Our final 2025 NFL All-Rookie team isn’t about forecasting success or even necessarily picking the player you would want on you team long-term. This is strictly a look back at the best-performing rookies from the regular season.

The honorees:

Quarterback

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

It was called by some a “desperation” pick at the time. In hindsight, Dart might end up being a steal.

A steep learning curve was to be expected as Dart made the jump from college to the NFL, but he played above expectation almost from the start. The Giants bet on Dart’s talent as a natural thrower with promising mobility and high-level intangibles, and the Ole Miss product made the most of the opportunity.

Despite making only 11 starts (and just one with a healthy Malik Nabers), Dart accounted for 24 total touchdowns (15 passing, nine rushing), easily the most among first-year players. (Cam Ward finished second with 17 touchdowns.) Several of the key rate stats also favored Dart, including EPA per dropback (0.03), touchdowns per attempt (4.4) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (3.0).

With 487 rushing yards, Dart’s legs also were a big part of his productivity. He finished with more rushing yards than Alvin Kamara, and the only quarterbacks to produce more yards on the ground were Josh Allen and Justin Herbert.

Whether or not his play style will work long-term is a debate for a different day. For now, Dart deserves the crown as the top rookie quarterback.

Runner-up: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

An embarrassingly high percentage of people wrote off Shough during the draft process because they saw his age (25 on draft day, 26 now) as some type of disqualifying trait. Though there were reasons for doubt, there was also plenty to be optimistic about, such as Shough’s passing talent and mobility to work off schedule.

Despite a lackluster Saints supporting cast, Shough led all rookies in completion percentage (67.6) and accounted for the second most plays of 10-plus yards (110). Is he the Saints’ long-term answer? Time will tell. But as the only rookie quarterback to win more than half his starts, Shough should be the Saints’ guy for 2026.

Honorable Mentions: Cam Ward, Titans; Shedeur Sanders, Browns; Dillon Gabriel, Browns; Riley Leonard, Colts; Quinn Ewers, Dolphins

Running Back

TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

Henderson finished the regular season second among all rookies with 911 rushing yards (64 behind Ashton Jeanty), and he led first-year running backs in yards per carry (5.1), rushing touchdowns (nine) and rushing success rate (41.1 percent).

My greatest concerns with Henderson as a prospect were his inconsistent vision and tempo as a between-the-tackles runner, both of which were evident throughout his rookie season. When you have game-breaking speed, though, all you need is an opening (or backdoor escape) to create an explosive play, and Henderson led the NFL with four carries of 50-plus yards.

He also finished with 8.9 percent explosives (percentage of his carries that gained 12-plus yards), seventh best in the league and ahead of James Cook (8.7), Jahmyr Gibbs (8.6) and Bijan Robinson (8.4).

Runner-up: Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

As Jeanty averaged only 3.7 yards per carry, most will see his rookie season as a disappointment, at least relative to where he was drafted. He was stuck on a bad offense, which limited his output — and should put the career obituaries on hold.

Despite the difficult situation, Jeanty led all rookies with 975 rushing yards and 1,321 scrimmage yards, the latter of which broke Josh Jacobs’ franchise rookie record. Almost 84 percent of his rushing yards came after contact, and he was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 54.1 percent of his attempts.

Jeanty’s receiving skill was an underrated aspect of his college evaluation, but he impressed with his ability during his rookie season. He finished with three catches of 20-plus yards and five touchdown grabs (only Travis Etienne and Christian McCaffrey had more TD catches among NFL backs).

Honorable Mentions: Quinshon Judkins, Browns; Kyle Monangai, Bears; Omarion Hampton, Chargers; Woody Marks, Texans; Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders; RJ Harvey, Broncos; Cam Skattebo, Giants; Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars; Ollie Gordon, Dolphins; Devin Neal, Saints; Brashard Smith, Chiefs

Wide Receiver

Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers; Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Remember the silly rumors during draft week that McMillan was expected to fall in the first round? They didn’t make sense then, and they especially do not in hindsight. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales identified McMillan as the type of weapon Carolina needed to help its quarterback and boost its offense, and they were right. The Panthers wouldn’t have won the NFC South without McMillan’s impact.

With a Panthers rookie record 1,014 receiving yards on 70 catches, McMillan was the only NFL rookie pass catcher to eclipse the 1,000-yard plateau. He also led all first-year players in receiving touchdowns (seven) and receiving first downs (55), with 78.6 percent of his catches resulting in a first down or touchdown.

It wasn’t perfect; you’d like to see him cut down on the drops and improve his success rate in traffic. Not only is he deserving of Offensive Rookie of the Year, but McMillan also looks like he could soon become a top-10 receiver in the league.

Tet McMillan has ridiculously strong hands

CARvsGB on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/AX7GSSZF2z

— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2025

Egbuka (and the Tampa offense overall) had an alarming cold spell during the second half of the season. Over the final eight games, Egbuka didn’t record a touchdown and had only one receiving performance of more than 50 yards.

But that doesn’t erase what he did over the season’s first half. Despite his uninspiring finish, Egbuka delivered a respectable rookie campaign: 63 receptions for 938 yards and six TDs. He led all first-year players with 20 catches of 20-plus yards, tied with Amon-Ra St. Brown for fifth most in the league.

Runners-up: Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans; Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears

Just three rookie receivers finished with at least six touchdown catches: McMillan, Egbuka and Higgins. The Texans’ second-rounder also finished fourth among first-year receivers with 525 receiving yards and developed promising chemistry with QB C.J. Stroud over the back half of the season.

Similarly, Burden became a more impactful part of the Bears’ offense late in the year. He finished with 47 catches for 652 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and he led all rookie receivers in yards after contact (342). Burden posted an impressive 45 percent first-down-per-target rate (only McMillan was slightly better among rookies, at 45.1 percent).

Honorable Mentions: Chimere Dike, Titans; Isaac TeSlaa, Lions; Jaylin Noel, Texans; Matthew Golden, Packers; Travis Hunter, Jaguars; Tez Johnson, Buccaneers; Elic Ayomanor, Titans; Pat Bryant, Broncos; Tre Harris, Chargers; Isaiah Bond, Browns; Tory Horton, Seahawks; Kyle Williams, Patriots; Konata Mumpfield, Rams; Jack Bech, Raiders

Tight End

Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts; Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns

This was an extremely competitive position, with a handful of deserving candidates. But it is hard to dispute the numbers and impact of Warren and Fannin. They ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among rookie tight ends in catches (Warren with 76, Fannin with 72), receiving yards (Warren with 817, Fannin with 731) and receptions of 10-plus yards (Warren with 33, Fannin with 30).

Both were also monsters with the ball in their hands. Just two NFL tight ends had more than 15 forced missed tackles in 2025: Trey McBride (24) and Fannin (22). Warren, meanwhile, finished No. 2 among NFL tight ends in yards after catch (487), behind only McBride (577).

Runners-up: Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears; Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers

If the Bears had a do-over in the 2025 NFL Draft, I’d bet they would still take Loveland at No. 10. Despite seeing fewer receiving snaps, he tied with Fannin for the most TD catches by a rookie tight end (six) and registered just one drop on 81 targets. Known more for his athletic traits, Loveland was particularly impressive in tight windows, which is encouraging because that wasn’t a strength of his last season at Michigan.

Gadsden lacked consistency but had some impressive highs in his first NFL season. He ranked fourth among all NFL tight ends, and tops among rookie TEs, with 11 catches of 20-plus yards.

Honorable Mentions: Gunnar Helm, Titans; Mason Taylor, Jets; Mitchell Evans, Panthers; Jackson Hawes, Bills; Terrance Ferguson, Rams; Elijah Arroyo, Seahawks

Offensive Tackle

Armand Membou, New York Jets; Kelvin Banks, New Orleans Saints

The Jets had a bleak 2025 season, but their offensive line — the weak point on the roster not too long ago — showed tremendous promise. Membou’s second-half tape wasn’t perfect (Atlanta gave him plenty of trouble), but it was a reminder of why he was a top-10 pick. His ability to find his balance and get the upper hand or recover from a compromised position was impressive for a first-year player.

Banks was rock solid all year, and he was on pace to lead all rookies in snaps before suffering a Week 18 ankle injury. Some of his pre-draft concerns are still there, but Banks looks like the Saints’ long-term answer at left tackle.

Runners-up: Will Campbell, New England Patriots; Ozzy Trapilo, Chicago Bears

If Campbell hadn’t missed a month because of injury, he likely would have been a shoo-in for All-Rookie honors. He returned in Week 18 and was one of the best players on the field.

Trapilo has been banged up, as well, but he stepped in at left tackle over the final two months of the season and held his own. (His Packers tape was outstanding.)

Honorable Mentions: Josh Simmons, Chiefs; Aireontae Ersery, Texans; Josh Conerly Jr., Commanders; Marcus Mbow, Giants; Jalen Travis, Colts; Esa Pole, Chiefs

Interior offensive line

Tyler Booker, Dallas Cowboys; Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks

Some considered it a reach when Dallas drafted Booker at No. 12, but there is value in knowing exactly what you’re getting in a prospect. And Booker didn’t disappoint in 2025 — his play strength and bully mentality translated well to the pro level.

Zabel hasn’t been as consistent, especially in the run game. His addition helped stabilize things for the Seahawks’ offensive line, and he rarely came off the field. I was already leaning toward placing Zabel here before Seattle’s final regular-season game, and his Week 18 performance against the 49ers was the best of his young career.

Runners-up: Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions; Dylan Fairchild, Cincinnati Bengals

A year ago, Ratledge and Fairchild were starting guards at Georgia. Now, they look like promising building blocks for the Lions and Bengals, respectively.

Ratledge led all offensive rookies in snaps played during the regular season and was one of the NFL’s more consistent run blockers.

Fairchild had a few more ups and downs, but he graded out as an above-average player, especially for a mid-third-round pick. The Bengals should feel confident about their left guard moving forward, which they certainly couldn’t say last year.

Honorable Mentions: Donovan Jackson, Vikings; Jared Wilson, Patriots; Anthony Belton, Packers; Jonah Savaiinaea, Dolphins; Caleb Rogers; Raiders; Connor Colby, 49ers

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Edge rusher

Abdul Carter, New York Giants; James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Despite a few speed bumps (on and off the field), Carter looked like a top-five pick down the stretch. His 66 pressures led all rookies and tied with George Karlaftis for 11th most in the league.

The Athletic’s Austin Mock does a great job compiling “splash” plays for defenders (sacks, pressures, tackles for loss, third-/fourth-down stops, etc. — basically, all the negative plays for an offense). Carter led all rookies during the regular season with 82 “splash plays,” 13 more than Pearce, who ranked No. 2 among rookies.

However, Pearce was the clear rookie leader in sacks (10.5) and was one of just 15 players to reach double-digit sacks in 2025.

Runners-up: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas Cowboys; Jalon Walker, Atlanta Falcons

Ezeiruaku managed only two sacks, but his 36 pressures ranked third among rookies (behind Carter and Pearce). He also led rookie edge rushers with seven non-sack tackles for loss and added a forced fumble.

Walker, the higher-drafted of the Falcons’ two first-round edge rushers, produced a splash play on 9.5 percent of his snaps (fourth highest among all rookies) and finished second among rookies with 5.5 sacks. He was also the most consistent run defender of the first-year edge group.

Honorable Mentions: Nic Scourton, Panthers; Mike Green, Ravens; Josaiah Stewart, Rams; Jack Sawyer, Steelers; Ashton Gillotte, Chiefs; Elijah Ponder, Patriots; Mykel Williams, 49ers

Interior defensive line

Mason Graham, Cleveland Browns; Deone Walker, Buffalo Bills

Graham led all rookie interior linemen in defensive snaps (by 211!) and, predictably, finished tops among defensive tackles in pressures (36), money-down stops (six) and splash plays (57). He also posted seven tackles for loss, the same number as Carter.

Walker, with eight, was the only defensive tackle to notch more TFLs. The 330-pounder also led all rookies with six run stuffs (run stops for no gain) and used his nearly 6-foot-8-inch frame to lead interior linemen with four batted passes at the line.

Runners-up: Kenneth Grant, Miami Dolphins; Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh Steelers

It was a slow start for Grant, the second defensive tackle selected in 2025 (after Graham, his former Michigan teammate). You could see him grow more comfortable in Miami’s scheme over the final month of the season. Grant finished second among rookie interior linemen in pressures (29), second in splash plays (39) and fourth in sacks (two).

Harmon played in only 12 games, but you could feel his presence when studying the Steelers’ front seven. His pressure rates back that up.

Honorable Mentions: Elijah Roberts; Buccaneers; Jamaree Caldwell, Chargers; Walter Nolen, Cardinals; Tyleik Williams, Lions; Jordan Phillips, Dolphins; Tonka Hemingway, Raiders; Yahya Black, Steelers; Darius Alexander, Giants; CJ West, 49ers

Linebacker

Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns

Over the last decade, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award has almost exclusively been given to a pass rusher or cornerback. This year, the honor should belong to an off-ball linebacker. Schwesinger finished his rookie season sixth in the NFL with 156 tackles, despite playing through multiple injuries (he finally landed on injured reserve before the regular-season finale).

He was the only NFL player this season with 150-plus tackles, 11-plus tackles for loss and two or more interceptions, and he was the first since Roquan Smith in 2022 to hit all those milestones in the same season.

Runner-up: Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles

Despite taking a backseat to Nakobe Dean when he was healthy, Campbell played an important role for the Eagles’ defense. He didn’t deliver a ton of splash plays, but aside from Schwesinger, he was the most consistent rookie linebacker at stopping the run, rushing the quarterback and dropping into coverage. The Eagles hit another home run in the first round, securing an ascending player.

Honorable Mentions: Demetrius Knight Jr., Bengals; Barrett Carter, Bengals; Teddye Buchanan, Ravens; Shaun Dolac, Rams; Cody Simon, Cardinals; Shemar James, Cowboys; Danny Stutsman, Saints; Francisco Mauigoa, Jets; Carson Bruener, Steelers; Cooper McDonald, Chiefs; Marlowe Wax, Chargers

Cornerback

Denzel Burke, Arizona Cardinals; Quincy Riley, New Orleans Saints

With average size and speed, Burke wasn’t viewed as a top-100 prospect during the draft process, but he flashed high-level moments over his time at Ohio State. And he did more of the same as a rookie in Arizona, leading all first-year cornerbacks in passes defended (11) and interceptions (three). Burke needs to get better as a run defender, but it looks like the Cardinals found a starting-caliber corner in the fifth round.

Denzel Burke got his hands under it for the INT!

ATLvsAZ on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/9FGZADXEcX

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025

It was a similar story with Riley, who had good college tape but only average size and speed by NFL standards. However, his route anticipation (in man and zone) allowed him to close space in coverage and limit big plays. Riley was one of three rookie corners with double-digit passes defended, and he added an interception and a forced fumble.

Runners-up: Will Johnson, Arizona Cardinals; Nohl Williams, Kansas City Chiefs

Although he is still searching for his first NFL interception, Johnson got his hands on the football (10 passes defended in 12 games played). Johnson gave up the most touchdown receptions of any rookie corner this year, but the Cardinals must feel good about having him and Burke on their 2026 cornerback depth chart.

A subpackage player most of the season, Williams became a starter over the final month — and looked the part. Though he doesn’t have elite speed for the position, his cover awareness and physical play demeanor make up for his shortcomings.

Honorable Mentions: Maxwell Hairston, Bills; Darien Porter, Raiders; Trey Amos, Commanders; Benjamin Morrison, Buccaneers; Azareye’h Thomas, Jets; Johnathan Edwards, Colts; Shavon Revel Jr., Cowboys

Nickel

Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks; Jacob Parrish, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With his tape and traits, Emmanwori was the best safety in the draft, so it was surprising (not just in hindsight) that he fell to the second round. Were it not for Schwesinger’s Pro Bowl-level season, the South Carolina rookie probably would be the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Playing a nickel role primarily, Emmanwori tied for the rookie lead in passes defended (11) and filled up the stat sheet at every level of the field (81 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception). It was impossible to watch Seattle’s top-ranked defense without feeling Emmanwori’s versatile impact.

Another player who went lower than he should have on draft weekend, Parrish earned a key role for the Buccaneers during training camp and looked like a player who will make future Pro Bowls. There was some volatility on Parrish’s coverage tape, but the positive flashes were encouraging, including his pair of interceptions. He was also one of the best run-defending rookies among this year’s defensive back class.

Runner-up: Upton Stout, San Francisco 49ers

At 5-foot-8 1/2 inches and 181 pounds, Stout doesn’t look like much, but his play forces you to notice him. Like most rookie defensive backs, he was up and down in coverage, with too many penalties and not enough ball production (zero interceptions). His ability to drive on the football stood out, as did his toughness in run support.

I love this stat: Stout led all rookies with 12 tackles short of the first-down marker on third or fourth down.

Honorable Mentions: Marcus Harris, Titans; Jahdae Barron, Broncos; Billy Bowman Jr., Falcons; Jason Marshall Jr., Dolphins

Safety

Xavier Watts, Atlanta Falcons; Malaki Starks, Baltimore Ravens

With a combined 27 passes defended and 13 interceptions over his final two seasons at Notre Dame, Watts entered the NFL with the reputation of a ballhawk. Surprise, surprise, he led all rookies with five interceptions, second most in the NFL behind only Kevin Byard (seven). Watts also finished tied for the rookie lead in passes defended (11) and graded well as a run defender. I understand he wasn’t an elite size/speed athlete, but how Watts fell to the 96th pick remains a mystery.

Though he didn’t have as flashy a first season, Starks was an upgrade for the Ravens’ secondary. The first safety drafted, he posted a pair of interceptions and was probably the most consistent run-defending rookie safety that I studied.

Also worth pointing out: Watts and Starks were the only two rookie defenders to eclipse 1,000 snaps (not counting special-teams reps).

Runners-up: Jonas Sanker, New Orleans Saints; Craig Woodson, New England Patriots

Sanker had his share of rookie hiccups in coverage and needs to clean up his missed tackles, but he looks like a promising building block.

As the Patriots’ leader in defensive snaps, Woodson became a starter in camp and rarely left the field. Given his level of consistency, I expect his ball production to increase next year.

Honorable Mentions: Malachi Moore, Jets; Andrew Mukuba, Eagles; Marques Sigle, 49ers; Dante Trader Jr., Dolphins; Lathan Ransom, Panthers; R.J. Mickens, Chargers; Kevin Winston Jr., Titans; Keondre Jackson, Ravens; Rayuan Lane III, Jaguars

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Kicker

Tyler Loop, Baltimore Ravens

Unfortunately, most casual fans know his name because of his missed field goal in Week 18 versus the Steelers. Loop had a strong rookie season, though, with the most made field goals (30) and best field goal percentage (88.2) among all first-year kickers.

Honorable Mentions: Andres Borregales, Patriots; Ryan Fitzgerald, Panthers

Punter

Jeremy Crawshaw, Denver Broncos

The only punter drafted, Crawshaw finished second in the NFL with 32 punts inside the 20-yard line, while averaging a respectable 47.6 yards per punt.

Honorable Mention: Kai Kroeger, Saints

Returner

Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans

During the draft process, I had to defend why I put a fourth-round grade on Dike — a talented athlete who underwhelmed at Wisconsin and Florida. Turns out, I was too low on him.

Dike led the NFL with a rookie-record 2,427 all-purpose yards, which broke Tim Brown’s mark that had stood for almost 40 years. Dike finished with 1,986 return yards, including two punt return touchdowns. His 17.3-yard punt return average tied for the league lead and helped him punch a ticket to the Pro Bowl.

Honorable Mentions: Jaylin Lane, Commanders; Tory Horton, Seahawks; LaJohntay Wester, Ravens; Jaylin Noel, Texans; Myles Price, Vikings; Trevor Etienne, Panthers; Savion Williams, Packers; Ke’Shawn Williams, Steelers