The full slate of preseason games kicks off starting Thursday night. It’s the first real chance to see how this year’s rookie class stacks up against NFL competition. These six rookies all have something to prove, whether it’s validating draft status, earning snaps, or carving out a role. Coaches and fans alike will be watching their performances closely.
5 NFL rookies to watch
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns
Once rumored to be the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, this week is Shedeur Sanders chance to prove teams were wrong for letting him slide to the fifth round. He is set to start against the Carolina Panthers, and his accuracy will be the headline. Bleacher Report rated him the most pro-ready and accurate quarterback in the class. The bigger question is how quickly he can process the field and get the ball out on time, something that was inconsistent during his time at Colorado. He should benefit from facing a basic defensive scheme in Carolina’s preseason opener.
Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys
In a previous edition of Rookie Report, former Cowboys coach Glenn Smith mentioned that some inside the organization had questioned Jaydon Blue’s focus and drive during the offseason. Since then, the narrative has shifted. Blue has been getting first-team reps in training camp, and with Miles Sanders managing a knee injury, he is expected to see plenty of action in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. This is a big opportunity for Blue to show he belongs in the Cowboys’ backfield rotation.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have high expectations for first-round pick Tyler Warren, and they are well-founded. Last year, he was the most versatile tight end in college football, setting a Big Ten record at the position with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards. He also rushed 26 times for four touchdowns. In training camp, he has already made several explosive plays and has shown the same strong hands in traffic that made him a go-to target at Penn State. He caught 62 percent of contested targets last season, and that skill has translated early. Even if his snaps are limited in this game, Warren looks ready to be a major contributor in year one.
Princely Umanmielen, OLB, Carolina Panthers
While the Panthers used a second-round pick on Nic Scourton, third-rounder Princely Umanmielen might be the more intriguing rookie edge rusher. A first-team All-SEC selection in 2024, Umanmielen racked up 13.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks last season at Ole Miss. He also earned a 91.5 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus, one of the best in the country. What stands out on tape is his first-step explosion and the length to beat tackles around the edge. Carolina needs help generating pressure, and Umanmielen has the traits to contribute early.
Mike Green, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
Another pass rusher to watch this preseason is Mike Green of the Baltimore Ravens, who has quietly been having an outstanding training camp, and look for him to shine in the Ravens' preseason game against the Colts. The fact Green has consistently been able to get to the quarterback should come as no surprise, as he led the nation with 22.5 tackles for loss last year, and his 17 sacks last year are a Sun Belt record.
Luther Burden, WR, Chicago Bears
Going into the 2024 season, former Missouri Tiger Luther Burden was my top-rated wide receiver. He finished 2023 second in the SEC and ninth nationally in receiving yards, while ranking third in the conference for receptions. However, his stock has dipped this year. His receptions per game have fallen from 6.6 in 2023 to 5.1, and his yards per game dropped by nearly 40. After a disappointing season with significantly reduced production, five receivers were drafted ahead of him. Despite this, Burden may have found the perfect fit in Ben Johnson’s offense in Chicago.