NFL Rookie Report Card: Final Grades for Every First-Round Pick of the NFL Draft

January 16, 2026

Complete NFL rookie report card with final grades for every first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft featuring performance analysis, hits, misses, and outlooks.

The 2025 NFL regular season is in the books, which means it's time to start evaluating ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. In this article, we dig into our Rookie Report Card and Final Grades for every first-round pick from last year's draft. Did these top picks live up to the hype or let their teams down in their first pro campaigns?

Context does matter here, as scheme fits, injuries, and how quickly a player earned (and kept) playing time were factors in grading. A few players already look like franchise cornerstone pieces, while others will head into their second pro seasons with plenty of questions still lingering.

Let's keep in mind that rookie seasons are snapshots into a player's career - not final verdicts. These guys were selected in the first round for a reason, and most have the talent and youth needed to overcome an underwhelming rookie campaign. Without waiting any longer, here are our final grades for every first-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

No. 1 - Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

Final Grade: C

Nothing came easy for Ward on an abysmal Titans squad that saw its head coach fired during the season. The rookie was sacked more than any NFL quarterback in 2025, while coughing up a league-high 11 fumbles.

Cam Ward is better than every 2026 QB prospect coming out btw. here is the proof on tape. #NFLDraft #Titanspic.twitter.com/yqNeY98e64

— c 🪐 (@InIt4TheKicks) January 7, 2026

However, Ward also displayed glimpses of the arm talent that made him the top overall pick of the draft, particularly down the stretch of the season. He'll have a new head coach in 2026, as the reeling Titans will look to upgrade the supporting cast around him.

No. 2 - Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Final Grade: C-

The Jaguars sold the farm in order to move up and select the two-way star out of Colorado. Despite the hype, Hunter's impact was minimal, as he suffered a season-ending injury just seven games into his first pro campaign. He played twice as many snaps on offense as he did on defense, flashing brief moments of brilliance on both sides of the ball. His role in 2026 still doesn't feel clearly defined.

No. 3 - Abdul Carter, Edge, New York Giants

Final Grade: B

On the field, Carter tallied 66 pressures - the most among 2025 rookies. Off the field, the first-year pro did face some team disciplinary issues on multiple occasions, which is something the Giants hope a new coaching staff will help with. Carter still has some things to clean up, notably his run defense and the number of penalties he commits, but the athleticism and talent needed to be a game-changer going forward are clearly present.

No. 4 - Will Campbell, OT, New England Patriots

Final Grade: A-

The Patriots entered the 2025 NFL Draft looking for a left tackle to protect Drake Maye's blindside for years to come. It appears as though they've found their man in Campbell. The LSU product finished the year ranked third among rookie offensive tackles in PFF grade, while relinquishing just five sacks in his first pro campaign.

No. 5 - Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Browns

Final Grade: B-

Graham's rookie stats won't blow you away - 49 tackles & 0.5 sacks - but the first-year pro undoubtedly provided a steady presence on the Browns' defensive interior, particularly over the second half of the season. Graham showed the ability to consistently get pressure on opposing QBs and close up running lanes. He should be an anchor along the Cleveland defensive line for years to come.

No. 6 - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Final Grade: C

This is a tough one, as Jeanty's rookie production fell well short of expectations. That said, how much of the blame can we place on Jeanty, who played behind one of the NFL's worst offensive lines in one of the league's worst offenses? The Boise State product finished the season ranked third in the NFL behind Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs in forced miss tackles, which suggests there's plenty of talent here. He'll likely improve statistically in 2026 as the Raiders look to rebuild with a new head coach.

No. 7 - Armand Membou, OT, New York Jets

Final Grade: A

There wasn't much to cheer about for Jets fans in 2025. However, rookie tackle Armand Membou was one of the few bright spots for Gang Green in what was an abysmal season. The #7 pick showcased the ability to both run block and pass protect, ending the season as PFF's second-highest graded rookie tackle.

No. 8 - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

Final Grade: A+

The front-runner to win Offensive Rookie of the Year as of this writing, McMillan finished the regular season with over 1,000 receiving yards to lead all rookie receivers and set a Carolina single-season rookie record. His size and speed proved to be NFL-ready, though he was catching passes from Bryce Young in an offense that evolved into a run-first unit as the season progressed.

Today, Tetairoa McMillan became the first rookie Panther WR to hit 1000+ yards recieving since Kelvin Benjamin in 2014 😳😮

McMillan finished the season with 1,014 receiving yards pic.twitter.com/jx6L2PsV1N

— bearszn (@TechnoPenguin_) January 5, 2026

No. 9 - Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, New Orleans Saints

Final Grade: A-

Like the entire Saints team, Banks improved as the season progressed. He finished the year as PFF's top-graded rookie offensive tackle, allowing just five sacks in 17 starts for New Orleans. Banks also showed solid run-blocking ability. With fellow rookie Tyler Shough playing well down the stretch, the future looks a bit brighter than expected in the Big Easy.

No. 10 - Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

Final Grade: B+

The combination of injuries, a new Bears offensive system, and the notoriously difficult transitional process of the tight end position to the pro level factored into a sluggish start to Loveland's first NFL campaign...and keeps him just shy of an A grade. However, Loveland's impact grew as the season progressed. He finished the regular season with 713 yards and six TDs on 58 catches, while also earning PFF's top rookie grade at the tight end position. The Michigan alum figures to be a pivotal part of the Bears' offense in the coming years.

No. 11 - Mykel Williams, Edge, San Francisco 49ers

Final Grade: D+

Like several of his fellow Niners teammates, Williams' 2025 season was cut short due to injury, as a torn ACL ended his first pro campaign in early November. Prior to the injury, Williams had little impact rushing the passer, tallying just one sack and 19 pressures in the first nine games of his career. Despite his light contributions as a rookie, Williams will likely be a big part of San Francisco's 2026 defensive front.

No. 12 - Tyler Booker, OL, Dallas Cowboys

Final Grade: A-

Booker recovered nicely from an early-season injury, allowing just three sacks in 14 starts. The Alabama product finished the year with PFF's highest grade among rookie guards. In addition to his pass protection, Booker seemed comfortable in Dallas' run-blocking scheme. The Cowboys can pencil him in at guard for the next several years.

No. 13 - Kenneth Grant, DL, Miami Dolphins

Final Grade: D+

Grant showed some flashes over the last few weeks of the season, but otherwise turned in a disappointing rookie season in South Beach. The 13th overall pick recorded just two sacks in his first NFL season while finishing the year as PFF's 12th-highest graded rookie defensive tackle out of 19 qualifiers. He'll look to build on his solid close to the season in 2026.

No. 14 - Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts

Final Grade: A

Following a blistering start to the season, Warren's production dipped as Indy's quarterback situation deteriorated. Despite the rather somber ending to the season for the Colts, they undoubtedly have themselves a game-changer at the tight end position in Warren. He led all rookie tight ends with 817 receiving yards while also providing steady blocking and proving to be a legitimate weapon for the Indy offense.

No. 15 - Jalon Walker, Edge, Atlanta Falcons

Final Grade: B-

The Falcons selected the Georgia Bulldog in the hopes of revitalizing a pass rush that was nonexistent in 2024. Walker looked to be up to the task, logging four sacks and two forced fumbles in November, but an injury that cost him two games slowed his production for the remainder of the year. Still...Walker finished his rookie season with six sacks on 29 pressures while also performing well against the run.

No. 16 - Walter Nolen, DL, Arizona Cardinals

Final Grade: Incomplete

Nolen didn't make his NFL debut until Week 9, and then suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 16, ultimately appearing in just six games as a rookie. Nolen looked good in his limited time on the field - notably as a pass rusher - but there simply wasn't enough sample size to make a strong evaluation.

No. 17 - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals

Final Grade: Incomplete

Much like the aforementioned Nolen, Shemar Stewart's rookie campaign was marred by injuries. After missing a large chunk of training camp due to a contract dispute (only the Bengals, right?), Stewart was limited to just eight games and fewer than 300 snaps in his maiden NFL season for a Cincy defense that desperately needed reinforcements. He'll look to stay on the field and find some production in 2026.

No. 18 - Grey Zabel, OL, Seattle Seahawks

Final Grade: A+

The rookie was a standout contributor on a Seattle squad that earned the NFC's top seed in the playoffs. Zabel made the leap from North Dakota State to starting 17 games for the Seahawks in his rookie season. He displayed a veteran-like presence while excelling in both pass protection and run blocking for a retooled Seattle offensive line. Zabel looks as though he'll be an interior-line stalwart for years to come.

No. 19 - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Final Grade: B

The Ohio State product looked like a seasoned All-Pro across the first month of the season, hauling in five TDs across the first five games of his career.

Emeka Egbuka in his rookie season:

64 receptions
938 yards
6 TDs

Which round are you drafting Emeka in next season? pic.twitter.com/afbrBBFOe6

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) January 4, 2026

Unfortunately, Egbuka's hot start turned into an ice-cold run over the back half of the season, as he struggled with drops and failed to top 65 receiving yards in any game following Week 10. Despite the disappointing stretch run, Egbuka displayed the skills required to be a rock-solid pro going forward.

No. 20 - Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos

Final Grade: C-

From an individual perspective, one of the downsides of being drafted by a quality team such as the Broncos is finding steady playing time. That was the issue for Barron, who was largely restricted to a rotational role thanks to the elite depth of the Denver defense. We won't get a good bead on Barron until he sees more playing time.

No. 21 - Derrick Harmon, DL, Pittsburgh Steelers

Final Grade: C+

A preseason MCL injury limited him at the outset of the 2025 campaign, but Harmon proved to be a disruptive force along the defensive line when getting on the field. He consistently put pressure on opposing signal callers while also helping to solidify the Pittsburgh run defense.

No. 22 - Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Final Grade: C+

A season-ending injury to veteran Najee Harris opened the door for substantial playing time for Hampton. Unfortunately, the rookie suffered his own devastating injury and was forced to miss eight games with an ankle issue. Despite playing behind an injury-ravaged offensive line for much of 2025, Hampton logged 737 all-purpose yards and five TDs. He can be penciled in as the Bolts' Week 1 starter in 2026.

No. 23 - Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers

Final Grade: F

The first wide receiver selected by the Packers in Round 1 since 2002, Golden was expected to become Green Bay's WR1 in short order. Instead, the rookie out of Texas tumbled down the Packers' depth chart as the season progressed, despite the long-term absence of fellow WR Jayden Reed.

Matthew Golden has now tied Taylor Lewan in career receiving TDs (1) pic.twitter.com/7Z4n3eoZ45

— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) January 11, 2026

Injuries played a factor in some instances - and he did log his best game of the year in Green Bay's Wild Card loss - but Golden struggled to command targets even when healthy this season. He failed to score a touchdown in the regular season, ultimately hauling in just 29 catches for 361 yards ahead of the playoffs. It's tough to find a more disappointing first-rounder in the 2025 crop relative to expectations.

No. 24 - Donovan Jackson, OL, Minnesota Vikings

Final Grade: A-

Minnesota appears to have found an interior offensive line anchor for the future in Jackson. Following some rookie learning moments and an injury that required in-season surgery, Jackson performed well down the stretch. He didn't allow a sack after Week 8 and was a solid run-blocking asset for the Vikings. He'll be the Week 1 starter in 2026.

No. 25 - Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

Final Grade: B

The Giants made a draft-day trade to select Dart with the 25th overall pick. The early returns are positive for Dart, as the rookie undeniably added energy to a moribund G-Men offense when he made his first career start in Week 4. The rookie displayed arm talent and rushing ability while winning two of his first three starts under center for New York.

However, Dart's aggressive and borderline reckless play style did result in injuries that sidelined him for two starts and forced him to leave another outing early. He'll have a new head coach, as well as superstar receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo, back in the lineup in 2026. Giants fans can be optimistic about what Dart showed in his first NFL season.

No. 26 - James Pearce Jr., Edge, Atlanta Falcons

Final Grade: A

The Falcons sold the farm to move back into the first round to select Pearce, but it's hard to argue with the results, as the Atlanta edge logged the most rookie sacks (10.5) since Micah Parsons in 2021 and set a Falcons franchise single-season rookie record.

The former Tennessee Vol helped Atlanta jump from the second-fewest sacks in the NFL in 2024 to the second-most in 2025. With his run defense still a work in progress, you can argue that Pearce is a one-dimensional player, but the ability to get after the quarterback is a very valuable skill in today's NFL.

No. 27 - Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens

Final Grade: B

With an injury-plagued Ravens defense starved for warm bodies, Starks was thrown into the deep end early in his rookie campaign. The rookie safety logged over 1,000 snaps in his first NFL season. Starks evolved into a playmaker as the season progressed, while also showing himself to be a trusted tackler. Though the Jim Harbaugh era in Baltimore is over, Starks will be a prominent part of this defense going forward.

No. 28 - Tyleik Williams, DL, Detroit Lions

Final Grade: C

Williams' first season in Motown was marked by inconsistency, often due to his erratic playing time. The Ohio State product saw the field plenty in the early going of the season due to an injury to Alim McNeill, but his role was reduced when McNeill returned to the lineup in Week 7, with Williams' playing time bottoming out in Weeks 9 & 10. However, the rookie battled back to finish strong with Detroit's final regular-season game arguably being his best outing of the year.

No. 29 - Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Washington Commanders

Final Grade: B-

It was a trial by fire in 2025 for the big tackle out of Oregon. Conerly earned 17 starts in his first pro season. He struggled mightily out of the gate - allowing four sacks across Weeks 1 & 2 - but rebounded nicely to improve as the season progressed, allowing just four more sacks the rest of the way. Washington will enter 2026 with plenty of optimism around Conerly's future on the o-line.

No. 30 - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Buffalo Bills

Final Grade: C

Hairston missed a large chunk of his rookie season due to injury. After finally making his NFL debut in Week 8, he looked solid in coverage, recording two interceptions in his first three games with the Bills. He earned PFF's second-highest coverage grade among qualified rookie corners.

No. 31 - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Final Grade: A-

The Alabama product looked like a superstar-in-the-making early in the year, earning the NFL's ninth-highest linebacker grade in Weeks 1-7. However, when Philly's Nakobe Dean returned from an injury, Campbell was relegated to a rotational role, despite his strong play early in the season. If Dean leaves the Eagles in free agency this offseason, Campbell will slide right into the full-time role in 2026.

"I thought Jihaad Campbell was VERY impressive given that he's only been watching for the past 5 weeks!" - @Bo_Wulf

"To me, Jihaad continues to flash, he showed up big in this game" - @FDuffyNFL pic.twitter.com/kTtCs0CPdD

— PHLY Eagles (@PHLY_Eagles) December 29, 2025

No. 32 - Josh Simmons, OL, Kansas City Chiefs

Final Grade: B

The good news is that Simmons was excellent when he was on the field, allowing just two sacks in the eight games he suited up. The bad news is that Simmons' availability was shaky at best. He missed four games due to personal reasons and five games due to injury in 2025. If the Chiefs can keep Simmons on the field in 2026 and beyond, he's got the goods to be the team's long-term answer at left tackle.

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