2025 NFL Rookie of the Year watch: Early favourites and outside contenders

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the rearview, but with rookie minicamps getting underway, fans and analysts are already debating which first-year players could walk away with end-of-year honours.

In this early look, DAZN News breaks down and ranks a mix of the early favourites and under-the-radar names who could walk away with offensive and defensive Rookie of the Year awards.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

2. Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

3. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

4. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

5. Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Ashton Jeanty, selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, has an excellent chance to dominate the league as a rookie. The Raiders finished last among all 32 teams in rushing attempts and yards last season. Still, with new quarterback Geno Smith set to direct a more efficient attack and an up-tempo offense directed by new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Jeanty - who will contribute as a runner and receiver - could post monster numbers.

Quarterbacks and wide receivers have dominated the last six Offensive Rookie of the Year winners, with players like Jayden Daniels, C.J. Stroud, Garrett Wilson, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Herbert, and Kyle Murray taking home the coveted award.

Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could keep that streak going, but with an offensive line barely upgraded from the 2024 group, which allowed the fifth-most sacks (52), and questionable receiving talent for Ward to throw to, the newest member of the Titans is expected to endure an uneven year as he acclimates to the NFL.

Tetaroia McMillan, the first receiver selected in the draft by the Carolina Panthers eighth overall, could lead the Panthers in targets and yards, making him an outside shot to upset Jeanty and Ward's chances. He will pair with ascending quarterback Bryce Young to form what could become a dynamic offensive duo. As an excellent red-zone threat, McMillan could even post double-digit touchdowns.

Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman winner widely regarded as a generational talent, has the skillset to become one of the most gifted NFL players ever. However, rumours suggest the former Colorado star may earn only 80% of the offensive snaps because his two-way abilities mean the Jacksonville Jaguars intend to feature him on defense. Should that happen, the second overall pick may struggle to keep pace with the three players already mentioned.

The second back selected in the 1st Round of the draft, Omarion Hampton, has every chance to thrive in the Chargers high-powered, run-first offense. He will undoubtedly lead the Chargers in carries but will likely concede opportunities to Najee Harris, who the Bolts signed in free agency.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

1. Abdul Carter, EDGE, New York Giants

2. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

3. Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos

4. Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Brown

5. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Atlanta Falcons

Edge rushers or cornerbacks have won nine of the last 10 Defensive Rookie of the Year awards . There are players with the skill set and opportunity to upset that trend, but it just so happens that the earliest player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft who is guaranteed to play exclusively on defense - edge rusher Abdul Carter - is also arguably the most talented.

As the clear frontrunner to lead all rookies in sacks, the first-team Associated Press All-American is as explosive as they come, with athleticism in spades. The Giants boast an impressive group of edge rushers comprising Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, so the only slight question mark hanging over Carter is whether he'll receive sufficient playing time to maximise his production.

Campbell joins a highly talented Eagles linebacker group, which includes 2024 standout Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. Baun will undoubtedly play a full-time role, but Dean is in a contract year and is still recovering from a significant knee injury. The draft capital Campbell received as the first linebacker selected in the draft at 31st overall gives him a clear advantage over Dean in the pecking order, even if Dean recovers mid-season.

Barron, the first cornerback selected in the draft by the Broncos with the 18th pick, joins one of the NFL's best defenses and will benefit from playing on the opposite sideline to 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II . Barron is likely to be peppered with targets as opposition quarterbacks avoid throwing Surtain II's way.

The last defensive tackle to take home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors was Aaron Donald in 2014, so the likelihood Graham will follow suit is slim. However, Graham will be flanked by one of the best edge rushers in the league, Myles Garrett, whose presence will mean Graham sees the one-on-one opportunities necessary to showcase the disruptive abilities that led to the Browns making him the 5th overall selection in the draft.

James Pearce Jr. is one the best pure pass rushers in the draft, and he fills a significant need for the Falcons, whose edge group was underwhelming in 2024. Still, after selecting Jalon Walker in the 1st Round of the draft, and with Arnold Ebiketie and new arrival Leonard Floyd set to join the edge rotation, it's doubtful Pearce will see sufficient snaps unless an injury befalls his competition in the Falcons' edge group. His lean frame may mean he only plays on obvious passing downs.

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