Excitement for 7 rookies in 2025 rises after Week 1 performances that forced immediate rethinks.
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Why it matters now: teams are already reshuffling game plans and fantasy rosters based on these debuts.
PFF’s Week 1 grading put Tyler Warren at a 90.4 overall score, one of the weekend’s best rookie marks.
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Which rookie should you roster, root for, or sell high this week?
Why these 7 rookie debuts could reshape early 2025 storylines
- Tyler Warren caught 7 passes (76 yards) in Week 1; Colts leaned on him.
- Will Johnson graded elite vs. New Orleans; rookie cornerback coverage impact was immediate.
- Travis Hunter played both ways; limited targets but unique toolbox for Jacksonville.
- Dylan Sampson turned 8 targets into 64 receiving yards; receiving RB upside emerged.
The 7 Picks That Redefine Early Rookie Expectations
1 – Tyler Warren: 7 Catches Make Him Colts’ Day-One Weapon
Warren was the Colts’ first read on opening drive and finished with 7 catches for 76 yards, four first downs.
If you play fantasy, Warren’s snap-share and target share scream short-term upside.
Coach Shane Steichen scripted him into key plays.
If you needed a TE to roster this week, consider him.
2 – Will Johnson: Rookie Corner That Turned Week 1 Into A Statement
Johnson earned one of Week 1’s top coverage grades, shutting down routes and forcing incompletions.
Scouts expected talent; Week 1 delivered proven coverage wins and immediate matchup value.
If your team faces the Cardinals soon, plan for fewer easy completions.
3 – Carson Schwesinger: Wire-To-Wire Impact At Linebacker For Cleveland
Schwesinger made run stops and coverage plays, grading among Week 1’s best rookie linebackers.
The Browns leaned on his instincts; this boosts his playing-time floor.
Big-play instincts showed early.
4 – Tetairoa McMillan: Volume Receiver Who Ate Targets In His Debut
McMillan led his team in targets with five catches for 68 yards and four first downs, flashing separation.
He’s a vertical threat who already forced defensive adjustments; buy into the quick-route upside.
If you liked outside receivers who get instant work, this is familiar structure.
5 – Travis Hunter: Quiet Box-Score, Massive Scheme Weapon
Hunter’s first game focused on motion and short routes, plus six defensive snaps; the role is deliberately cautious.
The Jaguars used him in creative ways – think matchup flexibility, not just raw stats.
Usage matters more than yards.
6 – Dylan Sampson: Receiving RB Suddenly In Play For Flex Spots
Sampson turned 8 targets into 64 yards and led running-back receiving grades for Week 1.
That receiving floor creates immediate fantasy appeal versus teams that target backs heavily.
If you need a high-floor RB, Sampson is worth watching.
7 – Abdul Carter: Edge Pressure Converted Into Early Production
Carter recorded a sack in his debut and showed a pass-rush win rate teams covet from Day 1.
Rookies who set pressure early force game-planning changes; Carter already did that.
Pressure = playing time increases.
The key figures that explain why these rookies matter now
| Metric | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rookies Reviewed | 7 Picks | Week 1 breakout group |
| Top PFF Grade | 90.4 | Highest rookie grade (Tyler Warren) |
| Most Targets | 8 Targets | Dylan Sampson receiving workload |
These seven debuts hint at who could shape the 2025 Rookie of the Year race.
How Will These Week 1 Debuts Change Fantasy And Team Plans In 2025?
Expect immediate lineup shifts: Tyler Warren and receiving backs now affect Week 2 starts.
Teams facing these rookies will game-plan differently; expect more creative looks against them.
Which rookie are you betting grows into a season-long impact – and who should you trade away?
Sources
- https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-15-rookies-week-1-2025
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46226198/nfl-indianapolis-colts-tyler-warren-first-round
- https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/jacksonville-travis-hunter-lequint-allen-bhayshul-tuten-carolina-panthers
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.