The 2025 NFL Draft, held from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was a pivotal moment for teams looking to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. With 257 total picks across seven rounds, the draft introduced a new wave of rookies poised to make an immediate impact. While many first-year players will spend their initial season learning behind veterans, a select group of 2025 draftees are expected to step into starting roles right away due to their talent, team needs, and favorable depth chart situations. This 5,000-word news article examines the rookies most likely to start in the 2025 NFL season, analyzing their college performances, draft positions, team fits, and the challenges they’ll face as they transition to the professional level.
I. Introduction: The Stakes of Starting as a Rookie
The NFL is a league where opportunity meets preparation, and for rookies, the chance to start in their first year is both a privilege and a pressure cooker. The 2025 draft class, while not as star-studded as the 2024 class that produced transcendent talents like Jayden Daniels, offers depth at key positions like running back, tight end, offensive tackle, edge rusher, and defensive back. Unlike last year, where quarterbacks dominated early selections, only two quarterbacks were taken in the first round of 2025: Cam Ward (No. 1 overall, Tennessee Titans) and Jaxson Dart (No. 25, New York Giants). This shift allowed teams to address other needs, setting the stage for a diverse group of rookies to compete for starting spots.
Starting as a rookie requires more than raw talent—it demands readiness, adaptability, and the right landing spot. Some teams, like the Titans and Raiders, are rebuilding and eager to integrate young players into prominent roles. Others, like the Chiefs and Ravens, are contenders looking for immediate contributors to fill specific gaps. This article highlights 12 rookies from the 2025 draft who are expected to start in Week 1, focusing on their college production, draft context, team situations, and the expectations they’ll face in the NFL.
II. Quarterbacks: A Limited but Impactful Group
A. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (Round 1, No. 1 Overall)
Cam Ward, selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, is the only rookie quarterback with a guaranteed path to starting in 2025. The Titans, coming off a 5-12 season in 2024, have not signed a veteran quarterback to compete with Ward, signaling their intent to build around the Miami product. Ward’s college career was prolific: in 2024, he completed 67% of his passes for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, adding four rushing touchdowns. Over his three prior seasons at Washington State, he threw for 11,604 yards and 95 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to produce in multiple systems.
Ward, at 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, brings a strong arm and off-script playmaking ability to Tennessee. His best moments come when plays break down, as he can extend drives with his legs (263 rushing yards projected by ESPN’s Mike Clay for 2025) or find receivers downfield. However, his tendency to hold the ball too long—resulting in 42 sacks in 2024—and athletic limitations compared to elite dual-threat quarterbacks raise concerns. Titans head coach Brian Callahan has emphasized a three-receiver-heavy scheme, which suits Ward’s ability to distribute the ball. With an improved offensive line (all five positions upgraded over the past two seasons) and receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, Ward has a solid foundation to succeed.
Expectations for Ward are high as the No. 1 pick, but his situation is ideal for a rookie starter. ESPN’s Matt Miller predicts Ward could throw for 3,469 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 15 starts, making him a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Titans’ commitment to Ward as their franchise quarterback ensures he’ll be under center in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears on September 7, 2025.
B. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (Round 2, No. 40 Overall)
Tyler Shough, drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round, has a legitimate shot at starting due to uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s shoulder injury. Carr, who has been the Saints’ starter since 2023, suffered a shoulder ailment in 2024 that has clouded his status for 2025. The Saints, who missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year in 2024 (7-10 record), are in a win-now mode, as evidenced by their continued salary-cap restructuring under GM Mickey Loomis. With Carr’s health in question and backups Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener offering little certainty, Shough could seize the starting role.
Shough, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback from Louisville, brings a classic pocket-passer profile. In 2024, he completed 63% of his passes for 3,324 yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions across multiple college stops (Texas Tech, Oregon, Louisville). He has decent pocket mobility but struggles with pressure, taking 38 sacks in his final college season. ESPN’s Liz Loza notes that Shough “drives the ball to all levels of the field” and can throw with pace and touch, projecting him for 687 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in three starts if Carr misses time.
The Saints’ quarterback-friendly system, with receivers like Chris Olave and a strong offensive line, gives Shough a chance to succeed. If Carr is sidelined for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on September 7, 2025, Shough is expected to start, making him one of only two rookie quarterbacks to open the year as a starter.
III. Running Backs: A Deep Class Ready to Contribute
A. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders (Round 1, No. 6 Overall)
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, taken sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, is poised to start immediately in a backfield lacking a clear RB1. The Raiders, who finished 6-11 in 2024, moved on from Zamir White and Alexander Mattison, leaving a void that Jeanty is expected to fill. Jeanty’s 2024 college season was historic: he rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns on 344 carries (7.3 yards per carry), adding 19 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. His tackle-breaking ability and after-contact consistency make him a three-down back with a high ceiling.
The Raiders, now led by head coach Pete Carroll, are emphasizing a run-heavy approach to control time of possession in the competitive AFC West. Carroll compared Jeanty to former Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch, noting his ability to “make plays when it doesn’t look like there’s anything there.” With no established RB2 on the roster, Jeanty is projected to handle 15-plus carries per game, a workload that could lead to 1,200 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, per NFL.com’s Matt Miller. Jeanty’s immediate role as the Raiders’ lead back ensures he’ll start against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 7, 2025.
B. Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (Round 1, No. 22 Overall)
The Los Angeles Chargers, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, doubled down on their backfield by signing Najee Harris in free agency and drafting North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton at No. 22 overall. Harris, a four-year veteran with 1,000-plus rushing yards each season, signed a one-year deal, but Hampton’s skill set makes him a strong candidate to start alongside or even ahead of Harris. Hampton ran for 1,668 yards and 15 touchdowns on 257 carries (6.5 yards per carry) in 2024, showcasing physicality and elusiveness.
Harbaugh’s run-heavy philosophy, which emphasizes pounding the rock, aligns perfectly with Hampton’s style. NFL.com’s Ben Solak predicts Hampton could see 15-plus carries per week, projecting 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Chargers’ backfield depth chart is thin beyond Harris, with 2024 starter Gus Edwards managing just 413 yards before a season-ending injury. Hampton’s ability to handle a heavy workload positions him to start in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 7, 2025, either as the lead back or in a timeshare with Harris.
C. TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots (Round 2, No. 49 Overall)
Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, selected by the New England Patriots in the second round, is expected to start alongside Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. The Patriots, who finished 4-13 in 2024, are building around quarterback Drake Maye, and Henderson’s three-down skill set makes him an ideal fit. In 2024, Henderson rushed for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 carries (6.8 yards per carry), adding 46 receptions for 312 yards over his final two college seasons.
Henderson’s pass-catching ability—projected by ESPN’s Matt Bowen to yield 40 receptions as a rookie—makes him a matchup weapon for Maye. His route versatility and blocking proficiency on third downs set him apart, and with Stevenson recovering from a 2024 ankle injury (limited to 623 yards), Henderson is likely to see significant snaps. The Patriots’ Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on September 7, 2025, should feature Henderson as a starter, either in a committee or as the primary back if Stevenson’s recovery lags.
D. Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 3, No. 71 Overall)
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who moved on from Najee Harris in free agency, drafted Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round to pair with Jaylen Warren. Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 224-pound bruiser, ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 231 carries (6.7 yards per carry) in 2024, including 21 runs of 20-plus yards, second only to Ashton Jeanty. His fit in Pittsburgh’s outside zone scheme is seamless, and with Warren better suited as a complementary back (684 yards in 2024), Johnson is expected to take the lead role.
Bleacher Report projects Johnson could overtake Warren by midseason, citing his physical running style and ability to pair with the Steelers’ late-season schedule in cold weather. With the team still awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers on his 2025 plans, Johnson’s early-down volume could push him to 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns, per ESPN’s Matt Bowen. Johnson is expected to start in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons on September 7, 2025, as the Steelers’ primary running back.
IV. Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Immediate Playmakers
A. Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers (Round 1, No. 17 Overall)
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, selected 17th overall by the Green Bay Packers, is expected to start opposite Christian Watson in a receiver room that lacked a true No. 1 in 2024. Golden led the country with 23 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2024, finishing with 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. His deep speed and ability to work underneath routes make him a perfect fit for quarterback Jordan Love and coach Matt LaFleur’s offense.
2025 NFL Draft rookies expected to start
With Watson recovering from a 2024 knee injury and Dontayvion Wicks managing just 412 yards, Golden has a clear path to a starting role. ESPN’s Eric Moody predicts Golden could lead all rookies in receiving yards with 900, projecting him as an upside WR3 in fantasy football. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst called Golden’s elite speed “a game-changer,” and his Week 1 start against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 7, 2025, in Brazil is all but assured.
B. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears (Round 1, No. 14 Overall)
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, taken 14th overall by the Chicago Bears, is expected to start alongside Cole Kmet in a two-tight-end heavy offense under coordinator Ben Johnson. Loveland, the top-ranked tight end in the 2025 class, recorded 61 receptions for 809 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, showcasing his ability as a pass-catcher and blocker. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he’s a matchup nightmare in the passing game, drawing comparisons to 2024 rookie standout Brock Bowers.
The Bears’ receiver room, featuring DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and rookie Luther Burden III, is crowded, but Loveland’s role as a safety valve for quarterback Caleb Williams ensures he’ll see the field. Bleacher Report notes that Kmet can handle in-line blocking while Loveland adjusts to the NFL’s physicality, projecting 50 receptions for 600 yards and four touchdowns. Loveland will start in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans on September 7, 2025, as the Bears aim to build on their 2024 playoff run.
V. Offensive Linemen: Protecting the Franchise
C. Josh Simmons, Kansas City Chiefs (Round 1, No. 31 Overall)
Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, selected 31st overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, is expected to start at left tackle, addressing a critical need for the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Chiefs’ offensive line struggled in 2024, particularly at left tackle, where D.J. Humphries allowed 12 pressures in nine starts before a season-ending knee injury. Simmons, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle, started 25 games at Ohio State, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 with just three sacks allowed in 412 pass-blocking snaps.
NFL.com’s Jason Reid predicts Simmons will start immediately, noting that his consistency could allow Patrick Mahomes to “turn back the clock to 2018.” With right guard Trey Smith potentially leaving in free agency, Simmons’ role as Mahomes’ blindside protector is crucial. He’ll start in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens on September 4, 2025, in the NFL’s season opener.
D. Tyler Booker, Dallas Cowboys (Round 1, No. 12 Overall)
Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker, drafted 12th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, is an “immediate starter,” according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The Cowboys’ interior line struggled in 2024, with Zack Martin allowing a career-high 22 pressures and Brock Hoffman managing just a 62.3 pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus. Booker, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound mauler, started 24 games at Alabama, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2024 with zero sacks allowed in 389 pass-blocking snaps.
Booker’s addition, alongside the trade for George Pickens, signals Dallas’ intent to protect Dak Prescott and revitalize the run game. Schottenheimer called Booker “somebody that will play at a high level for a long time,” and his Week 1 start against the Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025, is a lock as the Cowboys aim to reclaim the NFC East.
VI. Defensive Players: Instant Impact on the Back End
A. Malaki Starks, Baltimore Ravens (Round 1, No. 27 Overall)
Georgia safety Malaki Starks, taken 27th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, is expected to start at free safety, a position of need with Kyle Hamilton often playing in the slot. Starks, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound defensive back, recorded 146 tackles, seven interceptions, and 19 pass breakups over three seasons at Georgia, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2024. His versatility to play deep or in the slot makes him a perfect fit for Baltimore’s defense.
NFL.com’s Jordan Reid predicts Starks could lead the league in interceptions as a rookie, citing the Ravens’ talented defensive front—featuring Justin Madubuike and Roquan Smith—forcing errant throws. With Eddie Jackson entering a contract year and Marcus Williams aging (31 in 2025), Starks has a clear path to starting snaps. He’ll start in Week 1 against the Chiefs on September 4, 2025, aiming to make an immediate impact in the secondary.
B. Xavier Watts, Atlanta Falcons (Round 3, No. 96 Overall)
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, selected in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons, is expected to start next to Jessie Bates III. Watts, a 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back, recorded 13 interceptions over his final two seasons at Notre Dame, earning first-team AP All-American honors in 2023 and 2024. His range and ball skills make him a potential difference-maker, especially in a secondary that struggled in 2024 (ranked 24th in pass defense, allowing 231.2 yards per game).
The Falcons signed Jordan Fuller to a one-year, $2 million deal, but Watts’ upside gives him a strong chance to overtake Fuller, per NFL.com’s Daniel Flick. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich plans to use Watts’ versatility to cover deep zones and support the run game. Watts is expected to start in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7, 2025, aiming to bolster Atlanta’s defense under new head coach Raheem Morris.
C. Billy Bowman Jr., Atlanta Falcons (Round 4, No. 118 Overall)
Oklahoma nickelback Billy Bowman Jr., also drafted by the Falcons, is another Day 3 pick expected to start. Bowman, at 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds, recorded 164 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 21 pass breakups over four seasons at Oklahoma, showcasing physicality and quickness in the slot. His ability to attack the line of scrimmage—though he had just 4.5 tackles for loss in college—fits Ulbrich’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Dee Alford, the Falcons’ incumbent nickel, managed just 41 tackles and one interception in 2024, creating an opening for Bowman to compete for the starting role. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter notes Bowman’s “quickness and physicality” make him effective in coverage and run support, projecting 50 tackles and two interceptions as a rookie. Bowman is expected to start at nickel in Week 1 against the Steelers, forming a dynamic secondary trio with Bates and Watts.
VII. Challenges and Expectations for Rookie Starters
Starting as a rookie in the NFL is a daunting task, and the 2025 class faces unique challenges. Cam Ward and Tyler Shough must navigate the steep learning curve of quarterback play, where decision-making and pocket presence are critical. Ward’s tendency to hold the ball too long could lead to sacks against defenses like the Chicago Bears’ Montez Sweat, while Shough’s inexperience against pressure might be exposed by the Rams’ Aaron Donald in Week 1.
The running backs—Jeanty, Hampton, Henderson, and Johnson—benefit from favorable schemes but must prove they can handle the physicality of NFL defenses. Jeanty’s 344 college carries in 2024 raise durability concerns, while Hampton must compete with a proven veteran in Harris. Henderson and Johnson, meanwhile, face the challenge of maintaining consistency in pass protection, a key skill for earning three-down roles.
On the offensive line, Simmons and Booker must protect franchise quarterbacks against elite pass rushers. Simmons will face Baltimore’s Odafe Oweh in Week 1, a matchup that will test his technique, while Booker must contain Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. Defensively, Starks, Watts, and Bowman must adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses, with Starks facing Patrick Mahomes in his first game and the Falcons’ duo tasked with slowing down a Steelers offense potentially led by Aaron Rodgers.
Despite these challenges, the 2025 rookie class is well-positioned to make an immediate impact. Ward and Jeanty are early favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year, with Starks and Watts in the mix for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Their ability to start and contribute in Week 1 will set the tone for their careers and their teams’ seasons.
VIII. Conclusion: A New Generation Takes the Field
The 2025 NFL Draft has introduced a talented group of rookies ready to step into starting roles, from quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Tyler Shough to playmakers like Ashton Jeanty and Matthew Golden. These 12 players—spanning offense and defense—represent the best of a deep class, each with a unique path to earning a starting spot. As the NFL season kicks off in September 2025, all eyes will be on these first-year pros to see if they can live up to the hype and make an immediate impact on their teams’ fortunes.
The transition from college to the NFL is never easy, but for these rookies, the opportunity to start is a testament to their talent and the trust their teams have placed in them. Whether they’re leading a rebuilding effort in Tennessee or bolstering a contender in Kansas City, the 2025 rookie starters are poised to shape the future of the NFL, one snap at a time.