Top 10 rookie performances, NFL Preseason Week 3: Multiple Bears rookies shine

The preseason is officially in the books, and now the attention turns to who will make the opening day roster. Several players made a very strong case to make their team or play a bigger role this season. 

Top ten rookie performances from preseason week 3

1. Yahya Black, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

With first-round pick Derrick Harmon sidelined after being carted off Thursday, the Steelers may need immediate help up front. Fifth-rounder Yahya Black stepped up in the preseason finale, recording five tackles and two sacks on just 18 snaps against Carolina. He consistently drove blockers into the backfield and showed the versatility to line up at multiple spots along the defensive front.

2. Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The best celebration of the weekend belonged to Tampa Bay rookie Tez Johnson, who pulled off a flip in the end zone after an acrobatic touchdown grab. Beyond the highlight, he caught all eight of his targets for 58 yards and a score. Johnson’s playmaking ability and quickness after the catch continue to stand out, giving Tampa Bay another weapon in the passing game.

3. Luke Newman, OG, Chicago Bears

The Bears look to have landed a steal in sixth-round pick Luke Newman. He lined up at both guard spots against Kansas City, showing the same versatility that made him a two-time FCS All-American at Holy Cross before transferring to Michigan State. Newman’s ability to anchor multiple positions could make him a valuable depth piece early.

4. Jahdae Walker, WR, Chicago Bears

The second Chicago Bear to make this list is wide receiver Jahdae Walker, who came into camp as a long shot after being ranked 110th at his position on Dane Brugler’s draft board. Against Kansas City, he hauled in the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds and added a tough sideline grab. He finished with three catches for 37 yards and a score, flashing the kind of clutch playmaking that forces coaches to take notice.

5. Keyon Martin, CB, Baltimore Ravens

Another under-the-radar rookie making noise is Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin, who earned a contract after a rookie minicamp tryout. In Baltimore’s matchup with Washington, he returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown and added two tackles for loss. Martin looks like a strong candidate to stick as a backup nickel corner.

6. Jamaal Pritchett, WR/PR, New York Jets

Labeled an undrafted gem back in June by NFL Mocks, Jamaal Pritchett backed it up Friday against Philadelphia. He led the Jets with four catches for 54 yards and added three punt returns for 63 yards, averaging 21 per return despite a muff. His elusiveness stood out, repeatedly making defenders miss in the open field and flashing the kind of playmaking ability that could earn him a roster spot.

7. Ollie Gordon II, RB, Miami Dolphins

Miami’s sixth-round pick Ollie Gordon II is starting to show flashes of the promise that once made him the top running back on my 2024 board. The 2023 Doak Walker Award winner has been steady throughout the preseason, including a win over Jacksonville where he rushed for 43 yards on just eight carries. Expect him to see plenty of touches this year as the Dolphins’ primary backup running back.

8. Thomas Fidone II,TE, New York Giants

Once the top tight end in the 2021 recruiting class ahead of Brock Bowers, Thomas Fidone II flashed his potential in the Giants’ preseason finale. He caught four passes for 39 yards, highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown where he showed strong contact balance. Fidone looks likely to make the final roster and could grow into a contributor within the next couple of seasons.

9. Max Brosmer, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Undrafted free agent Max Brosmer could carve out an important role in Minnesota this season. After a standout career at New Hampshire and a season with the Gophers, the quarterback has impressed coaches with his football IQ. Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised him, saying, “Max is as smart as any young player that I’ve been around.” In his latest game, Brosmer was sharp, completing 15-of-23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown while playing a little over half the contest. With 74 touchdowns to just 19 interceptions over the past three years, his accuracy, poise, and ball security make him a real candidate to push Sam Howell for the backup spot behind rookie J.J. McCarthy.

10. Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Detroit Lions

One of my biggest misses in the 2025 NFL Draft was wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who I initially called a reach when Detroit took him in the third round. He has more than made up for it this preseason, catching 10 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 11th-best wide receiver this preseason. TeSlaa has also excelled in traffic, catching 80% of passes thrown in tight coverage.