This year’s NFL Draft brought more uncertainty than usual. Round 1 lacked obvious stars, and plenty of rookies landed in unpredictable situations. Now that training camps are underway, it’s becoming clearer who’s set up to succeed early and who might struggle out of the gate.
No rookie is guaranteed anything in year one, but context matters. Here are a few players in great positions to thrive, and a few more who could face an uphill climb from day one.
Best Rookie Situations
Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Browns
It feels strange picking a Cleveland rookie to succeed, but Mason Graham enters a rare bright spot for the Browns: a strong defensive front led by Myles Garrett.
Graham is a blue-chip prospect with strength, hand technique, and instincts that translate to the next level. He’ll benefit from lining up inside while Garrett draws double teams off the edge.
The even bigger factor may be Cleveland’s offense. With an uncertain quarterback room and a rookie running back in Quinshon Judkins, the Browns could find themselves trailing often. That sets up more run looks and second-half opportunities for Graham to shine. If he capitalizes, he’ll be in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.
Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay rarely invests big in wide receivers, so it raised eyebrows when they took a shot on Texas product Matthew Golden. He’s fast, fluid, and unpolished, but lands in an ideal spot to develop quickly.
Jordan Love is still settling in as QB1 and has done well with a WR group lacking a true number one. Golden has a real chance to claim that role if he stays focused and consistent.
With Matt LaFleur calling the plays, Golden will get chances to make an early impact. The Packers have a history of building receiver success through fit and opportunity, and Golden checks both boxes.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Last year, JK Dobbins ran for nearly 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns in 13 games. Now the Chargers hand the keys to a better back in a better system.
Omarion Hampton is a downhill, three-down runner who fits Jim Harbaugh’s offensive identity perfectly. The Chargers have built a strong line, and the offense is set to run through physical play between the tackles.
With Justin Herbert keeping defenses honest, Hampton will find space to operate. He’s a day one starter in a system built for his skillset. Offensive Rookie of the Year is well within reach.
Derrick Harmon, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
There may not be a better place for a defensive rookie to land than Pittsburgh.
Derrick Harmon steps into a defense full of stars and a culture that develops them. He’ll have the chance to learn from TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, and play for Mike Tomlin, one of the league’s best defensive minds.
Harmon has the tools and the motor to earn early snaps. With a high football IQ and Pro Bowl mentors around him, he’s set up for long-term success and early flashes.
Worst Rookie Situations
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns
Judkins is talented and explosive, but his rookie year could be a tough one.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation is chaotic, with a room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. None of them pose a serious threat to defenses.
That means stacked boxes, fewer open lanes, and a lot of second-half game scripts where the Browns are passing. Judkins isn’t a proven receiving back, and questions about his pass protection could limit his usage. He has long-term upside, but 2025 might not give him a fair shot to show it.
Cameron Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward is easy to root for, but he’s walking into a brutal situation.
The Titans were the worst team in football last year, and not much has changed. The offensive line has holes. The receivers include aging names and unproven pieces. The backfield is led by Tony Pollard, and the best tight end might be rookie Gunnar Helm.
Head coach Brian Callahan didn’t exactly thrive with Will Levis, and now Ward inherits the same system with even less around him. His journey from zero-star recruit to number one pick is already legendary, and he might beat the odds again, but this year will test him in every way.
Final Word
Rookie success is about more than talent. Fit, coaching, supporting cast, and opportunity shape how quickly these players take off. Some are built to shine early. Others may need more time and a better hand.
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