The 2025 NFL Draft featured a deep, talented running back class, but now that the landing spots are locked in, expect uneven results. Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson looks like a strong bet to hit the ground running, while Denver’s RJ Harvey could be buried in a crowded backfield. This week’s Rookie Report breaks down those two backs, highlights some long shots who could carve out roles, examines the Bears’ left tackle situation, and more.
Latest rookie news and notes
TreVeyon Henderson should have a big role
Patriots second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson is poised to be one of the most productive rookies in the 2025 NFL season. His explosive playmaking is a big reason why. At Ohio State last year, he averaged 7 yards per carry and broke 21 runs of 15-plus yards, all while splitting carries with fellow second-rounder Quinshon Judkins. Henderson also brings value as a receiver, hauling in 27 catches and showing strong pass-blocking skills—some of the best we've seen from a college back in years. Add in the fact that new head coach Mike Vrabel leans heavily on the run game and that current starter Rhamondre Stevenson has been average at best, and it’s clear Henderson will get every chance to shine.
Broncos running back may have limited role
While Henderson is set up for a strong rookie season, the outlook isn’t as bright for the next running back taken, RJ Harvey, whom the Broncos selected 60th overall. His production could be limited for a couple of reasons. First, Denver keeps adding to its backfield, most recently signing JK Dobbins, who rushed for 905 yards last year with the Chargers. Second, Harvey’s pass protection is a major concern. He lacks the size to anchor against linebackers and consistently stops his feet on contact, leading to a brutal 19.1 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Don’t be surprised if Harvey finishes the season with fewer than 500 rushing yards.
Big goals for 49ers rookie
San Francisco 49ers rookie Junior Bergen has his sights set high—his ultimate goal is to one day make the Hall of Fame. That’s an ambitious dream for a seventh-round pick, but Bergen’s special teams ability gives him a real shot to make an early impact. Last season at Montana, he averaged an impressive 24 yards per punt return and scored three touchdowns on just 10 returns. Over his career, he’s taken eight punts to the house. That return talent is exactly why the 49ers grabbed him with the 252nd overall pick, and why he landed on my All-Underrated team heading into the season.
BERGEN DOES IT AGAIN! 🤯@bergen_junior has now tied the @NCAA_FCS record for career punt returns with 8️⃣!!#GoGriz pic.twitter.com/f4N3EMkMGy
— Montana Griz Football (@MontanaGrizFB) December 1, 2024
Not a good sign for Shemar Stewart
Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart might already have the team questioning whether they made a mistake taking him 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s one of the rare rookies refusing to sign an injury waiver while his contract gets finalized. That decision is reigniting the biggest red flag from his draft profile: how badly does he want to be great? Despite being one of the most gifted athletes in college football, Stewart never recorded more than 1.5 sacks in a season.
Who starts at left tackle for the Bears?
One of the biggest questions for the Chicago Bears going into the season is who will start at left tackle. Last year’s starter Braxton Jones is coming back from injury, giving rookie Ozzy Trapilo plenty of reps at left tackle. Trapilo projects best as a right tackle, but he has positives that could translate to left tackle, including impressive strength and prior experience at the position—he played left tackle in 2022. Last season at Boston College, while playing right tackle, Trapilo allowed just two sacks and earned an 80.5 pass-blocking grade from PFF. That ability to hold up in pass protection will be crucial if he slides over to left tackle.
Vikings big-play threat
Minnesota Vikings third-round pick Tai Felton is likely to exceed expectations. ESPN’s Mike Clay projects just 10 catches for 106 yards and one touchdown this season, but Felton should easily double that. Minnesota needs a speedy receiver who can stretch defenses, and Felton fits that role perfectly. Last season at Maryland, he caught 96 passes and forced 44 missed tackles, according to PFF.
UDFA gem
One undrafted free agent turning heads in Jets camp is wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett out of South Alabama. Last season, he led the Sun Belt with 1,126 receiving yards and averaged 7.6 catches per game. He also made an impact on special teams, averaging 15.3 yards per punt return and scoring on one of his 12 attempts. His return ability is likely his ticket to a roster spot, with special teams coordinator Chris Banjo calling him “dynamic.” But Pritchett’s not just a return man—he’s also made consistent plays as a receiver and could push for the fifth wide receiver role, something current returner Xavier Gipson hasn’t locked down.