NFL Rookie Report: Jalen Milroe shines early, Anthony Belton refines his game

With the 2025 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to check in on how rookies like Jalen Milroe and Anthony Belton are adjusting to life in the league.
Jalen Milroe is impressing in Seattle
Jalen Milroe is impressing in Seattle | Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Now that the 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, it’s time to start looking at how these prospects will fit in with their new NFL teams. In this week’s Rookie Report, we start by looking at how Jalen Milroe has already impressed in Seattle, what Packers rookie Anthony Belton is focusing on this summer, and much more.

Latest rookie news and notes

Jalen Milroe impresses

Jalen Milroe made a strong first impression during Seahawks rookie minicamp. Seattle had him operate more as a traditional pocket passer and even had him drop back from under center, something he rarely did at Alabama. While those are encouraging signs, it’s important to keep the setting in perspective. Minicamp doesn't fully test his biggest weaknesses, which include throwing on rhythm and reading defenses. Those questions remain, but for now, Milroe is off to a promising start.

Shavon Revel Jr. injury update

Dallas Cowboys rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a third-round pick, was limited during last week’s rookie minicamp as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. He participated in stretching and conditioning drills but sat out all position and team work. The expectation is that he'll be a full-go by mid-summer and ready for full participation at training camp. If he stays healthy, Revel could turn out to be a major steal as I had a late first-round grade on him before the injury.

Packers rookie focus

One key area of development for Green Bay’s second-round pick Anthony Belton this summer will be his hand usage. This was a concern we pointed out when he made the All-Underrated Team leading up to the draft. His biggest issues right now are allowing defenders into his frame and failing to deliver a strong initial punch. If he can clean that up, expect Belton to earn serious consideration as a top backup at both guard and tackle during training camp.

Wide receiver less of a need

In this week’s 2026 NFL Draft Buzz, I noted the Cowboys were likely to prioritize wide receiver after missing out on a big-name addition this offseason. That outlook shifted when Dallas traded for Pittsburgh wide receiver George Pickens in exchange for a pair of draft picks, including a 2026 third-rounder. While the move eases the urgency, the Cowboys will still likely look to add a receiver in the early rounds of next year’s draft.

Ravens kicker situation

With the Ravens parting ways with Justin Tucker, rookie Tyler Loop is the clear favorite to take over the starting job. Loop, the second kicker selected in the draft, has shown off elite leg strength, including a 62-yard make this season, and went 6-for-9 from beyond 50 yards. However, his overall accuracy needs work, as he connected on just 78% of his field goals.

What Tom Brady saw in Cam Miller

According to The Athletic, part of the reason the Raiders drafted North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller in the sixth round was because he had Tom Brady’s stamp of approval. What stood out to Brady was Miller’s sound fundamentals, particularly his ability to generate power from his lower body to make difficult throws. Brady also saw room for growth, believing Miller has the potential to keep developing. He’ll have that opportunity this season as the team’s third-string quarterback.

Jets quarterback calls it a career

New York Jets quarterback Jordan Travis, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has decided to retire from football. The decision comes after medical advisors recommended he step away due to the devastating leg injury he suffered late in the 2023 season. When healthy, Travis was an athletic playmaker who thrived under pressure and helped lead Florida State to an 11-0 record in 2023.

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