'Freaking baller' Ty Warren among five rookie standouts in Week 1

Per Stats Perform, Egbuka became the second rookie since the 1970 merger to catch a winning TD with under a minute remaining in regulation or overtime. The other was former Jacksonville Jaguars TE Ernest Wilford in a 13-10 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 12, 2004.

"I told you guys it wasn't a front," Mayfield said in a postgame news conference. "You saw it live today in person. [Egbuka's] the real deal. True professional. Doesn't play like a rookie, doesn't act like a rookie. His head is never spinning." 

Mayfield said the Buccaneers will continue to lean on Egbuka. It's good news for the Bucs that he already trusts the rookie, as Tampa Bay's receiving corps is injury riddled. WR Chris Godwin isn't expected to return until Week 5 because of an ankle injury. Meanwhile, WR Jalen McMillan (neck) is on injured reserve and will miss at least four more games. 

Indianapolis Colts TE Tyler Warren (first round)

Last season, Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers broke the rookie record for receptions (112 in 17 games) and the rookie TE record for receiving yards (1,194). Warren (pick No. 14) probably won't surpass those marks, but he could be the next rookie TE who breaks out. 

In Sunday's 33-8 home blowout over the Miami Dolphins, the former Penn State Nittany Lion logged seven receptions for 76 yards. 

"It was impressive," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said of Warren postgame. "He's an old-school throwback, a freaking baller is what he is." 

Warren continuing to establish himself as a baller would be crucial for Colts QB Daniel Jones, who looked sharp in his debut with Indianapolis. Jones, who flopped with the New York Giants, completed 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards and one TD. 

Washington Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (seventh round)

The Commanders showed their confidence in the 245th pick of the 2025 draft by trading former starting RB Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers before the season. The former Arizona Wildcat rewarded them in Sunday's 21-6 home win over the Giants. 

Croskey-Merritt rushed for 82 yards and one TD on 10 carries. However, he admitted his TD celebrations still need work.

"I'm still trying to figure out the celebration situation, because in college, I didn't really celebrate," the RB said postgame. "I might have to switch it up. I'm still searching right now." 

Expect Croskey-Merritt to have a signature move down before the end of the season. If he builds off the strong debut, he should continue to score TDs. 

Denver Broncos RB RJ Harvey (second round)

Broncos fans may be wondering why HC Sean Payton didn't give Harvey (pick No. 60) more carries in Sunday's 20-12 home win over the Tennessee Titans. 

The former Central Florida Knight rushed for 70 yards on six carries. His longest was a 50-yarder late in the fourth quarter that helped seal the game.

"[Harvey's] run was the kind of explosive burst the Broncos set out to add this offseason after producing only one rush from a running back of more than 21 yards last season," The Athletic's Nick Kosmider wrote in a story published Sunday.

Harvey generating more explosive plays would give Denver's struggling offense a needed spark. Against the Titans, the Broncos averaged 4.5 yards per play.

Arizona Cardinals CB Will Johnson (second round)

Johnson — a 2023 national champion — fell to pick No. 47 in the draft because of concerns about a knee injury. The former Michigan Wolverine looked like a steal for the Cardinals in Sunday's 20-13 road win over the New Orleans Saints. 

Per Pro Football Focus, Johnson allowed just four receptions for 32 yards on 38 pass-coverage snaps. He also defended three passes. 

"He was locking up on his receiver, whoever that was, and he did a great job in communicating. That was a great game for him," Cardinals safety Budda Baker said in a postgame radio interview (h/t Howard Balzer of Cardinals Wire).

Johnson should continue to be a key piece for the secondary, which allowed 208 passing yards in Week 1.