Training camp is in full swing, and several rookies are already turning heads. This week’s NFL Rookie Report breaks down the quarterback situation in New York, a strong early return for Kansas City’s first-round pick, and key rookie developments across the league.
Latest news and notes on the 2025 rookie class
When will Jaxson Dart take over
Last week, New York Giants coach Brian Daboll named Russell Wilson the starting quarterback heading into the season. However, it would be a surprise if Jaxson Dart doesn’t take over at some point this year. The Giants are expected to struggle, ranking 30th in The Athletic’s latest power poll. A realistic target for Dart to become the starter is before the Week 9 matchup against the 49ers. That timing would follow a rough stretch where the Giants play the Eagles twice in three weeks and could already be out of playoff contention.
Great news for Chiefs
A very positive sign for the Chiefs offensive line was first-round pick Josh Simmons not starting the year on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and already taking reps with the first-team unit. He has drawn early praise from both head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who said, “I think he’s done a great job,” and added that he’s excited to see the player Simmons becomes. I’m high on Simmons as well and named him the best value pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. I expect him to develop into a Pro Bowl left tackle within a few years.
Donovan Jackson’s impact in Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the first round to jump-start a struggling ground game. Last season, Minnesota ranked 26th in the league with just 4.1 yards per carry, a number that needs to climb with rookie J.J. McCarthy expected to start under center. Jackson is a physical run blocker with a proven track record. At Ohio State, Buckeye running backs averaged 5.0 yards before contact on runs behind him, the highest mark of any guard from a Power Four program. His ability to open lanes should give Minnesota's offense a more reliable foundation as they ease McCarthy into the NFL.

Long shot to watch
A player who is a bit of a long shot to make the Philadelphia Eagles this season but could open eyes in training camp is former Florida Gator Montrell Johnson. What stands out about Johnson and makes me think he’ll end up on an NFL active roster, possibly even the Eagles', is his combination of speed and power. At the NFL Combine, he posted a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, the fifth-fastest time among running backs. He translated that speed into production at Florida, averaging 5.9 yards per carry last season. Johnson also displayed strong contact balance, breaking 28 tackles on just 100 carries according to PFF. While 2024 fourth-round pick Will Shipley is expected to win a backup job behind Saquon Barkley, he averaged just 2.7 yards per carry last season, leaving the door open for Johnson to make a push.
Cam Ward is your Titans starting quarterback
While it should come as no surprise that Cam Ward is the starting quarterback for Tennessee, he won’t even have to beat out Will Levis for the job. That is because Levis will miss the season due to a shoulder injury. Ward, who was the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was widely expected to win the job and is now expected to lead a Titans offense that lacks much firepower. Hopefully, the Titans will look to the 2026 NFL Draft to add some playmakers, with potential targets being Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson and Notre Dame's Malachi Fields.
Lions will lean on Tyleik Williams early
Detroit planned to ease first-round pick Tyleik Williams into the lineup, but injuries changed that. Levi Onwuzurike is out for the season with a torn ACL, Alim McNeill is still rehabbing his own ACL injury, and Josh Paschal is also working his way back. Williams brings size (6-foot-3 327 pounds) and quickness, posting an 88.6 PFF run grade and 18 TFLs over the last two seasons. He’ll be counted on early.
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Another rookie who will need to step up
Seattle tight end Elijah Arroyo is being thrust into a bigger role after the unexpected release of Noah Fant. A late second-round pick out of Miami, Arroyo had a breakout year in 2024 with 35 catches and seven touchdowns after totaling just 11 receptions over his first three seasons. He’s already shown reliable hands and made several tough grabs in camp. Seattle will need him to contribute immediately.