The 2025 NFL season reached its halfway mark, and several first-round rookies made significant impacts during Week 9. Among them, Malaki Starks of the Baltimore Ravens and Colston Loveland from the Chicago Bears stood out with impressive performances.
Starks recorded his first career interception, showcasing his potential as a valuable defensive asset. Meanwhile, Loveland contributed significantly to his team”s success by scoring two touchdowns, including the game-winner. Despite the struggles of the New York Giants, quarterback Jaxson Dart displayed solid form, earning a 70.8 PFF passing grade, leading his team with 56 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The results for first-round rookies varied as the season progresses. Here”s a look at some of their performances after Week 9.
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward”s Struggles
The Tennessee Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick, but he has encountered difficulties. In Week 9, he played 47 snaps and finished with a disappointing overall grade of 40.6 from PFF. Despite his team receiving support from both a defensive touchdown and a special teams score, Ward was unable to generate enough offensive production to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers. This marked the third time in four games that he committed multiple turnover-worthy plays. Ward”s offensive line has not provided adequate protection, and he has also struggled with accuracy, as evidenced by his adjusted completion rate of 69.2%, the lowest among qualified starting quarterbacks.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter Inactive
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter was inactive for the week due to a knee injury. His absence was noted as the team aimed to maintain its competitive edge in the league.
As the NFL season unfolds, the performances of these first-round rookies will continue to be monitored closely. Each week, their development and impact on their respective teams will be key as they navigate the challenges of the 2025 season.
