NFL rookie report: Cowboys' running back is already creating turmoil in Dallas

With training camps now underway, early impressions from the 2025 rookie class are starting to take shape. Some are promising. Others are already raising red flags. Gunnar Helm looks like he could contribute immediately in Tennessee. Jaydon Blue is already testing the patience of Dallas coaches.

In this week’s Rookie Report, we break down both cases, highlight a potential game-changer in the Rams’ backfield, and spotlight a few rookies to watch as preseason heats up.

Latest news and notes on the 2025 NFL rookie class

Concerns about Cowboys run game

Heading into the 2025 season, there are growing concerns about the Cowboys' underwhelming ground attack. According to Pro Football Focus, the Cowboys have the worst group of running backs in the NFL. Making matters worse, coaches are reportedly not happy with the work ethic of fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue. Former Cowboys coach Glenn Smith shared that team officials have questioned Blue’s drive and focus during offseason work. That’s alarming for a team that was counting on him to be a change-of-pace back this year. If the run game struggles as expected, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys target a running back like Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft or finally invest a first-round pick in the position with the selection of Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, who has the potential to be the best Dallas back since Emmitt Smith.

What Jarquez Hunter brings to the Rams offense

One word: speed. Hunter clocked a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash and ripped off 23 runs of 15-plus yards last season. He gives the Rams a burst they’ve been missing behind their two physical backs, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. His explosiveness could help lift a run game that averaged just 3.9 yards per carry last season, which ranked 31st in the league. Hunter also adds value as a receiver, hauling in 79% of his targets last year per Pro Football Focus. That versatility fits well in Sean McVay’s system and gives the offense a dynamic playmaker.

Helm to make an impact in Tennessee

Despite being the seventh tight end taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, look for Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm to make an impact this season and emerge as the team’s number two tight end. Helm is coming off an impressive final season at Texas, where he led the team in targets and finished with 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. His biggest strength as a receiver is his sure hands. He dropped just two passes on 73 targets in 2024. The key for Helm will be how he holds up as a blocker, as he weighed in at just 245 pounds at his pro day, and how well he cuts down on penalties after being flagged seven times last season.

Running back to watch on the waiver wire

A 2025 NFL Draft pick who could get cut yet would be an excellent waiver wire addition is Seattle’s Damien Martinez. The Seahawks are locked in with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet as their top two backs, and Kenny McIntosh offers more on special teams than Martinez does. That leaves Martinez as the odd man out. But for a team like the Cowboys, who PFF ranks as having the worst backfield in the NFL, Martinez could be a steal. He’d pair with fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue to form a young thunder-and-lightning duo behind likely starter Javonte Williams. I was high on Martinez coming out of college, giving him a third-round grade and naming him to my 2025 NFL Draft All-Underrated Team.

Bigger role for Chargers rookie

Last week, the Los Angeles Chargers announced that wide receiver Mike Williams is retiring and won’t be part of the team this year. This opens the door for rookie second-round pick Tre Harris to step into a much bigger role, likely as the team’s starting X receiver. The All-SEC selection had a standout season at Ole Miss despite being limited to just eight games. He still managed 60 receptions for 1,030 yards, averaging 129 yards per game, which led the nation over that stretch. Harris brings size, production, and big-play ability to a receiving corps in need of a new top target.

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Not going to happen

One of the bigger rumors surrounding a 2025 NFL Draft pick was that Cincinnati Bengals first-round selection Shemar Stewart would return to Texas A&M for another season. That never held much weight. Stewart would have likely needed to file a lawsuit just to be eligible to play, and it’s unlikely a judge would have reached a decision before A&M’s season began. Instead, expect him to either hold out for the entire year or eventually sign close to the season. Either way, my prediction that he’ll be the biggest bust of the 2025 NFL Draft is already starting to look accurate.