Quarterbacks are always under pressure to perform. But what about the NFL rookies who aren’t quarterbacks? Here are five who need to have big seasons in 2025:
Shemar Stewart, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
College: Texas A&M
Drafted: No. 17 overall
Even before the contract drama, there were plenty of questions about Shemar Stewart. The defensive end is a textbook example of drafting on potential as opposed to production. Stewart had a staggering low 4.5 sacks over his three-year college career. And while raw counting numbers don’t always tell the complete story, that’s a definite red flag. Stewart’s response: “Just sit back and watch me work. That’s all I gotta say.”
Stewart has also gotten plenty of attention after not participating in the Bengals’ mandatory minicamp because he didn’t have a contract. Another factor will be what happens with Trey Hendrickson. Stewart is expected to be a complementary pass rusher. With Hendrickson, he should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. Without Hendrickson, Stewart might be overwhelmed by the transition to the pros.
Abdul Carter, DE, New York Giants
College: Penn State
Drafted: No. 3 overall
Some experts thought Abdul Carter was the top prospect in the draft. So, it was somewhat curious that he was picked third behind Cam Ward and Travis Hunter. Carter is the best incoming pure pass rusher since fellow Penn State alum Micah Parsons in 2021. That’s a lofty standard to live up to considering Parsons’ production (52.5 sacks in 63 games). Carter added to the pressure when he asked to wear Lawrence Taylor’s No. 56. Thankfully, that will not happen.
No one expects Carter to resurrect the Giants by himself. However, he’s expected to be a disruptive force. Being just average in the Greater New York City area will not cut it. If other lower-picked push rushers are better, there will be questions.
James Pearce Jr., DE, Atlanta Falcons
College: Tennessee
Drafted: No. 26 overall
James Pearce Jr. was one of the biggest draft-day surprises for numerous reasons. The Tennessee pass rusher was expected to be picked in the second round, but the Atlanta Falcons made a shocking trade with the L.A. Rams to pick up a second first-round pick to select Pearce. The Falcons had already taken an edge rusher at No. 15 in Jalon Walker. Desperate Atlanta doubled down. Getting to the quarterbacks has been an issue for years with the Falcons (31 sacks in 2024, second-fewest in the league).
If Pearce is great, management will look smart. The Falcons are trying to dethrone the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and all their offensive weapons. If Pearce underachieves, this will be a huge mistake.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
College: Boise State
Drafted: No. 6 overall
Now that Tom Brady is reportedly running the Raiders, his first-ever pick is going to be under scrutiny. On paper, Ashton Jeanty might be considered the safest pick in the draft. He’s an electric, big-play threat who can fit in any system. Jeanty joins a team that desperately needs him to be great. Las Vegas had the worst rushing offense in the league (79.8 yards per game).
Jeanty has fresh legs and will play for a head coach, Pete Carroll, who loves to run the ball. The Raiders don’t have many weapons other than tight end Brock Bowers. That focus will be on Jeanty in this Chip Kelly offense. He must be a Rookie of the Year candidate for Las Vegas to compete in the AFC West.
Travis Hunter, WR-CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
College: Colorado
Drafted: No. 2 overall
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ new regime boldly traded up to select the biggest star of the draft. Either this will be hailed as a landmark decision or a massive miscalculation. Travis Hunter is a talented curiosity because we’re still not sure how his two-way skills will translate to the NFL. It’s one thing to play cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado. It’s another to pull off double duty in the pros.
Initially, it looks like Hunter will start primarily as a wide receiver. He should benefit greatly by playing with fellow wideout Brian Thomas Jr. Rookie head coach Liam Coen expects Hunter to be a difference-maker. Anything short of that will be a disappointment. Assuming Hunter gets most of his snaps on offense, anything on defense will be a bonus.