I may try and do this throughout the season as long as there is interest.
As the season goes on this could be an interesting way to track some rookies that we followed from college and through the draft.
I will try and find some solid sources to keep it accurate as possible ( just doing this on a whim for now)
For now this may have some inaccuracies and be a bit messy
(Starting it by phone while traveling and have a bit of time)
It will include some other notable info at times that isn’t solely rookies
Like 2nd and 3rd year players possibly breaking out or whatever it may be that makes them newsworty
It will certainly contain some hyperbole take it for what it’s worth.
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Here’s a roundup of standout NFL rookie performances during the 2025 preseason (as of mid-August 2025):
Preseason Highlights: Rookie Standouts
Quarterbacks
Other Positions & Roles
Here’s a look at some of the most notable “disappointments” from the 2025 NFL preseason, focusing mainly on rookies and other notable
Players
1.
Cam Ward (QB, Titans – 2nd Pick)
Despite early optimism, Ward’s Week 2 showing was problematic—completing just 2-of-7 passes for 42 yards, with the first-team offense generating only 55 net yards and one first down during his time on the field. Fan reactions are split, and some accountability is being placed on performance rather than schedule or missing teammates.
2.
Chiefs’ Defensive Rookies (Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Jeffrey Bassa, Nohl Williams)
Kansas City’s defense was pummeled—especially by Seattle’s backfield—leading to concerns about their depth on the defensive line. The struggling rookies were particularly exposed; Williams even exited early due to a concussion.
3.
Bilhal Kone (CB, Ravens – 6th Round)
A devastating knee injury in his preseason appearance ended Kone’s rookie year prematurely. He tore both his ACL and MCL and will miss the entire 2025 season.
4.
Ashton Jeanty (RB, Raiders – 6th Overall)
Jeanty’s debut couldn’t have gone worse—-1 yard on three carries against the Seahawks. While offensive line issues were partially blamed, the result was still underwhelming for the highly drafted back.
5.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB, Packers, UDFA)
A true preseason flop—he missed four tackles in only 25 snaps, earning the lowest PFF grade among all linebackers that week.
6.
Kaleb Johnson (RB, Steelers – 3rd Round)
Considered one of the key offensive additions for Pittsburgh, Johnson’s preseason didn’t impress: just 20 yards on eight carries (2.5 YPC). Analysts urge patience, but concerns remain about his lack of explosiveness and pass protection.
7.
Carolina Panthers Rookie Class
Once a promising group in camp, the rookies fell flat in their opener—marking the debut as “underwhelming.” While there were flashes (like McMillan’s catch or Scourton’s sack), miscues and lack of consistency held them back.
8.
Eagles’ Performance Recap: Darius Cooper Shines, While Others Lag
In the Eagles–Bengals game, cornerbacks Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson were notable disappointments, with Ringo missing a critical tackle. The edge rushers also failed to generate pressure, dampening expectations
As the season goes on this could be an interesting way to track some rookies that we followed from college and through the draft.
I will try and find some solid sources to keep it accurate as possible ( just doing this on a whim for now)
For now this may have some inaccuracies and be a bit messy
(Starting it by phone while traveling and have a bit of time)
It will include some other notable info at times that isn’t solely rookies
Like 2nd and 3rd year players possibly breaking out or whatever it may be that makes them newsworty
It will certainly contain some hyperbole take it for what it’s worth.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Here’s a roundup of standout NFL rookie performances during the 2025 preseason (as of mid-August 2025):
Preseason Highlights: Rookie Standouts
Quarterbacks
- Shedeur Sanders (Browns, 5th round) – In his debut, completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and 2 TDs, no interceptions. His strong outing has notably improved his Fantasy ADP (down 13 spots to QB26).
- Jaxson Dart (Giants, 1st round) – Threw for 154 yards and a TD, orchestrating three scoring drives.
- Cam Ward (Titans, top pick) – Preseason Week 1 grade of A−, displayed good pocket presence and accuracy. ( below will be a counterpoint )
- Cam Miller (Raiders, 6th round) – Completed 6 of 7 passes for 76 yards, led a fourth-quarter comeback for a tie; ranked 8th in QB efficiency in Week 1, alongside elite names like Joe Burrow.
- Tyler Shough (Saints, 2nd round) – Threw a 54-yard touchdown, finishing with 165 yards (15/22); outshined veteran Spencer Rattler in the same game.
Other Positions & Roles
- Jihaad Campbell (Eagles, LB) – Earned a solid B for his preseason debut.
- Drew Kendall (Eagles, C) – Received an A for playing consistently through major snaps.
- Darius Cooper (Eagles, WR, UDF) – Delivered an A+, impressing with route running and scoring a touchdown.
- Connor Colby (49ers, 7th-round OG) – Posted the highest PFF grade among 49ers offensive players in preseason; strong in pass protection and stepping up amid injuries.
- Shilo Sanders (Buccaneers, UDF) – Strong debut with 37 defensive snaps: no receptions allowed, a tackle, and a QB hit.
- Abdul Carter (Giants, EDGE) – Earned an A+ from CBS following an explosive debut: three pressures on three snaps.
- Tyler Warren (Colts, TE, 1st round) – Graded A in Week 1, showing strong hands and effective blocking, including a 23-yard catch.
- Eric Rogers (UDFA, Chargers, CB) – Intercepted two passes on Sunday, including a 43-yard pick-six vs. the Saints’ Tyler Shough.
- Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts (Falcons, various rounds) – In Week 2, Pearce Jr. logged 3 QB pressures and 4 tackles; Watts had a pair of tackles. Both earned significant run as rookie safeties.
- Cam Little (Jaguars, Kicker) – Set an NFL record with a 70-yard field goal during a 2025 preseason game.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable “disappointments” from the 2025 NFL preseason, focusing mainly on rookies and other notable
Players
1.
Cam Ward (QB, Titans – 2nd Pick)
Despite early optimism, Ward’s Week 2 showing was problematic—completing just 2-of-7 passes for 42 yards, with the first-team offense generating only 55 net yards and one first down during his time on the field. Fan reactions are split, and some accountability is being placed on performance rather than schedule or missing teammates.
2.
Chiefs’ Defensive Rookies (Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Jeffrey Bassa, Nohl Williams)
Kansas City’s defense was pummeled—especially by Seattle’s backfield—leading to concerns about their depth on the defensive line. The struggling rookies were particularly exposed; Williams even exited early due to a concussion.
3.
Bilhal Kone (CB, Ravens – 6th Round)
A devastating knee injury in his preseason appearance ended Kone’s rookie year prematurely. He tore both his ACL and MCL and will miss the entire 2025 season.
4.
Ashton Jeanty (RB, Raiders – 6th Overall)
Jeanty’s debut couldn’t have gone worse—-1 yard on three carries against the Seahawks. While offensive line issues were partially blamed, the result was still underwhelming for the highly drafted back.
5.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB, Packers, UDFA)
A true preseason flop—he missed four tackles in only 25 snaps, earning the lowest PFF grade among all linebackers that week.
6.
Kaleb Johnson (RB, Steelers – 3rd Round)
Considered one of the key offensive additions for Pittsburgh, Johnson’s preseason didn’t impress: just 20 yards on eight carries (2.5 YPC). Analysts urge patience, but concerns remain about his lack of explosiveness and pass protection.
7.
Carolina Panthers Rookie Class
Once a promising group in camp, the rookies fell flat in their opener—marking the debut as “underwhelming.” While there were flashes (like McMillan’s catch or Scourton’s sack), miscues and lack of consistency held them back.
8.
Eagles’ Performance Recap: Darius Cooper Shines, While Others Lag
In the Eagles–Bengals game, cornerbacks Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson were notable disappointments, with Ringo missing a critical tackle. The edge rushers also failed to generate pressure, dampening expectations
