The best under-the-radar NFL rookies through Week 8

1. OG Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions (Round 2, Pick 57)

While he's struggling as a pass blocker for the Detroit Lions, Tate Ratledge has shown a lot of promise. The second-rounder has posted a PFF score of 71.7, which is 12th best in the NFL among guards. With 78 players qualifying, that's no small feat. He's one of the main reasons the Lions' running attack has been so effective, with the team currently ranking seventh, averaging 133 yards per game, according to Team Ranking.

2.  TE Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns  (Round 3, Pick 67)

With nearly 300 receiving yards, Harold Fannin Jr. is doing good work for the Browns as a rookie. He's taking reps away from starting tight end David Njoku, and his potential as a pass catcher has many talking about Njoku possibly getting traded. He's part of a very strong 2025 draft class for the Cleveland Browns.

3. S Jonas Sanker, New Orleans Saints (Round 3, Pick 93)

It's hard to find bright spots with the New Orleans Saints, who, as of press time, have just one win. The Saints are struggling everywhere, but they may have some hope for the future of their defense with Jonas Sanker, a third-rounder out of Virginia is third on the team in tackles, and according to PFF, has only given up seven receptions through eight games.

4. WR Tez Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 7, Pick 235)

The Buccaneers may have an all-time great draft class on their hands, with several members of the 2025 class looking like long-term starters for the squad. Corner Jacob Parrish is getting a lot of the love, as is wide receiver Emeka Eguka. Yet it's fellow wide receiver Tez Johnson who makes the list. The seventh-round pick has 213 yards, just 85 yards shy of second-overall pick Hunter. Johnson will likely get more reps as the season goes on at this rate, as he's proven to be a reliable outlet for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

5. LB Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns (Round 2, Pick 33)

Maybe the least deserving player to make the list, but only because he's one pick shy of the first round, Carson Schwesinger has proven to be another unexpected highlight for the Cleveland Browns. He's anchoring a defense that is among the best in the league, and doing so after the entire league passed on him. He's a quality pass defender and is rocking a 72.2 overall grade on PFF. It's likely a few Pro Bowls are in his future.