The 2025 NFL season reached a thrilling point in Week 7, showcasing impressive performances from several rookies. Among them, Mason Graham of the Cleveland Browns emerged as a key player, achieving a career-high 79.0 overall PFF grade in a standout performance against the Miami Dolphins.
As the season progresses, it becomes evident that rookie talent is making a significant impact on their teams. This week’s Rookie Team of the Week highlights the best performers who met the criteria of at least ten snaps played.
Key Performances from Week 7
Quarterback Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans had a mixed outing in his first start under interim head coach Mike McCoy. He completed 25 of 35 passes for 255 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception, while also losing a crucial fumble that contributed to a Patriots touchdown. Despite the challenges, Ward recorded a 71.4% completion percentage, marking a personal best.
In the running back position, Quinshon Judkins of the Cleveland Browns played a pivotal role in their victory over the Dolphins. Judkins carried the ball 26 times for 90 yards and three touchdowns, all while forcing a career-high six missed tackles, showcasing his resilience in difficult weather conditions.
Wide receiver Chimere Dike also made headlines this week, with a remarkable performance for the Titans. Dike caught all four of his targets for 70 yards and his first NFL touchdown, a significant achievement considering he had previously struggled to achieve a single-game PFF grade over 60.
Meanwhile, another standout wide receiver, Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars, celebrated his first career 100-yard receiving game. He caught eight of 12 targets for 101 yards and recorded his first NFL touchdown, despite the team’s loss to the Rams overseas.
Defensive Highlights and Offensive Linemen
Defensive standout Mason Graham not only excelled in run defense against the Dolphins but also recorded two tackles for loss, marking him as a force to be reckoned with on the field. His average depth of tackle was an impressive 1.5 yards behind the line of scrimmage, further emphasizing his dominance.
On the offensive line, Kelvin Banks Jr. of the New Orleans Saints was recognized for his strong performance against the Chicago Bears, achieving grades over 70.0 in both pass and run blocking. He allowed just two pressures on 39 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing his growing prowess in the league.
The New York Jets’ Armand Membou also continued to show promise, allowing only three pressures on 46 snaps against the Panthers, despite the team’s ongoing struggles.
Defensively, Jihaad Campbell of the Philadelphia Eagles made his mark as a top rookie linebacker with a solid showing against the Vikings. His performance included a high run-defense grade, reinforcing his case for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
As the NFL season continues, these rookies are not only establishing themselves as valuable players but also shaping the future of their respective teams. The standout performances from Week 7 highlight the potential of young talent in the league, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.
