As the 2025 NFL season reaches its midpoint, the emergence of rookie talent has been a defining story through nine weeks. Week 9 showcased several rookies who made critical contributions to their teams, proving their worth on the field.
Malaki Starks of the Baltimore Ravens stood out as the highest-graded rookie, recording his first interception. Meanwhile, Tory Horton made a splash for the Seattle Seahawks, catching all five of his targets, including two touchdowns, during a commanding victory.
For the quarterback position, Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants had a solid performance, completing 24 of 33 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns, despite the team”s struggles. His passer rating of 107.0 reflects his potential and consistency as a bright spot for Giants fans.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, running back for the Washington Commanders, made the most of a challenging night. Although he rushed for only 38 yards on 12 carries, he averaged 3.4 yards after contact, showcasing his ability to gain extra yards under difficult circumstances.
Among the wide receivers, Horton was not alone in his success. Tre Harris of the Los Angeles Chargers contributed with two receptions for 18 yards, both resulting in first downs, while also excelling as a run blocker. Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers added to the Panthers” surprising win over the Green Bay Packers with four catches for 46 yards, three of which resulted in first downs.
Gunnar Helm, a tight end for the Tennessee Titans, delivered a standout performance with a key 15-yard reception that contributed to his impressive 86.6 PFF receiving grade. He also excelled in run blocking, demonstrating his versatility on the field.
The offensive line also saw rookie talent shine. Kelvin Banks Jr. of the New Orleans Saints had an exceptional game against the Los Angeles Rams, achieving career highs in both overall and run-blocking grades. Meanwhile, Marcus Mbow of the Giants displayed significant improvement, earning his best performance thus far.
Defensively, Ashton Gillotte of the Kansas City Chiefs recorded his first NFL sack and was a key player in maintaining pressure on the opposition, while Maxwell Hairston from the Buffalo Bills showcased elite coverage skills, allowing just one reception and securing an interception at a crucial moment.
As the season progresses, the contributions of these rookies will be pivotal in shaping their teams” fortunes. Week 9 highlighted the talent and potential that this year”s rookie class brings to the NFL.
