The 2025 NFL Draft tight end draft class came in with high expectations, and early camp reports suggest it’s already delivering. This week’s Rookie Report spotlights two standouts at the position: Colts first-rounder Tyler Warren and Steelers undrafted free agent JJ Galbreath. We also take a look at other rookies making strong impressions across the league.
Latest NFL rookie news and notes
Tyler Warren is living up to the hype
Penn State tight end Warren is coming off one of the most dominant seasons in college football history at his position, becoming the first tight end in Big Ten history to top 100 receptions in a season. He finished with 104 catches for 1,233 yards and 12 touchdowns. Now with the Colts, Warren has already caught the attention of offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter thanks to his sure hands and ability to make contested grabs. These were traits that defined his college career.
According to Pro Football Focus, Warren dropped just 2.8% of passes and hauled in 62% of targets in tight coverage. He looks poised to be Indianapolis’ best tight end since Dallas Clark, who was my pro comparison for Warren leading up to the NFL Draft.
😮💨😮💨😮💨 pic.twitter.com/gPMTiaATE2
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 26, 2025
JJ Galbreath is exceeding expectations
While Indianapolis tight end Tyler Warren is living up to expectations, Pittsburgh’s JJ Galbreath is far exceeding them. The undrafted free agent out of South Dakota has become one of sixth-round pick Will Howard’s favorite targets thanks to his ability to create separation and his raw athleticism. Galbreath posted a 38-inch vertical and ran a 4.61 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process. Last season for the Coyotes, he was named an FCS First Team All-American while averaging 14.7 yards per catch. If he keeps up this level of play, he could push Connor Heyward off the roster for the final tight end spot or at worst, land on the team’s practice squad.
Another pass catcher standing out
Another rookie pass catcher making noise early in camp is Denver’s Pat Bryant, a third-round pick who has turned heads with his polished route running and physical style of play. His performance so far has drawn high praise from head coach Sean Payton, who compared Bryant to three-time Pro Bowler Michael Thomas. A second-team All-Big Ten selection last season, Bryant caught 54 passes for 984 yards and tied the Illinois school record with 10 touchdown receptions. Look for him to play a critical role in Denver’s offense this season.
Déjà Vu
Last season, Hula Bowl standout Tyrone Tracy made an immediate impact for the New York Giants as a rookie, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors after being drafted in the fifth round. Now, Washington may have found its own version of Tracy in seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
After a strong showing at the Hula Bowl, Croskey-Merritt is already making a name for himself in Commanders camp. His burst, long speed, and ability to rip off chunk plays have stood out early, with coaches praising his home-run potential. At New Mexico, he averaged 6.3 yards per carry and forced 64 missed tackles according to Pro Football Focus. Though he didn’t play last season at Arizona due to an NCAA eligibility ruling, Croskey-Merritt is quickly proving he belongs and could push for significant playing time.
the rook is runnin' pic.twitter.com/NeNcTAqSuZ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 28, 2025
Buccaneers rookie done for the year
Tampa Bay rookie linebacker David Walker is out for the year with a torn ACL, delivering a major setback to the Buccaneers' linebacker depth. Walker was expected to play a key rotational role behind Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby. A highly productive player at Central Arkansas, he racked up 82.5 tackles for loss over his college career, including 69 tackles, 23 TFLs, and 10.5 sacks last season. The Bucs made him the first small-school defender selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, taking him in the fourth round.
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Patriots' third-round pick impressing Mike Vrabel
One rookie already earning praise from New England head coach Mike Vrabel is former Georgia center Jared Wilson, who the Patriots selected with the 95th overall pick. Vrabel has been impressed with how quickly Wilson is grasping the offense, and his ability to take snaps at both center and guard adds even more value. Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, I labeled Wilson the most underrated center in the class thanks to his elite athleticism, showing the mobility to reach the second level in the run game and the agility to hold up in pass protection. Don’t be surprised if he develops into a Pro Bowler within the next few years.