CBS Sports has named its 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team, highlighting the league's top first-year performers as the regular season concludes. The selection features 12 former first-round picks and recognizes standout contributions across positions despite varying team successes. Quarterback Cam Ward edges out competitors for the top spot amid a competitive rookie class.
The 2025 NFL regular season is drawing to a close, prompting reflection on the rookie class's impact. CBS Sports' All-Rookie Team, largely carrying over from midseason selections with some adjustments based on late-season performances, showcases a talented group of newcomers.
At quarterback, Miami's Cam Ward claims the honor over Louisville's Tyler Shough of the Saints and others like Jaxson Dart of the Giants. Ward, the unanimous top prospect from April's draft, has shown elite pocket mobility and a 74.4% adjusted completion rate in his last three games per PFF, despite needing to refine decision-making. His supporting cast includes fellow rookies Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, and Gunnar Helm.
Running back honors go to Henderson, who has rushed for at least 50 yards in eight of his past nine games, totaling 295 yards against the Buccaneers and Bills recently. He ranks ninth among backs with 100-plus carries in yards before contact at 1.66 per TruMedia. Other notable rushers like Cleveland's Quinshon Judkins ended on injured reserve, while Ashton Jeanty and contributors such as Cam Skattebo, Omarion Hampton, and RJ Harvey also made marks in a strong class.
Wide receiver selections include Tetairoa McMillan, nearing 1,000 yards and leading rookies with seven touchdowns, mostly in the second half as Carolina improved. Emeka Egbuka joins him, with early-season explosions of over 100 yards in three of the first nine games. Chicago's Luther Burden III surged late, gaining 439 yards in his last seven games, including 138 against the 49ers. Only four rookie wideouts reached 500 yards through Week 17.
Tight end Theo Johnson Warren of the Giants is picked over Cleveland's Harold Fannin Jr., with four rookies—Warren, Fannin, Colston Loveland, and Oronde Gadsden II—surpassing 500 receiving yards. Warren exceeded 50 yards seven times in the first 10 games.
On the offensive line, Kelvin Banks Jr. of Seattle anchors left tackle with improved pass protection, allowing two sacks per TruMedia. Dylan Zabel of the Seahawks, Tate Ratledge at guard for Atlanta, and others like Cooper Beebe and Armand Membou round out the unit, emphasizing technique and power amid team transitions.
Defensively, edge rusher Abdul Carter leads with 61 pressures and a 13.7% rate, the highest among rookies. Jalyx Hunt of the Eagles follows with the third-best rate. Interior linemen Deone Walker and Tyleik Williams contribute significantly, with Walker overwhelming opponents. Linebacker Barrett Schwesinger of Minnesota stands out with 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and three pass deflections, positioning him as a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender.
Cornerback Maxwell Hairston of Arizona tops pass breakups at 10, while safety Malaki Starks of Baltimore adds two interceptions. The team reflects a volatile yet promising rookie landscape, with impacts felt across struggling and contending squads alike.