NFL Draft Picks from Falcons, Cardinals, Jets Lead 2025 All-Rookie Team Projections

The 2025 NFL Draft saw teams heavily focusing on bolstering their defenses, with the Buffalo Bills selecting six defensive players, including first-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who is noted for his exceptional speed but was surprisingly left off NFL.com's All-Rookie team projections. The Atlanta Falcons aimed to complement their star safety Jessie Bates III by drafting Xavier Watts, a ballhawking safety praised for his transition from wide receiver to defensive standout, earning a spot on NFL.com's All-Rookie team and generating excitement for his potential impact. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals' second-round pick, cornerback Will Johnson, is projected as a Day 1 starter and All-Rookie team member, expected to fill the void left by an injured veteran, while their first-round defensive lineman Walter Nolen may see limited playing time. On the offensive side, the New York Jets invested in strengthening their offensive line with first-round tackle Armand Membou, who impressed with his technique and athleticism and was named to NFL.com's All-Rookie team for his anticipated immediate contribution. These rookies highlight the strategic moves by NFL teams to address key positional needs and the high expectations placed on these young players to make significant impacts in their debut seasons.