The first week of preseason is in the bag. Fans have been able to get a glimpse at what some of this year’s draft class could be about to achieve as they make the step up from college football to the professional level.
Indeed, many will have been looking forward to the American football season starting. It’s the nation’s biggest sport, and with the ability to engage in sports betting on it, it’s only gotten bigger.
With enthusiasts able to explore different promos such as the Fanatics Sportsbook promo this season to elevate their NFL engagement, some have been observing how the rookies have settled into their new teams to identify any standout potential. As the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are positioned as top favorites, fans have been exploring other rosters to uncover possible breakout stars.
Which rookies starred in NFL preseason Week 1?
Of course, preseason can only tell us so much about a player’s ability, but it can offer some insight into what was observed on the gridiron. The following managed to leave a positive impression in the time they had on the field.
Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders is a man whom many have watched closely. The quarterback suffered a slide like no other in the NFL draft, with a perceived first-round pick falling to the fifth round once the Cleveland Browns selected him. He was selected after Dillion Gabriel, but in his first start, he showed pinpoint accuracy and had a couple of first-half touchdown passes, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 19 yards on four attempts.
Jaxson Dart
A quarterback who did go in the first round but is expected to be behind Russell Wilson (and potentially Jameis Winston), Jaxson Dart, impressed for the New York Giants. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, and didn’t have an interception in the game. He also rushed 3 times for 24 yards, leading scoring drives on 3 of his four possessions as he looked comfortable with his new team.
Cameron Ward
The #1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Cam Ward had a solid start as the Tennessee Titans quarterback with his limited action. He completed 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards, including a key touchdown drive featuring three completions to Calvin Ridley for 50 yards across the two series he led. Although the Titans lost to the Carolina Panthers, he looked assured and comfortable with running the offense.
TreyVeyon Henderson
Selected by the New England Patriots in the second round, TreyVeyon Henderson made a name for himself immediately. The running back returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. He also had one rush for 18 yards and three receptions for 12 yards. His special-teams play was electrifying, and it will be interesting to see if he can continue in the same form moving forward.
Eric Rogers
The Los Angeles Chargers’ cornerback had a game to remember in Week 1 of preseason. Eric Rogers was an undrafted pick, but rewarded the organization’s decision to take a punt on him as he recorded two interceptions. One of those was a pick-six return. There will be some concern about his status, as he did leave the field after suffering an injury.
