeles Rams - Shaun Dolac, LB
Dolac was the only rookie undrafted free agent to make the Rams final 53-man roster. He began impressing early in OTAs and that carried through to training camp and preseason action. L.A.'s coaching staff loves Dolac's quick grasp of the defense. He led the FBS in total tackles last season with 168 and this Rams organization often favors production over physical measurables.
Miami Dolphins - Kenneth Grant, DT
Internally, the Dolphins feel as though they've hit a home run with Grant, their first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. He's drawn high praise from coaches for his physicality, work ethic, and willingness to learn. His preseason appearances have also been impressive, as he's flashed high energy while logging 3 QB pressures and six tackles in the run game.
Minnesota Vikings - Donovan Jackson, G
Jackson has taken virtually all of the starter's reps at left guard throughout Vikings training camp. The internal feeling is that he ran away with the job, which resulted in him seeing limited action in preseason games.
New England - TreVeyon Henderson, RB
The dynamic back out of Ohio State gives the Patriots something they haven't had in quite some time... an explosive offensive option. Henderson has already dazzled in the preseason, returning a kickoff for a 100-yard TD and running through tight games when given opportunity out of the backfield. He figures to be a big factor in this year's revamped New England offense.
TREVEYON HENDERSON 100-YD KICKOFF RETURN TD ON HIS FIRST NFL TOUCH 🔥
(via @Patriots)pic.twitter.com/0Lv64I25Oh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 8, 2025
New Orleans Saints - Kelvin Banks Jr., OT
Banks has been a steady presence at left tackle throughout camps and the preseason. Last year's first-round pick Taliese Fuaga has been moved back to his natural position on the right side of the line with Banks set to man LT starting in Week 1. His balance, power, and quickness have been obvious and appear ready to translate to success at the pro level.
New York Giants - Jaxson Dart, QB
Dart has been everything the Giants front office had hoped for after they traded back into the first round to snag him with the 25th overall pick on draft night. The only problem is that Dart has played so well in preseason action that the pressure to accelerate his timeline will be high should Russell Wilson falter as Big Blue's starting QB.
An impressive preseason for @JaxsonDart 👏 pic.twitter.com/QsNX9craZ8
— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) August 22, 2025
New York Jets - Mason Taylor, TE
The LSU product wasted little time emerging as the top tight end on the Jets roster following their selection of him in the second round of the NFL draft. Taylor's talent and upside as a pass catcher have been obvious throughout the preseason, but his underrated blocking ability is what has really impressed the new Jets coaching staff.
Philadelphia Eagles - Jihaad Campbell, LB
It wasn't as if the defending Super Bowl champions needed to get lucky in the draft, but appears they've yet again struck gold on a defensive prospect in Campbell, the former Alabama star they Philly selected with the 31st overall pick. He's taken first-team reps this summer, playing with elite speed and physicality throughout the preseason. He'll likely start out of the gates for the Eagles. The scary part is he's far from a finished product.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Derrick Harmon, DT
Harmon was the unquestioned breakout of Pittsburgh's 2025 rookie class throughout training camp. He registered 4 pressures on 42 preseason snaps prior to suffering an injury in the Steelers' finale. Harmon appears to have avoided a catastrophic season-ending injury, and is currently considered "week-to-week" with an MCL sprain.
San Francisco 49ers - Jordan Watkins, WR
The Ole Miss receiver put forth a strong camp, as well as an eye-opening performance in San Fran's preseason opener. Unfortunately, Watkins' ascension up the Niners depth chart has been temporarily paused by a high ankle sprain that will likely keep him sidelined for the first several weeks of the regular season. Despite the setback, Watkins should eventually add depth to an injury-plagued Niner receiving corps.
Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel, OL
Seattle tabbed Zabel with the 18th overall selection of the 2025 NFL Draft, and it looks as though his presence will pay large dividends for a Seahawks offensive line that struggled mightily at times last season. Zabel put together an excellent camp and looked like an elite talent in two preseason appearances.
Tampa Bay Bucs - Emeka Egbuka, WR
The former Buckeye has consistently garnered praise from coaches and teammates for his professionalism and playmaking ability. With second-year Bucs receiver Jalen McMillan on IR, and veteran Chris Godwin still working his way back from an injury that ended his 2024 campaign, Egbuka will have a large role in the high-octane Bucs passing attack at the outset of the regular season.
Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB
The top overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft has showed flashes of talent that made the Titans select him. Tennessee has praised Ward's work ethic and calm leadership qualities throughout training camp. In limited preseason game action, he completed 10 of 19 passes for 143 yards across three appearances.
Titans announced that rookie No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward is one of seven team captains this season. pic.twitter.com/lKL3mF15GD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2025
Washington Commanders - Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB
The rookie that Washington head coach Dan Quinn has called out for his "violent cuts", has been impressive enough for the Commanders to ship incumbent running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers in a recent trade. While JCM won't likely assume workhorse duties with Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez still in the fold, his performance throughout the preseason has been the highlight among Washington's rookie crop.
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