Rookie Rewind: Analyzing the Top Performances and Rising Stars of Week 3

Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season showcased a fresh wave of talent, with rookies stepping up and making significant impacts across various teams. From explosive offensive performances to game-changing defensive plays, this year’s class is proving to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Let’s dive into the standout performances and rising stars that defined Week 3.

Quarterback Carousel: Brosmer Takes the Stage

In Minnesota, Max Brosmer made the most of his limited snaps in garbage time against the Bengals, completing two of four passes for 29 yards. While the sample size is small, Brosmer’s performance earned him a 72.5 PFF passing grade and a spot on PFF’s Rookie Team of the Week. With both incompletions being drops, Brosmer boasted a perfect adjusted completion percentage.

Meanwhile, Tennessee Titans’ Cam Ward, the first overall pick, is showing gradual improvement each week. Ward’s QB Impact grade has steadily risen from 63.7 in Week 1 to 69.9 in Week 3, with his EPA per dropback figures following a similar upward trend.

Running Back Revolution: Skattebo Shines Bright

New York Giants’ Cam Skattebo continues to dominate, earning his second consecutive week as the top rookie running back according to PFF. Skattebo rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, securing a 78.1 PFF rushing grade. He also excelled as a receiver, catching six of eight targets for 61 yards and an 86.6 PFF receiving grade. Skattebo’s versatility and elusiveness have made him a valuable asset for the Giants’ offense.

Adding to the running back excitement, Quinshon Judkins of the Cleveland Browns had a strong showing, rushing 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown against the Packers. Judkins’ +34 rushing yards over expected ranked as the third-highest among all rookies in a single game this season.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders also made his presence felt, scoring a touchdown and averaging 3.8 yards after contact per attempt against the Raiders.

Wide Receiver Wonders: Burden and Egbuka Lead the Charge

Chicago Bears’ Luther Burden III exploded onto the scene in Week 3, catching all three of his targets for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Burden’s performance earned him a 92.4 PFF receiving grade and a perfect receiver rating of 158.3. His 65-yard touchdown on a flea flicker showcased his big-play ability and cemented his status as a rising star.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka continued his impressive start to the season, leading all Bucs pass catchers with six catches for 85 yards against the Jets. Egbuka’s one-handed catch in the first half sparked the Buccaneers’ offense and highlighted his exceptional talent.

Seattle Seahawks’ Tory Horton also had a standout performance, notching a 95-yard punt-return touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.

Tight End Talent: Hawes and Gadsden Make Their Mark

Buffalo Bills’ Jackson Hawes recorded his first career touchdown against the Miami Dolphins, earning a 75.8 PFF overall grade. Hawes’ versatility as a receiver and blocker has made him a valuable asset for the Bills’ offense.

Los Angeles Chargers’ Oronde Gadsden II had a breakout game against the Denver Broncos, catching five of six targets for 46 yards and an 87.9 PFF receiving grade. Gadsden’s ability to make contested catches and move the chains has made him a reliable target for the Chargers’ quarterbacks.

Indianapolis Colts’ Tyler Warren continues to impress, maintaining a 72.3 PFF run-blocking grade and ranking second in PFF pass-blocking grade among rookies.

Offensive Line Anchors: Ratledge and Booker Pave the Way

Detroit Lions’ Tate Ratledge dominated against the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line, earning a 91.4 PFF grade and ranking as the second-best guard in Week 3. Ratledge’s exceptional run-blocking skills paved the way for the Lions’ 224-yard rushing performance.

Dallas Cowboys’ Tyler Booker showcased his run-blocking prowess against the Chicago Bears, earning a 93.1 PFF run-blocking grade. Booker’s ability to move defenders and create running lanes has made him a valuable asset for the Cowboys’ offensive line.

Defensive Dynamos: Schwesinger and Campbell Shine

Cleveland Browns’ Carson Schwesinger had a standout performance against the Green Bay Packers, recording nine tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. Schwesinger’s play earned him a nomination for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Jihaad Campbell continued his stellar play, earning a 76.7 PFF overall grade against the Los Angeles Rams. Campbell’s coverage skills and pass-rushing ability have made him a force on the Eagles’ defense.

Special Teams Standouts: Lane and Wester Deliver

Washington Commanders’ Jaylin Lane showcased his explosiveness on special teams, earning the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award for Week 3.

Baltimore Ravens’ LaJohntay Wester has been solid as a returner, averaging 12 yards per punt return.

Other Notable Performances

Trey Amos (CB, Washington Commanders): Amos is the top-graded rookie cornerback for a second straight week, showcasing his coverage skills and playmaking ability.
Malachi Moore (S, New York Jets): Moore delivered a solid performance in his first career start, deterring targets and not allowing a catch in coverage.
Adin Huntington (DT, Cleveland Browns): Huntington continues to impress as an undrafted rookie, topping all rookie interior defenders in PFF grade for a second consecutive week.
Deone Walker (DT, Buffalo Bills): Walker made his presence felt against the Miami Dolphins, compiling a 14.3% pass-rush win rate and recording a stop on both of his tackles against the run.

Week 3 provided a glimpse into the bright future of the NFL, with rookies making significant contributions across various teams. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these rising stars continue to develop and impact their respective teams.