The 2025 NFL regular season is entering its final stretch, and with less than a month remaining, the league's highly touted rookie class has finally logged enough meaningful snaps to allow real evaluation. First-round picks arrive with massive expectations, and while patience remains critical, teams now have a clearer picture of which prospects are already delivering impact.

These rookie grades are not final verdicts. Instead, they reflect performance through roughly three-quarters of the season, factoring in team context, role, usage, and overall contribution. The NFL views rookie development as a multi-year process, but early returns matter, especially for franchises weighing roster construction, fifth-year options, and long-term planning.

After evaluating film, production, and situational impact, here's a closer look at several standout first-round rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts (Grade: A+)

Tyler Warren has wasted no time establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Colts' offense. The rookie tight end has already emerged as Indianapolis' most reliable receiving weapon, consistently creating mismatches over the middle of the field.

Warren's size, body control, and route versatility make him exceptionally difficult to cover between the hashes. He has become a go-to option on third downs and a dependable red-zone finisher, accelerating the Colts' passing game and validating his elite draft status.

Jalon Walker, EDGE, Atlanta Falcons (Grade: A+)

Speed remains one of the most dangerous traits in the NFL, and Jalon Walker has turned his explosiveness into a weekly nightmare for opposing offenses. The Falcons' rookie edge defender consistently overwhelms offensive tackles with a lightning-quick first step, flexibility around the corner, and a relentless motor.

Walker's impact extends beyond sack totals. His ability to collapse pockets, disrupt timing, and force hurried decisions has fundamentally altered Atlanta's defensive front and elevated the unit's overall ceiling.

James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Atlanta Falcons (Grade: A)

Atlanta struck gold twice on the edge. James Pearce Jr. has delivered exactly what scouts projected, leading all rookies with eight sacks entering the season's final month.

Pearce wins early with elite burst and refined speed-rush moves, and his improving counter game suggests even more upside ahead. He has quickly established himself as a dependable quarterback hunter and a consistent matchup problem for opposing offensive lines.

Tyler Booker, G, Dallas Cowboys (Grade: A)

The Cowboys selected Tyler Booker to reestablish a physical identity in the trenches, and the Alabama product has delivered. Booker dominates at the point of attack, routinely driving defenders backward and setting a punishing tone for Dallas' offense.

His power, leverage, and competitive edge have brought a renewed edge to the Cowboys' run game and interior protection, positioning Booker as a long-term foundation piece along the offensive line.

Will Campbell, OT, New England Patriots (Grade: A)

Before landing on injured reserve with an MCL sprain, Will Campbell looked every bit like New England's franchise left tackle. Tasked with protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye's blind side, Campbell played with poise, strength, and advanced technique.

He silenced pre-draft concerns about his transition to the NFL and showed the Patriots they have a long-term solution at one of the game's most valuable positions once he returns to full health.