"With one week and only a few meaningful regular-season games left in the 2025 NFL regular season, it's the right time to summarize some seasonlong performances. MVPs and All-Pro lists will be debated for the next month, but I wanted to build first- and second-team All-Rookie rosters to highlight standout debut seasons before the playoff field is set and we turn our eyes to the race to Super Bowl LX. Before we get into the picks, a few considerations:"
"All rookies make bad plays. Every single player on this list has made massive mistakes this season. You could easily cut up a lowlight montage that would make me look like an idiot for calling Carson Schwesinger the no-brainer Defensive Rookie of the Year. This list is largely based on the bulk of positive plays, and peak performances are weighed fairly heavily. Optimism is fun with rookies. Believe a little bit!"
"Late-season production is weighted heavier, but early-season performance is not discarded. Should Tyler Shough be penalized for failing to beat out Spencer Rattler in camp, or for quieter performances before his recent surge in production? Probably not. Should Emeka Egbuka be docked for dominating early but losing his starting job to Jalen McMillan over the past month? Still probably not."
First- and second-team All-Rookie rosters were created to highlight standout debut seasons with one week remaining in the 2025 regular season. Every rookie has made notable mistakes, so selections emphasize the bulk of positive plays and peak performances. Late-season production receives greater weight, but early-season contributions are still considered. Examples include Tyler Shough's late surge after camp and Emeka Egbuka's early dominance followed by a lost starting role to Jalen McMillan. Snap counts factor into evaluations, with Walter Nolen III called out for notable rookie pass-rushing productivity.
Read at ESPN.com
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