9 NFL Rookies Already Looking Like Draft Day Steals Ahead of 2025 Season

The 2025 NFL preseason is finally underway, which means that many fans are getting their first real looks at their favorite teams' newest rookies.

It's important not to overreact to how rookies have performed during the summer, but those who thrive in training camps, joint practices, scrimmages and preseason games often go on to do so in the regular season. And while that's the expectation for highly drafted rookies, mid-to-late-round draft picks can become stars too.

Here, we'll look at nine rookies selected in Round 3 or later who already look like draft-day steals based on offseason buzz, camp and/or preseason performances and projected roles.

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Drafted: Round 4 (No. 136)

When the Tennessee Titans used a fourth-round pick on Stanford's Elic Ayomanor, they landed a 6'2", 210-pound receiver with good straight-line quickness (4.44-second 40-yard dash). Of course, succeeding in the NFL requires more than just an impressive combination of size and speed.

However, Ayomanor appears to have a lot more to offer than measurables. He was recently spotted using his athleticism and route skills to shine in joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ayomanor was already "shining" back in June, one source told Bleacher Report's Dame Parson, and he was listed as a backup to Van Jefferson on Tennessee's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason.

It won't be a surprise to see Ayomanor supplant Jefferson for the starting perimeter role opposite Calvin Ridley by the time the regular season rolls around. At the very least, he appears likely to become one of Cam Ward's favorite targets at some point during the upcoming campaign.

Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Drafted: Round 5 (No. 166)

The Seattle Seahawks revamped their offense this offseason, trading away quarterback Geno Smith and wideout DK Metcalf before releasing Tyler Lockett. Seattle signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Cooper Kupp to help support new quarterback Sam Darnold, but a surprising rookie may become one of its top playmakers.

Fifth-round pick and Colorado State product Tory Horton has made quite a bit of noise in training camp.

"A wise man, Steve Smith Sr., once said, 'Rookies need to make a play a day to make a name for themselves,'" head coach Mike Macdonald said, per John Boyle of the team's official website. "He's doing that. He's making multiple plays every day."

Horton's momentum continued against the Las Vegas Raiders in his preseason debut. The 6'2", 196-pound pass-catcher played during the first half and hauled in three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. If he continues to impress, he should have a chance to move past Valdes-Scantling as Seattle's No. 3 receiver.

Jarquez Hunter, RB, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Drafted: Round 4 (No. 117)

The Los Angeles Rams have a quality starting back in Kyren Williams, who was recently signed to a three-year extension. However, it pays to have backfield depth, and L.A. may have found a gem in former Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter.

With a compact 5'9", 204-pound frame and 4.44 speed, Hunter has a terrific blend of speed and power. It also appears that he's managed to pick up the Rams offense very quickly.

"He's a young man that's very focused on making sure he's doing exactly what we need him to do in order for him to take that next step," running backs coach Ron Gould said, per Wyatt Miller of the Rams' official website. "And then I was just very surprised at how quickly he picked up everything."

According to Brock Vierra of SI.com, Hunter showcased "impressive stuff" during joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys, especially in the red zone. Hunter may not become a rookie star in the mold of Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton, but he might supplant Blake Corum as L.A.'s No. 2 back and quickly become a key contributor.

Keandre Lambert-Smith, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Drafted: Round 5 (No. 158

The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2025 offseason needing to improve their receiver depth. During the draft, they used a second-round pick on Mississippi receiver Tre Harris before coming back and drafting Auburn's Keandre Lambert-Smith in Round 5.

Many fans (and fantasy enthusiasts) are expecting big things from Harris as a rookie. However, his draft mate has generated plenty of in-house buzz during training camp.

Lambert-Smith certainly has the physical tools to make an early impact. With a 6'1", 190-pound frame and 4.37-second speed, he can generate mismatches as a perimeter target. He flashed that ability against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game, catching two passes for 43 yards and a touchdown.

Don't be shocked if Lambert-Smith pushes Harris, Quentin Johnston and the recently re-signed Keenan Allen for playing time next to Ladd McConkey this season.

Arian Smith, WR, New York Jets

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Drafted: Round 4 (No. 110)

The New York Jets are hoping that free-agent addition Justin Fields can put a stop to their never-ending quarterback carousel. The Ohio State product has yet to establish himself as a reliable NFL starter, but he has shown promise. The Jets, meanwhile, took steps this offseason to improve his supporting cast.

New York added pass-catchers Tyler Johnson and Josh Reynolds in free agency before drafting offensive tackle Armand Membou in Round 1 and tight end Mason Taylor in Round 2. Fourth-round pick Arian Smith was more of an afterthought in the spring, though he's certainly in the spotlight now.

Smith's combination of length (6'0", 179 lbs) and speed (4.36-second 40-yard dash) drew attention during the predraft process, but so did his history of drops. In camp, though, drops haven't been much of an issue.

According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, Smith has "stood out, making plays against starters and backups," during camp while working to stymie his drop issue. If he keeps trending in the right direction, he should soon become a dangerous field-stretching weapon for New York's new quarterback.

Jared Wilson, OL, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Drafted: Round 3 (No. 95)

The New England Patriots appear to have found their quarterback in 2024 first-round pick Drake Maye. Despite playing with one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL, Maye managed to be a Pro Bowl alternate as a rookie.

One of New England's biggest priorities this offseason was improving the line in front of Maye. Fourth overall pick Will Campbell is well on his way to locking down the all-important left tackle spot. However, he isn't the only rookie who could start this season.

Third-round pick  Jared Wilson has been a pleasant surprise for New England. He was listed as a third-string center on the team's first unofficial depth chart. However, he's impressed enough in camp to challenge for a starting job—possibly replacing Cole Strange at left guard—between now and Week 1.

"For a rookie, he’s just really good,' fellow lineman Caedan Wallace said, per Sophie Weller of Patriots Wire. "The way he moves. The way he protects in the pass game and the way he gets off the ball in the run game. It’s admirable."

Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Drafted: Round 7 (No. 228)

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to regroup after a decisive loss in Super Bowl LIV. They're heading into the 2025 season with two essential goals: Improve Patrick Mahomes' pass protection and bring some explosiveness back to the offense.

Rookie first-round pick Josh Simmons should help with the first task, as the Ohio State product already appears poised to start at left tackle. Rookie seventh-round pick Brashard Smith may play a surprisingly large role in the latter goal.

Smith's compact (5'10", 194 lbs) frame, pass-catching ability and 4.37-second speed make him an ideal chess piece for Andy Reid's offense. He's flashed that potential during camp.

"Chiefs have never had a back this polished as a route runner," Christian Ainsworth of Arrowhead Addict posted on X. "Mismatch nightmare brewing."

Even as a change-of-pace or dedicated receiving back, Smith can add a new quick-strike element to Kansas City's offense. That would make him a massive draft bargain.

Cody Simon, LB, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photoo/Ross D. Franklin

Drafted: Round 4 (No. 115)

Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon really hasn't even had an above-average defense since taking over as the Arizona Cardinals head coach two offseasons ago. However, Arizona made moves to change that this year. Those moves included signing Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson before drafting  Walter Nolen III and Will Johnson.

While Arizona's marquee signings and top draft picks are expected to contribute right away, the defense may also get an early boost from fourth-round rookie Cody Simon. The Ohio State product has impressed coaches and handled important responsibilities during his first training camp.

"He's taken on the responsibility of wearing the green dot, which has added to the steep learning curve that comes with a player's first year in the NFL, but Gannon has praised Simon's ability to learn quickly from his mistakes," ESPN's Josh Weinfuss wrote.

Though Simon was listed as a second-stringer on the Cardinals' first unofficial depth chart, he has a great chance to earn a starting gig by the end of the preseason.

Danny Stutsman, LB, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Drafted: Round 4 (No. 112)

The New Orleans Saints kicked off a rebuild this offseason with a new head coach in Kellen Moore and a new quarterback. Following Derek Carr's retirement, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough are engaged in an open QB competition.

While most fans will be tracking the quarterback battle and the development of rookie offensive tackle  Kelvin Banks Jr., they should keep an eye on fourth-round rookie Danny Stutsman.

The Oklahoma product brings a great combination of size (6'3", 233 lbs.) and athleticism, and he's adapted quickly to the pro game. According to Luke Johnson of NOLA.com, Stutsman has worn the green dot in training camp and repeatedly made splash plays:

"The closing speed is evident, with Stutsman often arriving with violence to close down open lanes in the run game. He has shown a knack for playmaking in space, with a red-zone interception of quarterback Spencer Rattler and another leaping pass deflection in a recent practice."

As a rookie, Stutsman may be stuck behind standout veteran Demario Davis, but the rookie has the potential to be New Orleans' defensive field general of the future.