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Surprise and excitement greeted Top 7 rookies this week after a volatile four-game stretch. Week 4 produced a rare rookie explosion – 737 combined rookie rushing yards and multiple breakout receiving performances – that matters for depth charts and fantasy rosters right away. Sources including ESPN and NBC Sports flagged Emeka Egbuka as Offensive Rookie of the Month and singled out several Week 4 monster games. If you play fantasy or follow team depth, which rookies do you bench, stash, or start next week?
Why these 7 rookie surges after week 4 matter for your lineups
- Emeka Egbuka named Offensive Rookie of the Month for September; impact: top rookie receiving usage.
- Rookies combined for 737 rushing yards in Week 4; impact: sudden backfield upheaval.
- Ashton Jeanty rushed for 138 yards and broke out as a lead back in Week 4.
- Omarion Hampton delivered a 100+ yard game and a long touchdown, boosting Chargers depth.
- Xavier Watts earned defensive rookie honors in September; impact: immediate role on defense.
The 7 rookies reshaping the early 2025 NFL story after week 4
1 – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rookie Of The Month Momentum
Emeka Egbuka leads all rookies with 282 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns through early October, and the NFL named him Offensive Rookie of the Month. He’s gone from luxury pick to clear top target in Tampa Bay’s passing game, and you’ll want to know whether to upgrade him in shallow leagues. Short read: Egbuka is a must-monitor this week.
Emeka Egbuka is the offensive rookie of the month for September. https://t.co/mUhtAhJcJX
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 2, 2025
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2 – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders: The Late-Week Breakout That Matters
Ashton Jeanty exploded in Week 4 with 138 rushing yards and a long TD, turning 21 touches into an every-down audition. If you need a running back that can handle volume, Jeanty’s performance forces coaches and fantasy managers to take him seriously now. Quick note: Jeanty’s role was inconsistent earlier – will they stick with him?
3 – Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Big-Play Workhorse Warning
Omarion Hampton turned 17 touches into 165 yards and a touchdown in a recent game, showing both burst and receiving chops. Hampton’s efficiency makes him a compelling handcuff-or-start option if injuries or game plans push him into more snaps. If you roster Chargers backs, consider rostering Hampton this week.
4 – Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns: Defensive Rookie Who Sustains Impact
Carson Schwesinger has earned a starting job and is making a league-leading tackle share for a rookie linebacker, helping a Browns defense that’s already improved. He’s a tackle-machine for IDP managers and a real find for Cleveland’s long-term unit stability. Short scan: Schwesinger is more than a flash.
5 – Grey Zabel, G, Seattle Seahawks: Protector Who’s Quietly Dominating
Rookie guard Grey Zabel has allowed almost no pressures through four games and is affecting pass protection metrics in Seattle’s scheme. Offensive linemen rarely get headlines, but Zabel’s pass-blocking efficiency is a sleeper reason to trust Seattle’s run-pass balance. If you follow line upgrades, he’s one to watch.
6 – Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons: Defensive Rookie Of The Month Signals Role
Xavier Watts earned defensive rookie recognition for September after steady tackling and playmaking, and Atlanta is already trusting him in key packages. That trust usually translates into more snaps and highlight plays – useful for IDP and for understanding Falcons coverage changes. Short read: Watts is a starter preview.
7 – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers: Big-Play Talent With Upside
Tetairoa McMillan has flashed contested-catch ability and game-design plays; coaches are using him on high-leverage routes despite some efficiency issues. If you like upside targets who can flip games with one play, McMillan fits that profile. Quick check: he’s boom-or-bust, but the boom is real.
The key numbers from week 4 that prove rookie momentum in 2025
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rookie rush yards (Week 4) | 737 yards | Most rookie rush yards in September since 1970 |
| Emeka Egbuka receiving yards (through Sep) | 282 yards | Leads rookie receivers; high target share |
| Ashton Jeanty single-game rush | 138 yards | Instant workhorse candidate after Week 4 |
Rookie production spiked in week 4, forcing quick roster re-evaluations.
What will these rookie breakouts mean for fantasy rosters in 2025?
These seven performances aren’t just highlights; they change depth charts, rookie grades, and fantasy decisions for October. If you hold a midseason trade chip or have a thin bench, which of these rookies will you start – and who should you sell high?
Sources
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46443618/2025-nfl-quarter-season-awards-ranking-mvp-rookies-coaches-candidates
- https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/emeka-egbuka-is-the-offensive-rookie-of-the-month-for-september
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46365548/nfl-week-4-highlights-best-plays-moments-touchdowns
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.