Ten non-first-round picks who showed they can make an impact as rookies in the 2025 NFL season

Copied!

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today’s installment, he highlights 10 NON-first-round rookies who made an impression in August …

The NFL is a meritocracy, with roster spots and playing time earned through exceptional performances in practice and games. Though draft position often determines pole position at the beginning of training camp, the depth chart reflects the daily production of hardworking players who shine under the bright lights.

With the 53-man rosters finally decided after contentious debates between executives, scouts and coaches, this is the perfect time to identify rookies selected outside of the first round who popped in game action over the last month, showing the potential to make an immediate impact on their squads. Here are 10 first-year players acquired after Day 1 — including some who weren’t drafted at all — to keep an eye out for once the 2025 NFL season gets rolling.

Cleveland Browns

Drafted: Round 5, No. 144 overall

A disappointing performance in the preseason finale showcased the warts that led to a draft weekend slide, but it didn’t erase the flashes that suggest Sanders has the talent and potential to develop into an effective NFL quarterback in a traditional pro-style system. The 144th overall pick demonstrated impressive touch, timing and accuracy when playing with the No. 1 unit in the preseason opener against Carolina. Moreover, Sanders displayed poise, patience and precision as he worked through his progressions to drop dimes on a handful of tight-window throws that prompted kudos from coaches, scouts, ex-players and casual observers (like LeBron James). Though his five-sack fiasco against the Los Angeles Rams likely squashed his chances for the QB2 job, he did lock up a roster spot, ultimately making veteran Kenny Pickett expendable. And while Sanders is behind  Dillon Gabriel  for the moment, we know from past history that Cleveland tends to present ample opportunities for every QB in a uniform to see the field.

New England Patriots

Drafted: Round 2, No. 38 overall

 The Ohio State product is as explosive as advertised with the ball in his hands. Henderson housed a 100-yard kickoff return in his preseason debut and added another score on an 8-yard scamper in Week 2, showcasing his explosive speed, quickness and burst on the edges. With the Patriots focused on upgrading the talent and playmaking potential around Drake Maye, the electrifying running back with blazing speed (he clocked a 4.43-second 40-yard dash) is poised to play a major role as a multidimensional playmaker slotted in as the RB2 behind Rhamondre Stevenson.

Read More