Aug 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (9) works out prior to the game against the Tennessee Titians at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

These NFL Rookies Were The Winners Of The 2025 Preseason

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Drew Palmer | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 10:30 AM ET

The NFL preseason provides a great opportunity for young players to make a name for themselves in the league. The preseason is when roster spots are on the line. Players are fighting to prove that they belong in the best league in the world. These players capitalized on their opportunities this preseason.

5. Emeka Egbuka

Emeka Egbuka didn’t need to do much in the 2025 NFL preseason to prove his worth to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In two games, he caught two passes for 26 yards and one touchdown. Tampa Bay didn’t need to play him in the final game. They had seen enough. Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan being injured will give Egbuka a chance to contribute on day one. He is going to be great.

4. Shedeur Sanders

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) celebrates his touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

A fifth-round pick has never drawn the eyes that Shedeur Sanders drew this preseason, for good or bad. He looked great in his preseason debut, completing 14 of his 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He looked great in his debut. He missed the second game with an injury. In the preseason finale, Sanders went three for six and got sacked five times. He showed he has work to do, but Sanders can play in the NFL.

3. Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Aug 18, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (32) scores a touchdown past Cincinnati Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony (33) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick and became the darling of the offseason in training camp and the preseason. In the second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Croskey-Merritt rushed the ball 11 times for 46 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown scamper. The Washington Commanders had seen enough, and he didn’t play in the preseason finale. Brian Robinson got traded to the San Francisco 9ers, making way for Croskey-Merritt to move up the depth chart.

2. TreVeyon Henderson

Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

TreVeyon Henderson only needed two preseason games to prove that he has what it takes to be great in the NFL. In his debut, he scored a 100-yard kick return touchdown on his first career touch. He scored a rushing touchdown and picked up 20 yards on four attempts in his second preseason game. Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton get all the hype, but Henderson could end up the best running back from the 2025 draft class.

1. Jaxson Dart

Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) drops back to pass during the first half against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Jaxson Dart had an incredible preseason. He showed the New York Giants that he is the future. He made appearances in all three games and completed 68% of his passes for 372 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He rushed the ball six times for 52 yards, leading to a big hit that knocked him out of the third game. For now, the Giants are Russell Wilson’s team, but the future is bright in the Big Apple.

End Of My NFL Rant

Jul 26, 2023; Irvine, CA, USA; A Wilson official NFL Duke football game ball on the field at Los Angeles Rams training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL preseason is an appetizer for the main course that is on the way. The regular season is where stars are made, but those stars are born in the preseason. These players have an opportunity to have lengthy careers in the NFL. They could be the faces of football in a few years.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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