The 2025 NFL season kicked off with a display of talent from new recruits, as several rookies made significant impacts in their first games. Players were evaluated based on their performances, with eligibility requiring a minimum of 25 snaps. The following are the top performers from Week 1, ranked by their Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grades.
Notable Performances by Rookies
Tyler Warren, a tight end for the Indianapolis Colts, emerged as a standout with a PFF grade of **90.4**. Warren caught seven of his nine targets for **76 yards**, including four receptions that resulted in first downs during his matchup against the Miami Dolphins. His critical plays included a **21-yard contested catch** to initiate a scoring opportunity and a **15-yard gain** on a third down that kept the drive alive. Warren averaged **5.3 yards** after the catch and recorded a **101.9 passer rating** when targeted.
Following closely was **Will Johnson**, a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, who earned a PFF grade of **90.2**. Johnson was the most targeted rookie cornerback, facing seven attempts, but he successfully limited receivers to just four catches for **32 yards**. His performance included three forced incompletions, making him the only rookie cornerback to achieve this feat in Week 1.
Another impressive debut came from **Carson Schwesinger**, a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, who received a PFF grade of **90.0**. Schwesinger showcased his abilities across various defensive plays, recording six tackles and making a significant stop against running back Chase Brown, resulting in a five-yard loss. His all-around performance demonstrated his potential as a crucial player for the Browns.
At offensive tackle, **Armand Membou** of the New York Jets made a notable impact with a grade of **89.1**. The seventh overall pick displayed exceptional run-blocking skills, achieving a **90.3** grade in this area, the second-best among tackles. He was effective in pass protection, allowing no pressures during his 25 snaps, establishing himself as a formidable presence on the Jets’ offensive line.
Rookies Making Their Mark
**Shemar Stewart**, an edge rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals, continued the trend of strong rookie performances with a PFF grade of **88.9**. Stewart recorded the second-best pass-rush grade of **78.2**, achieving a **26.1% pass-rush win rate**. His contributions included three hurries across 23 pass-rush snaps, affirming his status as an impactful defender.
**Jihaad Campbell** of the Philadelphia Eagles also had an outstanding debut, earning a grade of **88.3**. Campbell led all rookie linebackers in run defense with a grade of **72.4**, highlighted by a crucial fumble forced against Miles Sanders during a pivotal moment in the game.
Another notable performance came from **Abdul Carter**, a third overall pick for the New York Giants, who recorded a sack in his first game against the Washington Commanders. Carter’s pass-rush win rate of **13.6%** ranked him highly among rookie edge defenders.
Wide receiver **Tetairoa McMillan** from the Carolina Panthers also made his presence felt, securing five catches for **68 yards** and four first downs, culminating in a PFF receiving grade of **78.9**. His ability to gain separation and convert critical third downs showcased his potential to be a reliable target.
Additionally, **Dylan Sampson**, a running back for the Cleveland Browns, highlighted his receiving skills with a PFF grade of **70.7**. He caught all eight of his targeted passes for **64 yards**, averaging **11.6 yards** after the catch and effectively contributing to the Browns’ offensive strategy.
Lastly, **Emeka Egbuka** of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shone with his dual touchdown performance. The former Ohio State star secured four catches for **67 yards**, helping his team clinch a decisive victory against the Atlanta Falcons. His ability to find the end zone twice underscored his potential as a significant offensive threat.
These rookie performances set the stage for an exciting NFL season ahead, as teams look to build on the promising talent showcased in Week 1. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these players continue to develop and contribute to their teams.
