Apr 25, 2025; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders first round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Ashton Jeanty, speaks to the media at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Rookies with the best combination of support and opportunity are primed to rise early in their careers.
Others might have a more difficult path to making a splash in Year One — but it’s not impossible. For example, 2024’s No. 6 pick, Malik Nabers, outperformed No. 4 pick Marvin Harrison Jr. as a rookie despite a revolving door at quarterback.
And No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels — even No. 12 selection Bo Nix — often looked like the better quarterbacks than No. 1 Caleb Williams, never mind Chicago’s best effort to stack the skill positions to help their top pick thrive.
Here’s a peek at five players drafted into ideal situations for an impactful rookie season:
No. 6 RB Ashton Jeanty, Raiders
Las Vegas pulled the equivalent of trading a Chevette for a Corvette, upgrading the NFL’s most milquetoast running game with the top available offseason talent. Head coach Pete Carroll centers his game plan around running the rock, and Jeanty will be a major part of that identity. Former NFL players have drawn comparisons to Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith.
No. 10 TE Colston Loveland, Bears
Loveland is a luxury of sorts in Chicago, where he’s part of an offense populated by three other top-10 picks. A speed threat down the seam capable of lining up out wide, Loveland will give defenses fits because of the scheme the Bears now employ under head coach Ben Johnson. He’s technically the No. 2 tight end behind Cole Kmet.
No. 15 TE Tyler Warren, Colts
Nov 9, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) jumps over top of the Washington Huskies defense and into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images We don’t know for certain it will be Anthony Richardson throwing passes to Warren, but his size and catch radius are critical assets given Richardson’s scattershot accuracy (under 45% completions last season). But as some of the greats at the quarterback position have said, a quality tight end can be a passer’s best friend. Warren is capable of emerging as a security blanket for Richardson or Daniel Jones.
No. 20 CB Jahdae Barron, Broncos
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (DB04) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images Sudden, with long speed and a sturdy frame at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Barron was timed at 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine and was Denver’s pick because of his versatility. Already part of a group built on swagger, Barron is a foundational starter who carries minimal pressure as the sidekick to All-Pro Patrick Surtain Jr.
No. 21 DT Derrick Harmon, Steelers
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (DL15) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images We pointed out on draft day that Harmon was arguably the most overlooked defensive player in the class because of his combination of size, power and agility. He’s a better pass rusher than Mason Graham, whose size is a limiting factor. The Browns-Steelers rivalry could become a painful reminder for Cleveland if Harmon realizes his full potential.
He’s the total package.
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