Top 10 NFL Rookies to Watch in the 2025 Preseason

We got a taste of the 2025 NFL season with the Hall of Fame Game, but that was just the appetizer. A full menu of preseason action kicks off this week, starting with three games on Thursday.

Part of the fun of the preseason is getting a look at the rookie class. Who’s ready to make an immediate impact? Who needs more seasoning through the rest of training camp?

Here are 10 rookies to watch this preseason:

1. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

Giants fans, the preseason might be your only chance to see your first-round pick on the field this year. It certainly looks like head coach Brian Daboll plans to roll with 36-year-old Russell Wilson as the starter and let Dart develop behind him. The No. 25 overall pick will get his first taste of action Saturday in Buffalo against the Bills. Daboll has praised the rookie’s progress in camp.

2. Tahj Brooks, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Brooks is positioned to challenge Samaje Perine for the backup role behind Chase Brown — and maybe even earn goal-line touches. The sixth-round pick from Texas Tech is showing off a more complete skillset than he did in college. His pro debut is Thursday against the Super Bowl champion Eagles in Philadelphia.

3. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

The biggest question in Jaguars camp has been how new head coach Liam Coen will deploy Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner and two-way star from Colorado. After trading up to draft him at No. 2 overall, Jacksonville has kept their plans close to the vest. We might get our first glimpse of Hunter’s role Saturday when the Jaguars host the Steelers.

4. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seattle Seahawks

The 6-foot-4 Arroyo hauled in 35 passes for 590 yards and seven touchdowns last year at Miami, earning a second-round selection (No. 50 overall) by Seattle. Can he beat out AJ Barner for the starting role? It may come down to whether the Seahawks want a gritty blocker or a more dynamic playmaker. We’ll get a look Thursday when Seattle hosts the Raiders.

5. Josh Simmons, OT, Kansas City Chiefs

Health concerns dropped Simmons to the end of the first round, where Kansas City nabbed the Ohio State product at No. 32. There’s a ton of buzz around Simmons as he prepares to help protect Patrick Mahomes. His first test comes Aug. 9 when the Chiefs take on the Cardinals in Arizona.

6. Tate Ratledge, OL, Detroit Lions

Where Ratledge lines up Friday against the Falcons could be telling. The second-rounder has worked at both guard and center during practice. Head coach Dan Campbell is expected to finalize his decision on the rookie’s position just ahead of kickoff.

7. James Pearce Jr., DE, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta’s first-round pick has made life difficult for offensive linemen in camp. The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce ran a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the combine — the fastest time among defensive linemen. He’ll be a challenge for the Lions in Friday’s matchup.

8/9. Jihaad Campbell and Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Philadelphia Eagles

What’s better than one standout rookie linebacker? Two. Both Campbell and Mondon have earned first-team reps in Vic Fangio’s defense. Campbell, the No. 31 overall pick, played at Alabama. Mondon, a fifth-rounder, comes from Georgia. Expect to see them both Thursday against Cincinnati.

10. Justin Walley, CB, Indianapolis Colts

Walley has earned praise from Colts head coach Shane Steichen for his intelligence, and it’s paid off with first-team reps both outside and in the slot. The third-round pick out of Minnesota could end up starting sooner than expected. He’ll debut Thursday when the Colts visit the Ravens.