Rookie standouts lead Week 1 preseason

PFF graded every play in Week 1 of the 2025 preseason, highlighting top rookie performances.

Undrafted rookies steal the show in Week 1 preseason

The Week 1 preseason report spotlights a cohort of undrafted players who pierced the surface with strong showings. Chargers cornerback Eric Rogers led with a 96.6 overall grade, adding two interceptions and a 43 yard return for a pick-six, while also providing solid run defense and coverage. Guards Joe Huber of the Vikings (94.7) and Willie Lampkin of the Rams (94.1) stood out for their run blocking, with Lampkin flashing gap scheme power. Safety R. J. Mickens of the Chargers (93.0) and Kitan Crawford of the Cardinals (92.5) added ball skills with interceptions and tight coverage. Linebackers Nick Jackson of the Buccaneers and Chandler Martin of the Ravens delivered multi dimensional contributions in run defense and coverage, and other young players like Jay Higgins and Trayvon Ivey contributed in various roles. The narrative for Week 1 centers on undrafted rookies seizing opportunities and showing they can handle multiple duties across schemes, from zone and man coverage to run support and blocking.

Early results underline a clear thread: preparation and scheme fit can elevate players who entered the draft without a label. The focus on run blocking, gap blocking, and coverage suggests teams are testing matchups and versatility, not just raw athleticism. While the data points are impressive, the sample size remains small, and analysts should watch how these players adapt to faster, more complex competition in coming weeks. If these performances hold, rosters battles could tilt in unexpected directions, forcing coaches to weigh potential vs pedigree in a high stakes but high uncertainty phase.

Highlights

The tape will keep writing the story as the weeks of preseason unfold.