New Browns starting QB Shedeur Sanders headlines list of NFL standout rookies from Week 12

Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward (first round) 

The Titans lost 30-24 at home to the Seattle Seahawks, but Ward had one of his better performances. Consider it a moral victory. 

Against Seattle — which has surrendered the seventh-fewest points (19.7) in the league — the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft completed 28 of 42 passes for 256 yards and one TD. The former Washington State/Miami star also posted a season-high 75.1 QBR, above the league average.

"I love the way Cam played today," Titans interim head coach Mike McCoy said. "It's about taking that next step, and that's what he's done. The early mornings, staying late, things like that, it's starting to pay off." 

It's important for Ward to build off Sunday's performance. That would help Tennessee land a coach with a strong offensive background as its next HC, perhaps Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Tennessee Titans WR Chimere Dike (fourth round) 

Dike — who ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine — showcased his speed on a 90-yard punt-return TD early in the third quarter against Seattle. 

Per ESPN's Turron Davenport, that tied for the longest punt-return TD in franchise history. (Former DB Adam "Pacman" Jones scored a 90-yard punt-return TD on Nov. 19, 2006.) The ex-Florida star also had five receptions for 44 yards and one TD catch against Seattle.

"That's an All-Pro right there, Chim [Dike]," Ward said postgame about the 103rd pick of the draft. "So everything's going right for Chim, he deserves it. And I'm glad he was able to get two touchdowns today." 

New York Giants DT Darius Alexander (third round)

The Giants' loaded defensive line features star DT Dexter Lawrence II. Consequently, that has limited playing time for Alexander (pick No. 65). Per Pro Football Reference, the Toledo product has played on just 32 percent of New York's defensive snaps (234). 

However, he could soon receive more opportunities after impressing in New York's road game against the Detroit Lions. In the Giants' 34-27 overtime loss, Alexander had a team-leading two sacks and a season-high four tackles.

The Giants' next defensive coordinator may make better use of Alexander's skills. On Monday, New York fired DC Shane Bowen after blowing multiple fourth-quarter leads this season. 

Dallas Cowboys safety Alijah Clark (undrafted)

Clark had one tackle in the Cowboys' 24-21 comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but it was a huge play.

Despite being decked twice while running downfield on punt coverage, the former Rutgers/Syracuse star still tackled Philadelphia wide receiver Xavier Gipson. The hit forced a fumble that Dallas recovered at the Eagles' eight-yard line.

The Cowboys subsequently turned it over on downs, but that doesn't diminish the effort that impressed Fox analyst Tom Brady. 

"Look at that hustle," the seven-time Super Bowl champion said during the broadcast (h/t Justin Bariso of Inc.com). "Great team effort."