The NFL season kick-off finally gives rookies their first real shot at professional football, and their performances can vary widely. Preseason play can be deceiving—though promising, it doesn’t always reflect how NFL rookies will fare once the games count. We kept tabs on how the first-year players performed during exhibition games, and the standout quarterbacks from a historic QB class often stole the spotlight. But once the regular season began, the results shifted.
Just like in preseason, we’ll reset and rank rookies weekly based on their performance. Week 1 offered a clean slate, but now defenses are adjusting their strategies to target specific talents. Coaches rely more on their veterans and tighten their rotations, which can overwhelm rookies with the speed and volume of information.
However, some rookies are proving they can handle the pace, like the NFL’s fastest man, Xavier Worthy of the Kansas City Chiefs. Worthy quickly grabbed everyone’s attention. And he’s not alone—several other first-year players are making waves, too.
Let’s Look At The Most Promising NFL Rookies After Week 1
5. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman proactively addressed an aging cornerback unit. He selected Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo in the first round and Cooper DeJean from Iowa in the second draft round. Rookie Mitchell quickly established himself as a starting cornerback opposite veteran Darius Slay.
Mitchell confidently stepped into the role with James Bradberry IV transitioning to safety and landing on injured reserve due to a leg injury and Kelee Ringo failing to secure the spot. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Mitchell’s preparation and talent, highlighting his calm and self-assured demeanor.
Mitchell demonstrated his excellent ball skills in his NFL debut against the Green Bay Packers. He defended two passes and made five total tackles. Despite allowing four receptions on nine targets, he held a 66.9 passer rating against his coverage, according to The Score’s Brenden Deeg. Mitchell’s performance against a skilled Packers offense, including young quarterback Jordan Love and a talented receiving corps, suggests he is on track to be a standout coverage corner.
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4. Edge Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
Following Aaron Donald’s departure, the Los Angeles Rams faced a significant challenge in their defense. The unit struggled against the Detroit Lions, surrendering 363 yards and failing to stop the game in overtime. Despite this, the Rams showed promise with their younger players, particularly first-round draft pick Jared Verse.
Verse, selected 19th overall, made a notable impact in his debut. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, as ESPN’s Seth Walder reported, the Florida State product generated six pressures and recorded a 33 percent pass-rush win rate, ranking sixth among all edge rushers for the weekend. Statistically, Verse also recorded four tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss.
Verse played against a formidable Detroit Lions offensive line that included both starting tackles, Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. This was a tough test for Verse, especially since the Rams were missing their primary left tackle and had to rely on a backup right tackle. While he isn’t Aaron Donald, Verse showed he could be a significant asset for the Rams, contributing effectively off the edge and helping to collapse the pocket.
3. Defensive Tackle T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans
Rookie T’Vondre Sweat, the Butkus Award winner, faced scrutiny before the NFL draft, including an arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Despite these concerns, the Tennessee Titans selected Sweat in the second round. On the field, Sweat showed why he was worth the pick during the Titans’ season opener against the Chicago Bears.
Although Sweat didn’t record any tackles, his impact was still felt. The 366-pound nose tackle played a majority of the snaps and was graded as the Titans’ second-best player, according to Pro Football Focus. Head coach Brian Callahan praised Sweat’s progress, noting that he had improved significantly since training camp. Callahan highlighted Sweat’s reduced weight, increased fitness, and a growing understanding of the game.
With Sweat and Jeffery Simmons as a formidable interior defensive duo, the Titans have a strong defensive presence in the middle. Callahan’s comments suggest that Sweat’s performance is a promising sign of his potential to become a dominant force on the defensive line.
2. Offensive Tackle Taliese Fuaga, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints made headlines with a surprising and dominant performance in Week 1, crushing the Carolina Panthers and nearly reaching 50 points. Among the NFL rookies, offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga, who was selected 14th overall, was a key contributor to this success.
Fuaga, who was transitioning from right to left tackle—having never started at left tackle during his college career at Oregon State—handled the switch exceptionally well. According to ESPN’s Seth Walder, Fuaga led all rookies with a 94 percent pass-block win rate in Week 1.
Fuaga himself admitted that it took a few plays to adjust and settle in, but he felt his NFL debut was solid, attributing part of his ease to veteran quarterback Derek Carr. While the Panthers lacked a strong pass rush, with D.J. Wonnum on the physically unable-to-perform list, Fuaga’s ability to excel in a new position is commendable. His performance underscores his potential to be a key player for the Saints moving forward.
1. Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy’s debut with the Kansas City Chiefs was nothing short of spectacular. The top NFL rookie made headlines by scoring two touchdowns in his first NFL game. This performance led many to question how the Chiefs managed to draft the fastest player in combined history.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid succinctly explained Worthy’s impact: “He can run.” Reid’s straightforward comment reflects his confidence in Worthy’s abilities. The Texas product broke records at the combine with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, demonstrating that he’s more than just a speedster.
In his debut, Worthy showed his skills with a 21-yard touchdown on an end-around play, followed by a 35-yard touchdown reception against the Baltimore Ravens. The 28th overall pick amassed 68 yards from scrimmage and two scores in his debut. Although Worthy may not be the Chiefs’ primary target—tight end Travis Kelce and fellow receiver Rashee Rice are preferred by quarterback Mahomes—his dynamic speed adds a new dimension to the offense. With the Chiefs already being back-to-back Super Bowl champions, Worthy’s presence makes their pursuit of a historic three-peat even more formidable.
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