The 2025 NFL Preseason kicked off last weekend, and fans were treated to a glimpse of the future. Rookies were given time to shine, and while some took time to get their feet wet, others turned heads immediately.
Some would say it’s too early to get excited about rookies, but this is the perfect time to do so. Whether it’s from reports over the summer or performances last weekend, some of these players killed it. Which rookies are going to be a problem for opponents in 2025?
The New England Patriots selected Ohio State star TreVeyon Henderson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He and Quinshon Judkins were a strong one-two punch at OSU in their National Championship run.
Henderson wasn’t given much to work with in the preseason opener, but he made the most of it. He only had one proper rushing attempt, but it was an 18-yard gain for New England.
Henderson’s highlight moment was his very first touch of the game. He was sent out on special teams and returned a kick 100 yards to the house for a touchdown.
The Patriots are on a terrific track with a talented young roster and a wildly underrated head coach in Mike Vrabel. This team could be the most improved in 2025, and Henderson will play a huge role in it. Drake Maye has a lethal running back behind him, and they’re about to light up the league.
Kaleb Johnson was taken in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brought in as a replacement for Najee Harris, the 21-year-old Iowa product has been praised by head coach Mike Tomlin in training camp.
Standing at 6’1” and 224 pounds, Johnson has seen comparisons to Derrick Henry throughout his draft process. He’s a big, physical back who could be the Steelers’ next superstar.
Johnson had a fairly quiet game in his debut, but after a quick stiff-arm to Heisman-winning rookie Travis Hunter, he quickly caught everyone’s attention.
Najee Harris is talented, but he was never going to reach the next level with Pittsburgh. Johnson seems to have that grit the Steelers are known for, and he’ll quickly become a hit in Pittsburgh. Could he truly be the heir-apparent to King Henry?
The biggest topic of the 2025 NFL Draft was the fall of Shedeur Sanders. After being passed over by every team multiple times, the Colorado product was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. The controversy surrounding Shedeur was beyond messy, but he handled it with grace.
Sanders took the fall as motivation and went to work. He’s been put into uncharted waters, fighting for a roster spot with multiple quarterbacks, including 94th overall pick Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders started his first NFL preseason game last weekend, and he showed out. The 23-year-old went 14/23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Not only did he earn a roster spot in one game, but he might’ve climbed the ranks as well. It’s easy to say “it’s just preseason”, but if he had played poorly that wouldn’t be the perception.
While Shedeur likely won’t be the starter in week one, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him start this season. He’s arguably the most purely talented QB on the roster, but his lack of experience holds him back. He’s facing much less pressure than Browns QBs of the past, and he’ll run with the ball once he’s given it.
The rest of the 2025 NFL Preseason will be extremely telling as to where these rookies stand. The talent is certainly there for all three of them, but they need to thrive in their new homes.
TreVeyon Henderson and Kaleb Johnson are in great situations, and Shedeur could finally be the QB Cleveland has been searching for. Cam Ward and Travis Hunter are the big names from this year’s Draft class, but these three have the talent to outshine them.
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