As we wait for the NFL to officially crown its Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year next week, the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) has already weighed in with their picks - and their selections are worth a closer look. The PFWA, made up of veteran NFL reporters from across the country, has named its top rookies and released its 2025 All-Rookie Team, spotlighting the league’s most impactful first-year players.
Rookie of the Year Honors
At the top of the list is Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who didn’t just earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors - he was also named the overall Rookie of the Year. That’s a strong nod to the kind of season he put together in Carolina, where he quickly became a go-to target and one of the few bright spots in a rebuilding offense. McMillan’s route running, hands, and ability to separate against NFL corners made him a problem all season long.
On the defensive side, Carson Schwesinger, the Cleveland Browns linebacker, took home Defensive Rookie of the Year. Cleveland’s defense was already one of the most physical units in the league, and Schwesinger fit right in.
He played with the kind of sideline-to-sideline range and instincts that made it hard to believe he was a rookie. Plugging into a defense that thrives on aggression and speed, Schwesinger looked like a veteran from the jump.
PFWA 2025 All-Rookie Team
Let’s break down the full All-Rookie Team, position by position - because there’s a lot to like about this group.
Offense
- Quarterback: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints Shough stepped into a tough situation in New Orleans and delivered. He showed poise in the pocket, made smart decisions with the football, and flashed a live arm that gives the Saints something to build around.
- Running Backs: TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots), Ashton Jeanty (Raiders) Henderson brought versatility to the Patriots’ backfield, contributing as both a runner and a pass-catcher, while Jeanty powered through defenders in Las Vegas, giving the Raiders a physical presence between the tackles.
- Wide Receivers: Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers), Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers) Egbuka added another dynamic weapon to Tampa Bay’s offense, showing crisp route-running and reliable hands. McMillan, as mentioned, was a breakout star in Carolina.
- Tight End: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts Warren proved to be a safety net for the Colts’ young quarterback, showing a knack for finding soft spots in coverage and making contested catches in traffic.
- Offensive Line: Center: Jonah Monheim, Jacksonville Jaguars Monheim anchored the middle of the line and held his own against some of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders. Guards: Tyler Booker (Cowboys), Grey Zabel (Seahawks) Booker brought power and nastiness to Dallas’ run game, while Zabel was a steady presence in pass protection for Seattle. **Tackles: Kelvin Banks Jr.
(Saints), Armand Membou (Jets)**
Banks gave New Orleans a rock-solid blindside protector, and Membou showed flashes of dominance with his raw strength and athleticism in New York.
Defense
- Defensive Line: **Abdul Carter (Jets), Mason Graham (Browns), James Pearce Jr.
(Falcons), Deone Walker (Bills)**
This group brought pressure and disruption all season.
Carter was explosive off the edge, Graham was a force in the trenches for Cleveland, Pearce Jr. gave Atlanta much-needed pass rush juice, and Walker clogged up run lanes in Buffalo with his size and power.
- Linebackers: Teddye Buchanan (Ravens), Jihaad Campbell (Eagles), Carson Schwesinger (Browns) Buchanan and Campbell were sideline-to-sideline playmakers, while Schwesinger’s instincts and leadership made him a standout in Cleveland’s loaded front seven.
- Cornerbacks: Will Johnson (Cardinals), Jacob Parrish (Buccaneers) Johnson brought physicality and ball skills to Arizona’s secondary, while Parrish made an immediate impact in Tampa Bay, often tasked with covering top receivers.
- Safeties: Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks), Xavier Watts (Falcons) Emmanwori flew around the field for Seattle, making plays in the box and in coverage. Watts, meanwhile, showed a nose for the football and a knack for creating turnovers in Atlanta’s secondary.
Special Teams
- Kicker: Andy Borregales, Patriots Borregales gave New England consistency in the kicking game - something that’s easy to overlook until it’s gone.
- Punter: Jeremy Crenshaw, Broncos Crenshaw flipped field position week after week, showing great hang time and directional control.
- Kick Returner/Punt Returner: Chimere Dike, Titans Dike brought juice to Tennessee’s return game, with the kind of vision and burst that can flip momentum in a heartbeat.
- Special Teamer: Carson Bruener, Steelers Bruener made his mark on coverage units with hustle, discipline, and a nose for the football.
This rookie class brought serious talent across the board - from game-breaking receivers to disruptive defenders and rock-solid linemen. Some of these names are already household, and others are just getting started. But if this list is any indication, the future of the NFL is in good hands.