"2025 NFL Newcomers to Keep an Eye On"
Top Rookies to Watch in the 2025 NFL Season
As the 2025/26 NFL season approaches, excitement is building, with betting on rookie prospects available at DraftKings and FanDuel. Here are some of the top rookies to keep an eye on:
Offense
- Ashton Jeanty, running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, was a typical first-round draft pick with speed, power, and great pass protection. However, his biggest threat is injury.
- Tory Horton, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, was selected in the 166th pick and is known for his play-making ability, particularly in gaining yards after catch (YAC).
- Travis Hunter, a versatile player for the Jacksonville Jaguars, won the Heisman, Biletnikoff, and Bednarik Awards. Despite his accolades, he faces challenges with stamina, durability, and learning playbooks on both ends of the field.
Defense
- Abdul Carter, defensive end for the New York Giants, is the clear favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year with odds of +200. Other rookies listed have longer odds but are also considered top contenders based on betting activity.
- Jihaad Campbell, linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, brings elite instincts and impressive coverage skills to the team. However, he entered the season recovering from a pre-draft injury, which may limit his early workload.
- Mykel Williams, defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, was drafted 11th overall and aims to earn a starting role and become a reliable presence in pass-rush situations.
- Tory Horton, cornerback for the Chicago Bears, has struggled against some starting cornerbacks in college, which could be a concern for his performance in the NFL.
Competition for Roles
- Colston Loveland, tight end for the Chicago Bears, will be competing for the TE role against Cole Kmet. He has reliable hands, strong route management, and great YAC ability. However, he lacks on the defensive end of the TE role, with his lack of blocking consistency being noted as one of his weaknesses.
Rebuild Situation
- Cam Ward, quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, was drafted in the first round and is in a rebuild situation, with limited offensive line talent and few receiving weapons.
Betting on Rookies
Betting on rookies is high risk, but the betting odds for these rookies are long, and there are lots of high-value futures to be had. Here are the top betting odds for the leading rookies to watch in the 2025 NFL season, particularly for Defensive Rookie of the Year:
| Player | Position | Odds | |------------------|----------|----------| | Abdul Carter | DE | +200 | | Jalon Walker | LB | +850 | | Travis Hunter | CB | +1000 | | Mykel Williams | DE | +1000 | | Mike Green | DE | +1400 | | Mason Graham | DT | +1400 | | Jihaad Campbell | LB | +1400 | | Shemar Stewart | DE | +1900 | | James Pearce Jr. | LB | +1900 | | Malaki Starks | S | +1900 |
For Offensive Rookie of the Year, Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton are the most bet on, indicating strong bettor confidence, though exact odds are not fully specified.
Additional Context
These odds reflect data updated as of early August 2025 from multiple sportsbooks including BetMGM and FanDuel.
[1] Odds and betting information courtesy of BetMGM and FanDuel.
[2] Odds and betting information obtained from Oscar Dobbins, sports journalist who covers the NFL.
In the upcoming 2025 NFL season, Ashton Jeanty, the running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, is generating significant interest due to his draft position and versatile skills, although injury remains a potential concern. Meanwhile, Tory Horton, the wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, has impressive yards-after-catch ability but may struggle against talented NFL cornerbacks.
In the defensive category, Abdul Carter, the defensive end for the New York Giants, is favored for Defensive Rookie of the Year, while Tory Horton, also a cornerback for the Chicago Bears, faces challenges from his college performance against top-tier cornerbacks.
