2025 NFL Draft Alters Rookie Standouts, Team Plans

Early projections for the 2025 NFL season highlight Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty and Titans quarterback Cam Ward as leading candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year, emphasizing the importance of draft position and team fit. On defense, Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick Mike Green is being compared to Terrell Suggs for his standout pass-rushing and run defense abilities, despite prior off-field issues. Chiefs tackle Josh Simmons is expected to take a developmental 'redshirt' year to recover from injury before playing. The Cleveland Browns made headlines by drafting both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, with Sanders’ pre-draft behavior reportedly impacting his selection. The 2026 NFL Draft is projected to feature a deeper quarterback class, with Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers drawing early attention. These developments reflect evolving team strategies and shifting rookie narratives post-draft.