Quarterback
Jaxson Dart / NYG (Round 1)
In Dart’s first career start against the division rival Cowboys, he ended the season with his first consecutive win (and the only one of the year for NYG). He threw for 230 yards and added two touchdowns to his season total (24), which leads all rookies by a mile.
Honorable Mention: Riley Leonard / IND
Running Back
Jaydon Blue / DAL (Round 5)
Blue nearly doubled his season total in both carries and yards in the loss to the Giants. He led all rookies with runs of 10+ yards with four and was the only rookie back with a rush of over 15 yards.
Honorable Mention: Woody Marks (HOU)
Wide Receiver
Jahdae Walker / CHI (UDFA)
It was a quiet week for the rookie receivers. It was the right time to highlight one of the top undrafted rookies in the class. Walker caught two passes for 36 yards and a touchdown, his second one in three weeks after not having a ball thrown his way for the first 15 weeks.
Honorable Mention: Pat Bryant / DEN
Tight End
Colston Loveland / CHI (Round 1)
Loveland was the rookie class’ leader in both catches and yards. He caught 10 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown, his sixth of the year and second one in two weeks.
Honorable Mention: Keleki Latu / BUF
Offensive Tackle
Josh Conerly / WAS (Round 1)
Conerly progressively improved all season but his tape against Philadelphia in week 18 may have been the best protection I have seen out of him this season. Zero pressures allowed and no penalties against this kind of defense, starters or not, is wildly impressive. It was the third time this year he has put together a stat line like that.
Honorable Mention: Will Campbell / NE
Guard/Center
Grey Zabel / SEA (Round 1)
In a huge game for the number one seed against the division rival 49ers, Zabel and the Seattle offensive line brought the heat up front. They pushed the San Francisco defensive front seven around with ease.
Honorable Mention: Donovan Jackson / MIN
Edge
James Pearce / ATL (Round 1)
Pearce was the only rookie to take down the quarterback twice which is fitting, as he led all rookies with sacks over the season. Remember, Atlanta traded their 2026 first round pick away for Pearce and it is safe to say that are pleased with the price.
Honorable Mention: Abdul Carter / NYG
Defensive Tackle
Jamaree Caldwell / LAC (Round 3)
Caldwell played a tough, gritty game for the Chargers as he made two tackles at the the point of attack and added a pressure from the nose tackle spot. He does a lot of dirty work and it takes the tape to prove how valuable he is.
Honorable Mention: Tonka Hemingway / LV
Linebacker
Marlowe Wax / LAC (UDFA)
In the first action of the year, Wax made a statement. The undrafted free agent out of Syracuse had seven tackles which included three stops. One of those went for a loss and he also added a pressure.
Honorable Mention: Demetrius Knight Jr. / CIN
Cornerback
Alijah Huzzie / HOU (UDFA)
Yet another undrafted free agent who made a loud statement in his first game of his career. The Texans are already loaded on defense (number one unit in the NFL) and Huzzle may have proved he deserves a spot in the playoffs. He intercepted a Riley Leonard pass and came up with three stops.
Honorable Mention: Nohl Williams / KC
Safety
Xavier Watts / ATL (Round 3)
Watts made his name known this year for the turnovers forced but he is also a very sound and active tackler. His 10 tackles in week 18 led all rookies and he broke up his fourth pass of the year.
Honorable Mention: Dante Trader Jr. / MIA