Rookie-only roster: How would a team made up of first-year players fare in the NFL?

With the 2025 draft class now locked in, DAZN News has assembled the strongest possible starting lineup made up entirely of first-year players and asked the question: Could a team comprising entirely of rookies hold it's own against an NFL team?

Offense

This offense was built around the NFL's most commonly used personnel package—'11 personnel'—featuring one quarterback, one running back, three wide receivers, one tight end, and five offensive linemen.

Quarterback

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

This decision was a no-brainer. Ward is the only quarterback expected to begin the season as a starter, played in a pro-style offense in college, and was the first overall pick as the consensus top quarterback in the draft.

Running back

Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

Omarion Hampton might be the only other running back in the conversation, but this choice was clear. Jeanty is arguably the most talented running back to enter the league since Saquon Barkley in 2018 and should see a heavy workload in the Raiders' offense.

Wide receiver

Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

Tetairoa McMillan Carolina Panthers

Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hunter may forfeit offensive snaps for a minor role on the defense, but he and the big-bodied McMillan were clear-cut picks as the top two wide receivers in this class. The only real debate for the third spot was between Egbuka and Packers receiver Matthew Golden. While Golden finished strong in the college playoffs, Egbuka's overall body of work was more impressive—and his experience in the slot makes him a more natural fit for this offense.

Tight end

Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

This two-horse race came down to the Warren and the Chicago Bears' Colston Loveland. Loveland was selected four picks ahead of Warren and may possess more upside as a receiver. However, Warren has a superior all-around skill set and profiles as a superior blocker.

Left tackle

Will Campbell, New England Patriots

Arguably the most talented offensive lineman in the draft—and the first selected in the draft—Campbell's athleticism, aggressiveness, and experience give him the potential to become one of the elite left tackles in the NFL.

Left guard

Donovan Jackson, Minnesota Vikings

Jackson played left tackle in 2024 due to injuries to others but was exclusively a left guard for the two seasons prior. He allowed only four sacks in three years as a starter.

Center

Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks

Zabel was an offensive tackle in 2024 but spent ample time at other offensive line spots, and I'm confident he would find his feet quickly at guard. The North Dakota product has the potential to be elite in pass protection.

Right guard

Tyler Booker, Dallas Cowboys

Booker is arguably a better fit at left guard but started at right guard in a handful of games and has the versatility to adjust to a position switch. He has room to improve as a run blocker but surrendered zero sacks in 2024.

Right tackle

Armond Membou, New York Jets

I prefer Kelvin Banks' height, but Membou has better body control and footwork. Equally adept as a run and pass blocker, Membou allowed zero sacks and achieved a 90.6 PFF grade in 2024—the third-highest mark among all draft-eligible offensive linemen.

Defense

This defense was based on the 4-2-5 nickel formation—the most commonly used defensive formation in the league—featuring four defensive linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs.

Defensive Tackle

Mason Graham, Cleveland Browns

Walter Nolen, Arizona Cardinals

Passing over Derrick Harmon wasn't a simple call because he offers a high ceiling as a pass rusher. Still, Graham and Nolen earned the nod thanks to their more versatile skill sets. Graham's quick first step and strength make him a consistent playmaker, and Nolen already excels against the run with the upside to become a pass-rushing force.

Edge rusher

Abdul Carter, New York Giants

James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Carter was considered the top defensive prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft and an easy choice for the all-rookie team. He has a legitimate chance to hit double-digit sacks as a rookie. While two edge rushers were drafted ahead of Pearce, his polished pass-rushing ability gives him the edge over more developmental talents like Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker.

Linebacker

Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles

Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns

Campbell brings the ideal size, explosive athleticism, and versatility to develop into a reliable three-down off-ball linebacker quickly. Schwesinger may be short on experience, but he made the most of his lone season as a full-time starter, showing real promise.

Safety

Malaki Starks, Baltimore Ravens

Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks

Starks is a rangy, instinctive playmaker with the flexibility to line up at deep safety or slide into the slot. Emmanwori offers a more physical style, thriving near the line of scrimmage and making an impact in run support. The newest member of the Seahawks certainly turned heads at the NFL Combine. 

Cornerback

Jahdae Barron, Denver Broncos

Will Johnson, Arizona Cardinals

Trey Amos, Washington Commanders

Barron emerged as one of the most improved cornerbacks in 2024, recording five interceptions and nine pass breakups. His experience in the slot makes him a strong fit for this defense. Johnson brings excellent pre-snap recognition and instincts—traits worthy of a first-round pick if not for lingering injury concerns. Choosing Trey Amos over higher-drafted corners like Maxwell Hairston or Benjamin Morrison might raise eyebrows, but his physicality, length, and standout play last season earned him the spot.

Conclusion

While this rookie lineup boasts elite prospects with mouthwatering potential, their lack of experience leaves no doubt that they would struggle against more experienced NFL starters. Adjusting to the NFL is no small task, and even the most talented prospects need time to find their footing.

Still, with the proper coaching and time to develop, give this team a matchup against a struggling team late in the season—and a degree of luck—and they might pull off an upset.

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