With training camps inching closer, we’re getting our first real glimpse at how rookies are fitting into their new NFL homes. Shedeur Sanders is flashing his elite accuracy in Cleveland, but real concerns still linger. Late-round picks like Chicago’s Kyle Monangai and Philadelphia’s Kyle McCord are already outperforming expectations.
In this week’s Rookie Report, we dive into those names, examine early red flags for New England’s Will Campbell, and break down what teams like the Titans and Giants must learn from how the Bears mishandled Caleb Williams’ development.
Latest NFL rookie news and notes
Too early to get too excited
While Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders reportedly had an impressive showing at OTAs, completing seven of nine passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions in one practice, it's far too early to get overly excited about his potential impact this season. His first-round grade on my board was based on elite accuracy, which stood out in these low-contact sessions. But the major concerns remain: his timing under pressure and ability to handle collapsing pockets. None of that gets tested in OTAs. His leadership wasn’t tested either, since this is one of the least demanding environments a quarterback will face all year.
Was Colston Loveland almost a Ram?
In the Carolina Panthers’ latest Blueprint episode, it’s revealed the Rams nearly traded up to the No. 8 pick, which belonged to Carolina. While the deal fell through, there’s a strong case that their target was Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. The Rams have been aggressive in recent drafts when pursuing top-tier tight ends, including a push last year for Brock Bowers. Loveland fits Sean McVay’s prototype with his elite athleticism, natural hands, and ability to stretch the field. His skill set closely resembles Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson, who the Rams eventually selected in the second round.
Patriots rookie struggling
New England offensive tackle Will Campbell has shown some struggles in OTAs. While it’s impossible to fully evaluate an offensive lineman without pads, concerns are already emerging. The biggest question is whether Campbell can keep up with quick defensive ends at tackle, especially since his arm length is shorter than ideal for the position. If these issues continue into training camp or the season, don’t be surprised if the Patriots move Campbell inside to guard, where strength is prioritized over speed.
Bears may have found a late-round steal
Chicago’s seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai has been turning heads this offseason. Head coach Ben Johnson praised the rookie’s attention to detail and how quickly he's absorbing the playbook, saying, “I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes—and how quickly he’s picking things up.” Johnson even singled him out as one of the standouts so far. Running back D’Andre Swift echoed the sentiment, adding, “He's been really good so far, excited for him.” Last year at Rutgers, Kyle Monangai became the first offensive player in school history to earn unanimous first-team All-Big Ten honors after rushing for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Best undrafted free agent signing
Speaking of great value pickups, one player who fits that mold and could end up being the most productive undrafted free agent this year is Miami’s Xavier Restrepo. He’s already showing strong chemistry in OTAs with former teammate and number one pick Cam Ward. Restrepo went undrafted mainly due to a disappointing 4.83-second 40-yard dash, but his film tells a different story. He became Miami’s all-time leading receiver by consistently creating separation with sharp change-of-direction skills, reliable hands, and high football IQ.
Don’t make the same mistake
One of the most revealing things to come out of Caleb Williams’ rookie year was that he was never really taught what to look for on film. That is an inexcusable failure by the Chicago Bears coaching staff, and teams like the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants who are breaking in rookie quarterbacks this season need to take note. In my 18 years coaching high school and college quarterbacks, and now running Blair Quarterback Academy, film study is a core part of development: reading corner leverage, spotting blitz patterns, and understanding how our concepts play against different coverages. The fact that Chicago didn’t build this into Williams’ routine or even hand him a checklist is unbelievable and a huge reason why he struggled.
Eagles' number three quarterback
It’s starting to look like Philadelphia’s sixth-round pick Kyle McCord has a strong chance to win the number three quarterback job over Dorian Thompson-Robinson. In OTAs, McCord has shown the arm strength to hit tight windows and has been noticeably more accurate than Thompson-Robinson. This doesn’t surprise me, as I had McCord graded as a third-round talent in the 2025 NFL Draft after he led the nation with 4,799 passing yards and set Syracuse single-season records for yards, completions, and touchdown passes.