12 biggest rookie threats to steal NFL veteran jobs, from Omarion Hampton to Jalen Milroe
Context:
The 2025 NFL draft has introduced a set of promising rookies who are set to challenge and possibly replace veteran players in various teams. Omarion Hampton, a first-round pick by the Chargers, is expected to take over from Najee Harris, offering a more explosive three-down element. R.J. Harvey of the Broncos and Quinshon Judkins of the Browns bring versatile abilities that could redefine their teams' backfields, while TreVeyon Henderson of the Patriots has a unique opportunity to surpass Rhamondre Stevenson with his receiving prowess. Other rookies like Donovan Ezeiruaku, Jaxson Dart, and Jalen Milroe have the potential to secure significant roles, showcasing their unique skills that align well with their teams' strategies. The anticipation surrounding these rookies highlights the dynamic shifts expected in the upcoming NFL season, with a focus on fresh talent potentially reshaping team rosters and strategies.
Dive Deeper:
Omarion Hampton, drafted by the Chargers, is positioned to replace Najee Harris due to his explosive running and receiving capabilities, as the team's new run-heavy offense requires a more dynamic backfield presence.
R.J. Harvey, selected by the Broncos, is expected to transform the team's backfield with his versatility, promising a less situational approach similar to Alvin Kamara under Sean Payton's direction.
Quinshon Judkins joins the Browns with the potential to lead the rushing attack, offering a blend of power and burst that could relieve pressure from the team's uncertain quarterback situation.
TreVeyon Henderson's drafting by the Patriots signifies a strategic move to enhance the team's receiving game, potentially unseating Rhamondre Stevenson through his big-play ability in a revitalized offensive scheme.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is poised to secure a significant role with the Cowboys, complementing Micah Parsons on defense, as his disruptive capabilities fit the new system under coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Jaxson Dart, a first-round pick for the Giants, possesses skills reminiscent of Josh Allen, and despite being a newcomer, he has the opportunity to leverage his arm strength and mobility to challenge veteran quarterbacks.
Jalen Milroe of the Seahawks, despite the presence of Sam Darnold, represents a wildcard with his dual-threat potential, prompting discussions about a possible quarterback competition reminiscent of past team dynamics.
The top NFL rookies selected in the 2025 draft will go to work in minicamps for the first time this weekend, and whether it's football-starved fans or obsessive fantasy owners, there will be plenty of interest in the initial impressions.
Several of these first-year future stars will have legitimate chances to move ahead of veterans higher on their teams' depth charts before Week 1, and that mission starts now.
Here's looking at a dozen who can dazzle through training camp and the preseason to displace veterans ahead of them.
12 rookie threats to steal NFL starting jobs
Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers (Round 1, No. 22 overall)
Hampton got drafted in the first round after the Chargers signed former Steelers first-rounder Najee Harris to a one-year, $9.5 million deal. The team got good rushing production from the former Ravens combination of JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, but this new backfield is more complete for a run-heavier offense.Harris is a durable power option, but Hampton provides a more explosive, three-down element as a runner and receiver. The Chargers' investment in the rookie is greater, and the talent and fresh legs are there to zoom past Harris, who averaged only 3.9 yards per carry during his career in Pittsburgh.
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R.J. Harvey, RB, Broncos (Round 2, No. 60 overall)
The Broncos moved on from post-knee injury disappointment Javonte Williams, and going into the draft, had a combination of undersized change-of-pace back Jaleel McLaughlin and big back Audric Estime.Now, Harvey's dynamic versatility and three-down potential should put him on track to win the job and make the backfield less situational for Sean Payton and Joe Lombardi. Harvey can go to work quickly as Payton's new version of Alvin Kamara.
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns (Round 2, No. 36 overall)
The quarterback room will dominate the early rookie attention because of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, but don't sleep on running back being more intriguing and important. Jerome Ford remains listed first on the Browns' depth chart with Nick Chubb not re-signed. Rookie fourth-rounder Dylan Sampson also has some Kamara-like qualities as he joins the backfield.Judkins is a strong finishing power back with burst. He also has some upside for passing downs as a blocker and receiver. He should have every chance to lead Kevin Stefanski's rushing attack as Cleveland tries to take more pressure off the shaky, capped QB play.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots (Round 2, No. 38 overall)
Henderson has much stiffer competition than Hamption, Harvey, and Judkins, as Rhamondre Stevenson is still in New England's lead role. Henderson's drafting by the Patriots was a little surprising, given the team gave Stevenson a four-year, $36 million contract with $17 million guaranteed last June.Stevenson had one year with current (and former) offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as a rookie in 2021. He ran well but had a limited receiving role then. That opens the door for Henderson, a major receiving asset with big-play flair. Henderson can prove himself there in what figures to be a much more dangerous passing game with second-year QB Drake Maye. Henderson has a chance to turn a split with Stevenson into taking over more of the touches sooner rather than later.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Cowboys (Round 2, No. 44 overall)
Ezeiruaku has a good chance to see regular snaps outside to complement Micah Parsons. Demarcus Lawrence is gone, and Dante Fowler Jr. is back in Dallas from the Commanders after a 10.5-sack season with Dan Quinn, to plug a hole at defensive end for new 4-3 coordinator Matt Eberflus.Ezeiruaku is an ideal fit for the system and can build on being so disruptive in his final season at Boston College when he recorded an ACC-best 16.5 sacks. Fowler is better as a situational option with limited snaps, so the job might be handed to Ezeiruaku on a blue and silver platter should he let all of his freakish talent show.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants (Round 1, No. 25 overall)
The Giants want to play it slow with Dart and see how he fares learning from Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in Brian Daboll's offense. But they're also newcomers to the system, and Dart, with his big arm, toughness, and natural running ability, has skills more parallel to Josh Allen, Daboll's prized pupil from his time as Bills offensive coordinator.Winston won't shy away from aggressive downfield throwing to Malik Nabers and others. Russell Wilson will be more hesitant to force the ball outside, and at 36, his running has become a dwindling factor. Dart has an opportunity there to prove his edge in the rushing attack along with more reined-in passing while spreading the ball around the field.
Winston is a rah-rah gunslinging backup, and Wilson hasn't been asked to show a mentor's mindset in his career. The two veterans in the competition may seem to be a hindrance, but Dart's different makeup and style of play can set him apart with accelerated learning.
Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Bears (Round 2, No. 56 overall)
Braxton Jones and 2023 first-rounder Darnell Wright (No. 10 overall) should be on notice after the Bears expended a high pick on Trapilo. Trapilo is a smooth natural blocker with good footwork, and he can turn into a reliable rock sooner rather than later.Watch out for him joining veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and center Drew Dalman, making it four new starters for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson.
Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Jets (Round 3. No. 73 overall)
Thomas can displace shaky newcomer Brandon Stephens, the former Raven, as a better option to replace D.J. Reed opposite Sauce Gardner. At 6-1, 197 pounds, Thomas was a good draft value as a big, physical corner.He can blossom quickly under new Jets coach Aaron Glenn, a former star at the position.
Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants (Round 4, No. 105 overall)
Giants fans are dreaming about the long-awaited sequel to Ron Dayne and Tiki Barber's "Thunder and Lightning," as Skattebo and second-year fifth-rounder Tyrone Tracy Jr. are headed toward being "Smash and Dash" for Daboll.Daboll does have Bills ties with Devin Singletary, but Skattebo is on track to beat him out as the choice power back to complement Tracy, a converted wide receiver from college. Skattebo just needs to keep flexing his playmaking and toughness from his star turn at Arizona State.
Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, Patriots (Round 5, No. 146 overall)
The Patriots had the league's worst pass rush with only 28 sacks as a team last season. They reunited productive veteran Harold Landry with Mike Vrabel, his former Titans coach, but are wide open on the other side with only ineffective Anfernee Jennings and K'Lavon Chaisson ahead of Swinson. Keion White is better as a situational option.That lines up well for Swinson to accelerate and tap into his massive upside.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Texans (Round 3, No. 79 overall)
Noel has a shot at being Houston's top slot receiver despite the addition of Christian Kirk. Kirk has missed the end of his past two seasons in Jacksonville with different injuries (core muscle, broken collarbone). He also isn't known as a field stretcher, and his primary role will be a short-area option for C.J. Stroud.Noel, however, has speed, quickness, and big-play ability that can make him stand out vs. Kirk. Fellow rookie Jayden Higgins should settle into the perimeter position opposite No. 1 Nico Collins with similar physical traits. But Noel is in a battle to see significant snaps vs. Kirk with Tank Dell on the shelf. Kirk's durability can open up the door for Noel to have a rookie impact to either match or surpass that of Higgins.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Seahawks (Round 3, No. 92 overall)
Milroe is the wildest card in this group given the Seahawks traded Geno Smith and signed Sam Darnold to a 3-year, $100.5 million deal. Darnold is earning $37.5 million guaranteed for the 2025 season, so it would suggest he starts this year with the team having an out next offseason.But there's no reason for Klint Kubiak and Seattle's new offensive coaching staff to not get a good long look at Milroe, even if it would not be designated as a competition vs. Darnold. Darnold has the clear edge from experience and working with Kubiak with the 49ers in 2023, but he also can't provide the athletic dual-threat element Milroe can.
It's a long shot for the Seahawks to be so open-minded to give Milroe a full-fledged shot, but there's still a chance that Milroe can manifest all of his talent to make this Russell Wilson-over-Matt Flynn all over again 13 years later. Milroe is doing what he can to advance his growth as a passer, and the Seahawks don't see him being anything other than a straight-up quarterback who can also be an explosive runner.
Darnold is the much better bet to hold the job, but he has to be feeling a little uncomfortable based on the draft capital the Seahawks used on Milroe's all-around talent.