Eric Rogers
Getty
LA Chargers CB Eric Rogers
The first week of the 2025 NFL Preseason is in the books, with the Los Angeles Chargers defeating the New Orleans Saints, 27-13.
With most eyes on first-round pick Omarion Hampton and second-round pick Tre Harris, other rookies in the 2025 NFL rookie class were able to stand out against the Saints.
Sixth-round safety RJ Mickens and undrafted free agent cornerback Eric Rogers were both named in the top 4 of top-rated rookies in preseason week 1 by Pro Football Focus. Rogers was the highest-rated rookie, with Mickens in the 4th spot. The cornerback received a 96.6 overall grade, while the safety received a 93 grade, respectively.
“Rogers graded out as the best defensive player over the weekend, leading all cornerbacks in PFF run-defense grade (92.6) and PFF coverage grade (95.3). Rogers made plays all afternoon, recording a pass breakup and two interceptions, one of which he turned into a 43-yard pick-six,” Lauren Gray wrote for PFF for the Rutgers product.
“Mickens tied for the position lead in PFF tackling grade (85.7) and tied for the third-best PFF coverage grade (90.4) with fellow rookie Kitan Crawford. He was targeted twice in coverage against the Saints and allowed one catch for only 5 yards,” Gray said of Mickens.
Rogers Interceptions In Preseason
Eric Rogers
GettyEric Rogers (left) played 2 seasons at Rutgers
Coming from Rutgers, Eric Rogers didn’t have many interceptions in his five-season collegiate career. He played three seasons at Northern Illinois, logging only two interceptions, before transferring to Rutgers, where he had only one interception.
The CB recorded two interceptions (one of which was returned for a Pick-6) in the first preseason game of the season.
“The pick 6, that was as good a play as I’ve ever seen,” Harbaugh said, via the Chargers webite. “As good a play as you can make. The break on the ball, the avoid of the receiver, completing the catch to the ground,” Harbaugh added. “Then getting back up and he was rolling.”
“Quite a big day by him. Really incredible.”
Unfortunately for Rogers, he appears to have suffered a leg injury as the player was seen with crutches after the game.
RJ Mickens
RJ Mickens
GettyLos Angeles Chargers safety RJ Mickens
PFF highlighted the former Clemson Tiger, only giving up five receiving yards on two targets against the New Orleans Saints.
The sixth-round pick was able to showcase in talent during the team’s training camp and now on the field.
“On the first play, Mickens was in coverage on [Los Angeles Rams] tight end McCallan Castles near the right sideline. Castles ran an out route. Mickens broke hard on the route from depth. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke delivered an accurate ball, and Castles made the initial catch. But Mickens jarred the ball loose with a violent punch, forcing the incompletion,” The Athletic’s Daniel Popper said of Mickens in training camp.
In the Hall of Fame game, the safety forced a fumble and had a pass deflection. With how he has been performing so far, Mickens is cementing a spot on the roster for week 1.