Jackson Hawes’ breakout as a reliable blocker and red-zone target makes him an attractive TE touchdown-prop option; bettors may favor Hawes TD props and back Buffalo in short-yardage situations. Rising PFF grades for rookies like Nolen, Hawes and Shough also boost betting value on rookie player props and influence updated starting-line projections ahead of Week 15.
Top 15 Rookies by PFF Overall Grade — Week 14, 2025
To qualify for this ranking, rookies needed at least 100 snaps. Grades reflect performance through Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season and may shift after Monday Night Football results.
1. DI Walter Nolen, Arizona Cardinals (84.6)
Nolen sits atop the rookie list despite missing Week 14 with a knee issue. When active, he’s been a disruptive interior force, posting elite run-defense marks and showing consistent pass-rush upside in limited snaps.
2. TE Jackson Hawes, Buffalo Bills (83.5)
Hawes was the fourth-highest-graded tight end in Week 14, pivotal in Buffalo’s comeback. He graded among the top 10 in both run- and pass-blocking, surrendered no pressure across seven snaps that day, and converted a crucial fourth-and-3 with a touchdown late. Season totals: 12 receptions on 15 targets for 152 yards and three TDs, plus sterling pass-protection marks across 30 snaps.
3. RB Cam Skattebo, New York Giants (80.5)
Skattebo’s season is over due to a leg injury. Before the injury he showed flashes as a downhill runner and efficient pass-protector on limited opportunities.
4. EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas Cowboys (79.5)
Ezeiruaku endured a rough outing vs. the Lions but remains among rookie leaders in run-defense and pass-rush grades. He’s tied for third in tackles for loss among rookies and leads the Cowboys in quarterback hits, showing strong high-impact play rates despite some inconsistency.
5. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (77.9)
On a Week 14 bye, McMillan remains a high-upside receiver with size, contested-catch ability and rising route-threat metrics across the season.
6. LB Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles (77.6)
Campbell’s grade holds strong going into the post-Week 14 slate. He’s graded well in run defense and coverage snaps, with a versatile role across special packages.
7. TE Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears (77.4)
Loveland posted a touchdown and multiple third-down conversions in Week 14. He’s produced 35 catches for 435 yards, four TDs and 21 first downs on the year, ranking among rookies for receiving grade and late-down conversion utility while also contributing as a run blocker.
8. T Armand Membou, New York Jets (76.3)
Membou rebounded from a low Week 13 mark to post improved pass- and run-blocking grades against the Dolphins. He’s shown elite run-blocking in zone schemes but has allowed pressure at times, with four sacks in his last three games.
9. EDGE Jalon Walker, Atlanta Falcons (75.5)
Walker exited Week 14 with a quad injury that’s not believed to be serious. He’s climbed the run-defense ranks among rookies and posts one of the lowest negatively graded play rates in the class, while remaining a productive pass rusher when healthy.
10. T Will Campbell, New England Patriots (75.5)
On bye in Week 14, Campbell continues to develop as a steady offensive tackle with improving positional grades and durability in the Patriots’ scheme.
11. WR Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (75.4)
Burden produced four catches for 67 yards — his best game since Week 3 — with each reception moving the chains. He now has 30 catches for 395 yards, leads the team in several efficiency metrics, and ranks among rookies in receiving grade and explosive play rate.
12. LB Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns (74.0)
Schwesinger earned one of his best games in Week 14 with four run stops and four hurries in limited pass-rush reps. Over the past three games he’s near-elite in run defense and among league leaders in run-stops per snap.
13. EDGE Josaiah Stewart, Los Angeles Rams (74.0)
Stewart exploded onto the list after an 83.5 overall grade vs. the Cardinals, recording multiple hurries and a high pass-rush win rate. He’s shown effective pressure rates and surprising coverage flexibility for an edge defender.
14. T Kelvin Banks Jr., New Orleans Saints (74.2)
Banks graded as one of the week’s top tackles in New Orleans’ upset, excelling as a run blocker and showing steadier pass-protection work since Week 9. His zone run-blocking grade ranks among rookie tackles.
15. QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (73.7)
Shough posted an 83.7 game grade in Week 14, steering the Saints without turnover-worthy plays and adding two rushing TDs. He completed 13 of 20 for 144 yards with seven rushes for 55 yards; his rookie profile pairs a solid passing grade with top-tier rushing value among rookie quarterbacks.
Notes on trends and betting angles Rising rookie grades often shift usage and snap rates, which impacts player-prop and matchup markets. Keep an eye on tight end and rookie QB touchdown props (Hawes, Shough) and monitor injury updates for availability-sensitive bets (Nolen, Walker, Skattebo).
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PFF grades every player on every play, and these are the top rookies through 14 weeks of action.
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