NFL Rookie Report: TreVeyon Henderson, Shedeur Sanders shine for Patriots and Browns

NFL preseason Week 1 is in the books, and several rookies made strong first impressions. That list includes a mix of early-round, mid-round, and undrafted players who stood out in their NFL debuts.

Here’s how TreVeyon Henderson, Shedeur Sanders, Tory Horton, and others performed in their first taste of pro action.

Perfect start to NFL career

New England running back TreVeyon Henderson couldn’t have scripted a better debut.

On his first touch as a pro, he returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Henderson showed not only elite explosiveness but also the physicality that helped him average 4.2 yards after contact last season at Ohio State. He proved reliable as a receiving option, catching all three passes thrown his way. If he continues at this pace, he could push Rhamondre Stevenson for the Patriots’ starting running back job.

Good enough to start?

Heading into this weekend’s games, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was one to watch and he did not disappoint. He struggled in his first three possessions but settled in quickly. By the second half, he impressed enough that our own Tarringo Basile-Vaughan said, “Sanders at the very least put himself in the conversation to win the starting role for the Browns.” Sanders finished by leading the Browns on three scoring drives over 10 possessions, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards. Next week’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles will be a key test for him.

Will Johnson is showing why he was a top value pick

In my NFL Draft recap, I named former Michigan cornerback Will Johnson the top value pick in the second round, and he’s been proving me right. He has looked sharp in practice, and in the Cardinals’ preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, he didn’t allow a single completion and recorded a pass deflection. His only blemish came on the first pass thrown his way, when he was flagged for pass interference. If he keeps playing at this level, Johnson could emerge as one of the top defensive rookies in the NFL this season..

Day 3 pick shining 

Seattle’s fifth-rounder Tory Horton is quickly making his presence felt this preseason. In the Seahawks’ game against the Raiders, he caught three passes and scored a touchdown where he slipped past multiple defenders. That performance adds to a strong camp where he’s consistently turned heads, and it’s now looking likely he’ll open the season as Seattle’s No. 3 receiver. Though he was the 28th receiver taken in the 2025 draft, the talent was always there when healthy at Colorado State.

Horton’s college résumé is loaded with 265 receptions, 3,615 yards, and 27 touchdowns, including a 16-catch, 133-yard performance against Colorado and 2025 second overall pick Travis Hunter. Before the draft, I said if he fell to Day 3, he could be a steal, and so far he’s proving me right.

Undrafted free agent shining 

New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III has been on our radar for months, starting with a February article naming him one of the most underrated players in the 2025 NFL Draft. He backed that up with a strong performance against the Washington Commanders, leading the team with six receptions for 50 yards and scoring a touchdown. He also impressed head coach Mike Vrabel with his play strength as both a blocker and runner after the catch. Based on what he’s shown recently, I’m confident he will make an NFL roster this season.

Ravens’ sixth-round gems making special teams noise

Baltimore struck gold late in the 2025 NFL Draft with two sixth-round picks who are already impacting special teams. Kicker Tyler Loop, the higher pick, has a powerful leg. He drilled a 68-yard field goal in practice and nailed a 52-yarder in the Ravens’ win over the Colts. Meanwhile, wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, selected 203rd overall out of Colorado, is proving to be a dangerous punt returner. An All-American in 2023, Wester electrified the crowd with an 87-yard punt return touchdown in his debut. Both rookies are carving out valuable roles early.

Tyler Warren is one of the Colts’ bright spots

The Colts had a rough preseason opener against Baltimore, losing 24-16, but first-round pick Tyler Warren was a clear positive. Warren caught all three passes thrown his way for 40 yards. He showed power on a screen play catch early in the game and made a tough catch in traffic, demonstrating strength and focus. Don’t be surprised if he ends the year as the Colts’ leading receiver.

Limited year one role likely for Bills CB Maxwell Hairston

Buffalo’s first-round pick, cornerback Maxwell Hairston, isn’t expected to make much of an impact this season. He’s set to miss most of training camp with an LCL sprain, putting him behind early in the competition. Even when healthy, Hairston sits behind veteran Tre'Davious White, one of the leaders of the Bills’ secondary. Add in the fact that Hairston came out of Kentucky with concerns about his eye discipline and overall polish, and it’s clear the rookie may need a redshirt year to develop.

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