6 Rookies Under Most Pressure Entering 2025 NFL Training Camp

NFL training camp is not for the weak. Once the pads are on, real football begins. This is the part of the process where players prove or disprove their minicamp hype. 

This next phase in preparation for the 2025 regular season separates the men from the boys.

Let's take a look at the rookies under most pressure heading into the 2025 NFL training camp.  

Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

The Houston Texans selected running back Woody Marks in the fourth round this year to add more juice and versatility to their backfield. 

The USC product is an outstanding weapon out of the backfield. Over his collegiate career, he caught 261 receptions. He will be a good complementary back behind starter Joe Mixon in Houston. 

The pressure is on Marks because the Texans signed former Cleveland Browns All-Pro running back Nick Chubb to a one-year deal. A healthy Chubb and Mixon pairing is a strong rushing duo. 

Where does Marks fit in? He would still be the best pure pass-catcher in the room, but Mixon is a well-versed receiving back out of the backfield. He has 319 receptions over his eight-year career. There’s a chance Marks doesn't receive the snap share initial expectations suggested. 

In training camp, he must prove to the Texans' coaching staff that he is the best option on passing downs.

The 24-year-old should impress them when matched up with a linebacker in coverage, but demonstrating that he is reliable to stay in and protect CJ Stroud will strengthen his case for playing time alongside the two veteran ball-carriers. 

While Marks isn't the starter, there's a role he can play in this offense. But he has to prove his worth when the pads begin to pop next month. 

Nic Scourton, OLB, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

The Carolina Panthers fielded one of the worst defenses in league history last season. They allowed a record-breaking 534 points and the second-most total yards in a season.

They used their cap space and added quality veterans to help solidify their Achilles heel for the 2025 season. In the draft, they added high-ceiling pass-rushers Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton. 

Scourton is the edge-rusher Panthers fans should hope becomes the guy for their defense. His rush plan consists of well-paced and deliberate movement, speed alterations to keep offensive tackles on their toes.

On third downs, this defense needs a "bucket-getter" to pin their ears back and consistently live in the backfield. The Texas A&M product has the ability to do this at a high level.

Being viewed as a reliable edge-setter and containing defender is paramount for his snap share. If he doesn't improve at setting the edge against the run, it will limit how often he plays.

The Panthers' run defense was abysmal last season, allowing 179.4 rush yards per game (worst in the league). Scourton must show he can be a catalyst for their attempted improvement instead of being a liability when the team runs in his direction. 

Training camp is where the 20-year-old's case to be a starter or heavy-minute defender begins. Scourton is talented, but time will tell if he's up to the task of handling the NFL's physicality in the trenches. 

Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Once labeled the No. 1 cornerback prospect for the draft entering the 2024 college football season, Will Johnson fell to the second round due to multiple question marks, such as his top-end speed and long-term health.

After a shortened final college season, the Michigan product battled a lower-body injury. And he has not relieved any worries or anxiety after being drafted.

Johnson has been limited during minicamp due to a hamstring issue, which he dealt with leading up to Michigan's pro day a few months ago during the pre-draft process.

The 22-year-old is expected to be ready for training camp for the NFL teams during this off period. Once back in the lineup, he must display the complete coverage skill set that initially crowned him as a projected first-round pick.

Battling with former Big Ten and Michigan rival Marvin Harrison Jr. will symbolize iron sharpening iron.

Staying healthy will be critical for Johnson throughout training camp and preseason. Make the Cardinals gush with adoration instead of feeling anxiety with buyer's remorse.

Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

The Chicago Bears may be tempted to use the neuralyzer from Men in Black to make everyone forget Caleb Williams' tumultuous rookie season. 

Adding multiple playmakers early in the draft is a significant next step after improving the offensive line. Luther Burden III entered the 2024 college football season as part of the WR1 conversation alongside Tetaiora McMillan.

Burden's season with Missouri was underwhelming, leading to a dip in production and his 2025 NFL draft stock. 

However, the Bears' second-round pick excels as a run-after-catch slot receiver. He understands spacing and getting to his design spots after the snap. He is explosive after the catch and a threat whenever he possesses the football. 

Burden has been absent from the end of OTAs and minicamp due to a soft tissue injury. Head coach Ben Johnson made note of the missed opportunities by not being available.

"He misses a lot," the Chicago HC said. "Anytime you're not out there, if you're in the training room when the rest of the guys are practicing, you're losing valuable time; valuable time with your coaches, reps with your teammates, and the ability to build the trust we're talking about."

Needless to say, the 21-year-old must catch up quickly in training camp. He is also unsigned due to contract disputes over guaranteed money (a theme is building).

Burden doesn’t need a slow start to camp because fans will not be as forgiving, and his coaching staff needs to trust him. 

Shemar Stewart, DE, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo

Shemar Stewart is not wrong in his contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals. He wants his guaranteed money to remain guaranteed instead of offsetting language that provides an out for the club's, well, frugal front office. 

That said, although he is not wrong, his actions come with a hefty price. Let's assume a deal is worked out over the next three to four weeks, and the No. 17 overall pick finally steps onto the practice field as a participant. 

Stewart was viewed as a highly gifted and toolsy defensive prospect. He checked all of the physical boxes, but the box for proven ability was left void. He is a raw defender who needs live reps to develop his game and continue to climb closer to his incredibly high ceiling. 

Missing rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory camp will negatively impact the 21-year-old's learning curve. In training camp, teams prepare for the preseason and the regular season; it's about knowing the playbook and responsibilities within the scheme. Stewart will be playing catch-up on the field due to his absence. 

Despite having supporters right now, if he starts his rookie campaign slowly, blame will be placed on this offseason dispute with the team. He must hit the ground running early in training camp. 

Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

The No. 40 overall pick for the New Orleans Saints has finished his final offseason phase before his quarterback battle with Spencer Rattler hits the critical period in training camp. 

After being selected early in Round 2, the sudden retirement of veteran/starting QB Derek Carr created assumptions that Tyler Shough had the QB1 job locked up. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, though, this is a real QB1 competition. 

"There are people in the building who like Spencer Rattler and want to give him a chance to compete with Shough for the job," he wrote.

Graziano highlighted the improvement shown by the second-year quarterback after a disappointing showing in 2024. 

The pressure is on for Shough to claim the QB1 title for the Saints’ offense. The new front office and coaching staff spent a top-40 pick on Shough, and Rattler was a selection made by the last regime. Shough should have the leg up on his competition. 

Training camp practices will be padded, meaning more contact. Shough’s biggest issue as a prospect was how he handled pressure and the decision-making under it.

Training camp will be the time to prove he is up for the task and ready to lead this franchise back to relevancy and success.