Mocks’ 2025 NFL All-Rookie Offense: Top first-year players at each offensive position

The 2025 NFL regular season is in the books.  With playoff seedings set and the 2026 NFL Draft order set, NFL Mocks looks back at the rookie class and how well all those 2025 NFL Draft prospects fared in their first year with their drafted teams. 

While there has not been a runaway candidate as far as NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, there has been great performances from some of the top rookies and some breakout performances from players selected in the middle to late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Some of those players will play significant roles for their teams in the playoffs while top offensive draft picks like Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty set their paths to making a greater impact in Year 2 of their NFL careers.  Speaking of Ward, the top quarterback prospect of the 2025 NFL Draft was not the only rookie QB to start games by season’s end.  Was he impressive enough to lead the NFL Mocks’ All-Rookie Team on the offensive side of the ball?

Quarterback: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

The answer is no. 

While Ward showcased flashes of the player he was at Miami, there was too much inconsistency through the year.  The Tennessee Titans didn’t make much improvement in the 2025 NFL season and in fact will have another top 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.  The nod here was close to going to Jaxson Dart, but Tyler Shough proved to be the more impressive quarterback towards the end of the season. 

Taking over as the starting quarterback for the Saints mid-season, Shough finished the year throwing for 2,384 yards with 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.  He led the Saints to 4 consecutive wins before the team lost the season finale to the Atlanta Falcons.

Although Ward and Dart have given their team’s hope for the future, Shough helped his team improve in wins.  He has also given the Saints stability at the QB position which now allows them to build around him.  Whether or not Shough deserves to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is up for debate, but he played well enough to jump in the conversation, which makes him a player to watch in Year 2 whether he wins the award or not.

Running back: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

The Ohio State product was looking like a bust to start the season, but the explosive running back bounced back as one of the most productive playmaking rookies in the NFL.  In rushing for 911 yards on 180 carries and 9 touchdowns, TreVeyon Henderson now forms a dynamic running back duo with Rhamondre Stevenson just in time for a Patriots playoff run. 

Although Henderson hasn’t lived up to expectations as far as a pass-catching running back, his ability to take it to the house whenever he gets the ball in his hands has turned him into the type of threat defenses have to prepare for.  With Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator, Henderson may get his opportunity to shine in the passing game once the playoffs start.

Wide receivers: Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers

When it came down to top wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, Travis Hunter got the not over Tetairoa McMillan, but it was McMillan that made the greater impact for his team.  Yes, Hunter got injured, but even before that, he wasn’t making the impact on the field as a receiver that McMillan made with the Panthers. 

With 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and 7 touchdowns, McMillan is not only the top candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but he also has a chance to showcase his talents on the NFL playoffs stage.  If the Panthers are to make a run and get past the Wild Card round of the playoffs, McMillan will need to come up big.

Wide receivers: Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka won’t get that opportunity to perform in the playoffs, which is shocking given he was flashing as a star when the Buccaneers started the season at 6-2.  Despite a mid-season slump, Egbuka hauled in 63 receptions for 938 yards and 6 touchdowns. 

With Mike Evans future up in the air, the Buccaneers know they have a dependable, young receiver to fill the void when the veteran is no longer wearing the pewter and gold.  They got a glimpse of that this season and the rookie stepped up to the plate.

Wide receivers: Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans

One of the hottest teams entering the playoffs are the Houston Texans.  The winners of nine in a row, the Texans have been getting it done on offense and defense.  Offensively, C.J. Stroud has found another target in Jayden Higgins.  The second-round pick out of Iowa State has hauled in 41 receptions for 525 yards and 6 touchdowns in a solid rookie season. 

In complimenting Nico Collins, Higgins is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound target who has lived up to expectations and will have more of an opportunity in the playoffs.  He edged Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III as the third wide receiver on this All-Rookie team.

Tight end: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Warren got some serious competition from Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for this spot, but ultimately Warren had the more complete season.  He started off as hot as the Colts and looked like he was going to run away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, but like his team, he simmered down a bit.  Still, he racked up 76 receptions for 817 yards and 4 touchdowns.  With his smooth transition to the NFL, it looks like the Colts will be set at tight end for years to come.

OT: Will Campbell, New England Patriots

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft proved that arm length isn’t everything when it comes to the tackle position.  Will Campbell has held his own protecting Drake Maye’s blindside and even got humbled a bit when he went up against Myles Garrett. 

Despite getting exposed a bit, Campbell used the experience as a learning experience.  He did spent time on IR but displayed his toughness and dedication to being on the field by working his way back on the field in Week 18.

Guard: Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks

An NFL Mocks favorite prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, Grey Zabel has lived up to the hype in morphing the Seahawks offensive line into one of the best run-blocking lines in the NFL. The North Dakota State product hasn’t been too shabby in pass protection either, allowing just two sacks all season.

Guard: Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions

With no rookie centers to choose from, Tate Ratledge gets the nod here since the Lions did experiment with him at center in training camp.  While a switch there is not out of the cards, Ratledge has been solid at guard with the Lions and should be an anchor along the line no matter where he plays as the Lions look to beef up the line in 2026.

Guard: Jared Wilson, New England Patriots

The left side of the New England Patriots line has been much improved and its due to Campbell and mid-round pick Jared Wilson who has been steady when healthy and on the field.  Although he struggled early, the Georgia product has improved his pass protection late in the season and has also helped the O-line become better in run blocking.  Healthy along with Campbell, Wilson now gets an opportunity to show off his athleticism and versatility on the playoffs stage.

OT: Kelvin Banks Jr., New Orleans Saints

We are going with Kelvin Banks Jr. here over New York Jets tackle Armand Membou.  Banks has been the more steady and patient tackle throughout the season.  The No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas has solidified the position for the Saints with an overall PFF grade of 73.7 which is the highest amongst rookie tackles.