- Jaxson Dart played like a first-round pick: The Giants quarterback tossed four big-time throws to only one turnover-worthy play, potentially setting himself up to start earlier than expected.
- The Chargers may have two gems in their secondary: Both Eric Rogers and R.J. Mickens flashed potential during the preseason.
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Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
The results of the NFL’s annual preseason usually aren’t much to bat an eye over. But one of the crown jewels of football in August is watching first-year players make their mark, excelling after only a few months of acclimation.
From first-round picks who could become among their position’s top players to underrated depth pieces who may now clamor for more playing time, below is the highest-graded player at every position this preseason. Note that a player had to play at least 25 snaps to qualify.
Quarterback: Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
When the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded in April, Dart’s pick position was one of the focal points. After only three preseason games, the Giants sure must be content to have secured him with the 25th overall selection.
Dart’s 84.7 overall PFF grade and 88.5 PFF passing grade were both the highest among any rookie signal-caller in August. Altogether, the Ole Miss product produced four big-time throws to only one turnover-worthy play, demonstrating elite ball placement and toughness in the pocket despite getting drilled.
Dart earned at least a 67.4 overall PFF grade in all three of his preseason contests, but his finale against the Patriots was especially a gem. In that game, the New York quarterback posted a 93.0 PFF passing grade, completing 12-of-14 passes for three big-time throws and one turnover-worthy play.
Russell Wilson’s leash as the Giants’ QB1 didn’t appear extremely long to begin with, and it assuredly got shorter after how Dart looked to begin his pro career.
Running Back: Donovan Edwards, New York Jets
After an up-and-down career at Michigan, Edwards went undrafted in April. Perhaps the Jets got a steal based on the preliminary results.
Edwards’ 77.7 overall PFF grade and 80.7 PFF rushing grade both led qualified rookie rushers, with the former Wolverine also leading all 60 qualified rushers in PFF rushing grade. Edwards forced three missed tackles across his 26 attempts, and he also moved the chains seven times.
Wide Receiver: Jahdae Walker, Chicago Bears
Much of the focus surrounding the Bears this offseason has gravitated toward a new-look offense, one which features second-round receiver Luther Burden III. But, the Bears may have another dynamic rookie weapon on their hands.
Walker, an undrafted free agent, impressed with an 87.9 overall PFF grade and an 87.0 PFF receiving grade in the preseason. The former Texas A&M Aggie caught eight of his 11 targets for 98 yards and two touchdowns, posting a strong 2.45 yards per route run. Although Walker dropped one of his targets, he did haul in two of four contested catches, which bodes well given his 6-foot-4 frame.
Wide Receiver: Jackson Meeks, Detroit Lions
The Lions’ high-flying offense received major contributions from multiple first-years in August, with third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa the most notable. But as it turns out, Meeks made another eye-popping impression.
Across 108 snaps — the fifth-most for any rookie receiver in August — Meeks churned out an 85.8 overall PFF grade with an 82.0 PFF receiving mark. The Syracuse alum snagged all but one of his 12 targets, averaging a gaudy 16.0 yards per reception and 2.79 yards per route run. Also encouraging were Meeks’ 5.5 yards after the catch per reception and his staggering 88.5 PFF run-blocking grade — the latter of which could potentially foster regular-season playing time, if Meeks were to be elevated from the team's practice squad.
Tight End: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
Although the Colts’ summer was mired in quarterback controversy, one element rarely in question was the impact Warren would make off the bat. His play in the preseason only proliferated his high expectations.
The 14th overall selection played 34 total snaps, registering an 86.8 overall PFF grade — the second-best among all qualified tight ends in August. Warren displayed his receiving prowess with an elite 89.1 PFF receiving grade, averaging a whopping 3.25 yards per route run with a 13.2-yard average depth of target. Further, Warren’s 64.2 PFF run-blocking mark was higher than his 52.8 grade in that department in his last year at Penn State, although the sample size is considerably smaller.
Tackle: Will Campbell, New England Patriots
Like Warren, the Patriots anticipate that Campbell will be a cornerstone along the team’s offensive foundation for years to come. The fellow first-round pick sure looked the part as he forayed into NFL play.
Across 29 offensive snaps, Campbell recorded an 86.2 overall PFF grade. His performance in pass protection was nearly flawless, allowing zero pressures on 15 opportunities without being flagged. Moreover, the fourth overall pick notched an 87.6 PFF run-blocking grade, displaying his ability to move bodies in the run game.
Campbell will get his first legitimate test in Week 1 against Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders, but his pre-draft arm length concerns don’t seem worrisome now.
Guard: Dylan Fairchild, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals entered 2025 in desperate need for improvement at guard, ranking 29th in overall PFF grade at the position a season ago. It is the preseason, but Fairchild could be an instant remedy.
The Georgia product was terrific in August, pacing all qualified rookie offensive linemen with an 87.2 overall PFF grade. Fairchild yielded only one pressure on 30 pass-blocking snaps and complemented that with an 85.4 PFF run-blocking grade.
Any time you can be the second-highest-graded player on the Bengals’ offense — which Fairchild was, trailing only Ja’Marr Chase — that speaks volumes. Cincinnati’s offensive line remains work-in-progress, but the team’s third-round selection is a glimmer of hope.
Center: Willie Lampkin, Los Angeles Rams
Lampkin was one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects, as he recorded an 85.6 overall PFF grade at North Carolina in 2024 but is incredibly undersized at 5-foot-11. So far, Lampkin’s play is continuing to do the talking.
The undrafted free agent flourished for the Rams in August, suiting up on 49 total snaps — with 36 of them coming at center. During that span, Lampkin secured an 81.9 overall PFF grade. More specifically, Lampkin was the only rookie offensive lineman to post an 83.0-plus PFF pass- and run-blocking grade.
Although the Rams let go of Lampkin, he was claimed by the Eagles, which feels like a perfect developmental spot to capitalize on his immense talent.
Guard: Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks
The play of Seattle’s projected starting offensive line was one of the more head-turning aspects during the 2025 preseason. In large part, that unit’s perceived improvement was due to Zabel.
The Seahawks’ first-round pick shined while working at left guard, tying Campbell with an 86.2 overall PFF grade. Zabel also did not surrender a pressure on 17 pass-blocking snaps, and he scored an 82.3 PFF run-blocking grade on his 22 run-blocking plays.
If Zabel extends his high-quality performance into the regular season as expected, Seattle’s offensive line could do an about-face quickly.
Tackle: Brant Banks, Green Bay Packers
Most eyes surrounding the Packers’ preseason offensive line concentrated on former first-round pick Jordan Morgan, who collected a 75.6 overall PFF grade. But Banks was spectacular in his own right.
During his three preseason appearances (in which he played 50 snaps), Banks generated a 76.8 overall PFF grade. The Rice product was consistently great in all three contests, allowing zero pressures on 21 opportunities. He also chipped in with a 69.3 PFF run-blocking grade.
Green Bay returns Rasheed Walker (80.1 PFF pass-blocking grade) as its starting left tackle in 2025, but the Packers continue to churn out developmental pieces like Banks.
Edge Rusher: Jordan Burch, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona attacked its defensive line aggressively this offseason after finishing tied for 30th in team PFF pass-rushing grade a season ago. Burch could add a spark in his inaugural season.
The Cardinals’ third-round pick posted a 90.8 overall PFF grade, which not only was the best among qualified rookie edge rushers, but also tied for third among all edge defenders with 25-plus snaps this preseason. Burch racked up four pressures on only 32 pass-rushing snaps, good for a 14.8% pass-rush win rate.
Although Burch finds himself behind free-agent addition Josh Sweat and Baron Browning on the team’s edge rusher depth chart, his preseason play and pedigree should at least net him rotational snaps in his first year as a pro.
Interior Defender: Yahya Black, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh lays claim to the NFL’s best defensive line, one which got better this offseason via first-round pick Derrick Harmon. The Steelers may have another standout on their hands in Black.
Black put together a highly disruptive preseason, securing an 86.8 overall PFF grade. Staying in black and gold from his time at Iowa, Black made six stops and also added a 78.9 PFF pass-rushing grade. Two of Black’s three pressures were sacks, and his long arms regularly disrupted quarterbacks’ throwing lanes.
The Steelers appear to have their interior defensive line set via Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Harmon, but the team’s fifth-round pick was tough to ignore in August.
Interior Defender: J.R. Singleton, Seattle Seahawks
During his tenure with the Ravens, Mike Macdonald gained a reputation as an interior defensive line whisperer. The Seahawks head coach may have another diamond in the rough in Singleton.
The undrafted free agent tied Black for the rookie interior defender lead with an 86.8 overall PFF grade this August. Singleton was especially effective as a run defender, compiling an 84.9 PFF run-defense grade with five stops and zero missed tackles. He also added four pressures on 35 pass-rushing snaps for good measure.
Seattle returns Leonard Williams and former first-round pick Byron Murphy II, but Singleton — now on the team's practice squad — could gain an inside track to make the team’s roster based on his preseason play.
Edge Rusher: Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Philadelphia Eagles
Even after losing several blue-chip pieces from their Super Bowl-winning roster a season ago, the Eagles have a penchant for reloading with unheralded talent. Powell-Ryland could be the next Philadelphia prospect to keep tabs on.
Philly’s sixth-round pick flashed in August with a 90.2 overall PFF grade. The Virginia Tech product tallied a 90.8 PFF pass-rushing grade on a masterful 17.6% pass-rush win rate, which was the 12th-highest among qualified rookie edge defenders.
It seems unlikely that Powell-Ryland will play much with the team’s starters as a rookie, but he may soon follow the arc of players like Moro Ojomo and Jalyx Hunt.
Linebacker: Jay Higgins, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have a well-documented history at the linebacker position, from Ray Lewis to Roquan Smith. Higgins followed in those footsteps well in August.
The former Iowa standout was a force to be reckoned with in his first preseason, tallying a 90.9 overall PFF grade. Higgins was excellent in several facets of his game — including not missing a tackle, recording three pressures on only 13 pass-rushing snaps and posting an 89.9 PFF coverage grade on 43 coverage snaps.
Baltimore would assuredly like to see more from Trenton Simpson (58.7 overall PFF grade) in his second year as a starter. Higgins, an undrafted free agent who made the team's 53-man roster, could compete for some snaps over the middle.
Linebacker: Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Cleveland Browns
As the Browns look to turn the corner in 2025, they’ll need to better a defense that regressed last season. Players like Mascarenas-Arnold could help in that department.
The former USC Trojan played 97 snaps in the preseason and secured an 87.6 overall PFF grade. Mascarenas-Arnold earned his mark courtesy of standout play against the run, where he was positively graded on 28.2% of snaps — the best among qualified rookie linebackers — and made three stops.
The Browns drafted linebacker Carson Schwesinger in the second round and also brought back both Devin Bush and Jerome Baker, but Mascarenas-Arnold was still good enough to make the team’s active roster.
Cornerback: Eric Rogers, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers fielded one of the NFL’s premier defenses last season, thanks in part to top-notch play from surprising names. Rogers could etch a similar role for himself thanks to an unreal preseason.
Rogers played in just two preseason games for Los Angeles, but he was elite across those 51 snaps. The undrafted free agent recorded a 97.0 overall PFF grade — the highest among any cornerback in a preseason (min. 25 snaps) in PFF history. Rogers secured two interceptions and broke up a pass during his 40 coverage snaps, and also added a stellar 92.6 PFF run-defense grade.
Having secured a spot on the Chargers’ roster, but he could find himself in a position to play earlier than anticipated. The team ushers in two new cornerbacks in Donte Jackson (45.1 PFF coverage grade) and Benjamin St-Juste (46.5) after losing Kristian Fulton.
Safety: Andrew Mukuba, Philadelphia Eagles
One of the few question marks surrounding the Eagles in their quest to repeat is who starts at safety next to Reed Blankenship. The answer may have been revealed during the preseason.
Mukuba, Philadelphia’s second-round pick, flashed with a 95.7 overall PFF grade — the best among any safety to play 25-plus snaps in August. The Texas alum played only 29 snaps, but he permitted only three targets on 17 coverage snaps, with just one being hauled in for a catch. Mukuba snared a pick-six against the Browns and Dillon Gabriel in Week 2, his lone taste of preseason action.
The Eagles’ second safety spot may not be finalized, but Mukuba outplayed Sydney Brown (57.3 overall PFF grade on 60 snaps) in the early going. That should help the rookie’s case to start promptly.
Safety: R.J. Mickens, Los Angeles Chargers
Just as with Rogers and Nikko Reed, the Chargers could boast another hidden treasure in their secondary via Mickens.
The sixth-round pick played 189 snaps in August — the second-most among any rookie safety — and capitalized to the tune of a 90.7 overall PFF grade. The former Clemson Tiger missed only one tackle and broke up three of his nine targets in coverage, meriting an 89.1 PFF coverage grade.
Los Angeles brings back star Derwin James and standout Elijah Molden, but Mickens' preseason was good enough to solidify a roster spot.
Cornerback: Brandon Crossley, New England Patriots
The revamped Patriots are bullish on a defense restocked with talent at multiple positions. Crossley did his part to command attention, even in a talented cornerback room.
The SMU alum posted a 90.1 overall PFF grade over his 78 snaps this August. On 56 coverage snaps, Crossley allowed only four receptions on seven targets for just 29 yards, breaking up a pass in the process. The UDFA also made three stops and forced a fumble.
The Patriots signed Carlton Davis and still boast former first-round pick Christian Gonzalez, which left Crossley released by the team. Still, his preseason play garnered him a spot on New England's practice squad.
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