2025 NFL Preseason Week 1 rookie grades: Shedeur Sanders seizes opportunity, Tyler Warren meets hype

The Colts showed confidence in their first-round tight end, throwing Warren a screen on the team's second offensive play (though it was negated by penalty). He caught a short pass over the middle on that drive, fought for a first down after a would-be tackler bounced off his thigh on his second catch, and then rumbled 23 yards down the middle on this third grab. Warren attacked his blocking duties in-line, keeping his hands and feet active while also holding his ground as a move blocker.

Stewart showed Thursday night why some teams valued his versatility, lining up at the 5-technique spot and outside both tackles' shoulders during his first NFL action. He beat veteran right tackle Matt Pryor to the inside for a tackle for loss and pressured the quarterback off the blind side to force a fourth down on his second series. Stewart then got into Tanner McKee's face on a bootleg to force a bad decision. He must be more consistently physical at the point of attack, though, as he was pushed to the ground or blocked out of run plays.

Zabel looked the part of a starting left guard in his initial action with the Seahawks, using his athleticism to anchor against strength and operate in space as a pass protector. He moved his feet to wall off his man on a big run play in the first series against the Raiders. On zone runs, Zabel smoothly left his stance and finished plays when man-up off the snap. He had two "rookie moments" during the contest, however, being overwhelmed with a bull rush on the first play and failing to get off a combo block in the second series, allowing a linebacker to make a tackle.

TeSlaa unveiled his athleticism to Lions fans Friday evening, helping the team beat Atlanta 17-10. His 6-foot-4, 214-pound frame and foot quickness allowed him to separate from defenders on a fourth-down conversion and a jump-ball fade that went for a touchdown in the second quarter. His stumble on an inside move in the first quarter, however, allowed an on-target pass to fall to the turf. The rookie looked savvy by jumping on a potential forward fumble by quarterback Hendon Hooker early, but later, he drew a flag for blocking a defender on a downfield throw. TeSlaa is a willing blocker but must be more consistent getting into position and sticking to his man.

Sanders led the Browns to three touchdowns during his first game, though it wasn't all pretty to watch. His first throw went through the hands of his receiver, but he hit most short targets when settled in the pocket. Sanders looked off the safety on his first deep throw (though his receiver fell on the play) but later was nearly intercepted after waiting a split-second too long to release the ball. He was off target on two throws on the run but reset his feet nicely outside the pocket to fit his first touchdown pass into a tight red-zone window. His second touchdown toss was purposely thrown low over the middle to avoid a turnover. Sanders' mobility came into play on scrambles and while avoiding sacks, though spinning backwards out of trouble could lead to large losses during the regular season.

Campbell impressed as a run blocker against the Commanders, leading two outside plays and finishing to the ground on the second. He executed a duo run block with first-year left guard Jared Wilson on the first drive and later planted rookie cornerback Trey Amos on a run up the middle. The top-five pick was inconsistent in pass protection, however. He deftly escorted his man around the corner on one third-down play but earlier allowed veteran edge rusher Jacob Martin to control his chest. He also failed to pick up a twist and, despite getting a chip from the running back, could not cut off the inside lane on another play.

Dart struggled with his accuracy at times against the Bills but was able to move the offense. He threw behind Greg Dulcich on third down, sailed a pass off his back foot and went low and wide on another throw. Dart did not get his longer sideline throws outside, though one became his first NFL touchdown pass because it was over the top against man coverage. His best throw came in the second quarter after the two-minute warning, with the No. 25 overall pick sliding in the pocket and delivering an 18-yard dig route for a first down. Dart had two passes batted down, but his athleticism proved valuable in avoiding sacks and scrambling for solid gains.

Jackson is expected to add physicality up front for the Vikings, but he looked green in pass protection during his first pro start at left guard. Unsurprisingly, he got some push in the run game in his single series of action and also found his way to linebackers. Jackson was slow to see a run blitz on the game's first play, though, but the defender slipped in the backfield. The rookie stood his ground against veteran Tim Settle early but was pushed backwards on other snaps, tripping on his fellow lineman's foot on one play. He also went to the ground trying to stop a twist on third down, forcing quarterback J.J. McCarthy to leave the pocket.

Johnson could complement Aaron Rodgers' passing attack in the Steelers' offense this season. His jump-cuts behind zone blocking helped him get outside on multiple runs. He was not particularly explosive or elusive against the Jaguars, falling to a shoestring tackle on his first attempt and later getting cut down on a fourth-and-1 by a free defensive back. Johnson ran with some power, though, keeping his shoulders low and square to pick up a third-and-4 and later earning a first down on three tough carries. The third-round pick stepped up to stop a blind-side blitz on the team's second touchdown, but he dropped one of his pass targets, trying to run before securing the ball.

Stewart proved Saturday night he will contribute off the edge as a rookie. The third-round pick beat veteran right tackle Hakeem Adeniji for a sack early in the second quarter with a quick first step and the balance and strong hands to rip off the block while turning the corner. Stewart's below-average length and mass caused issues, like when tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford put the defender on the ground at the end of the first half. However, his low center of gravity helped him dip outside and get push when taking on blockers. Stewart's stiff hips were evident when dropping into coverage, but he hustled to the ball in space.

Jackson went undrafted because of his lack of size and average speed, but he showed out in the second half against Tennessee, ultimately leading Tampa Bay with six tackles. Jackson recognized plays in a hurry, coming downhill or scraping down the line versus the run, bringing down a receiver screen for a loss and beating a running back's block for a sack. He chased down a screen pass after pushing aside veteran guard Andrew Rupcich and stuck with running backs and tight ends in coverage, making stops immediately. Jackson stayed blocked at times, but he kept his head in the game, intercepting a tipped pass with one hand while being challenged on a blitz.

Wiliams will prove to be a third-round bargain for the Chiefs. He played at the line of scrimmage most of the game, showing quick feet and balance to stay with his man down the sideline. Williams gave up a first-down reception after biting on an outside step but flipped his hips back inside to make the tackle. His most important play was breaking up a red-zone fade, wrestling the ball from the receiver's hands once the pass arrived. Williams looked aware in zone coverage, though he wasn't tested. He played the run well, keeping outside containment, ripping off receiver blocks and wrapping up ball-carriers (including a tackle for loss).

Membou's talent was obvious throughout the win at Green Bay, though he still has room to grow. He got movement on his first NFL snap, leading a run to the right, and latched on to negate his target on other plays. He was solid in pass protection, keeping edge rushers at arm's length, picking up stunts and standing up to bull rushes. Membou's recovery quickness was tested by Rashan Gary, as the No. 7 overall pick gave up an inside lane on one play and held on for dear life following a hesitation move on the next. He had some issues against Brenton Cox Jr., too, losing his balance (and the defender) to allow backfield penetration late in the first quarter.

The 49ers invested a second-round pick in the 330-pound rookie in the hopes he can bolster a lean defensive tackle group. Collins lined up at the 1- and 3-technique spots against Denver, holding his ground against single blocks with leverage, a strong punch and active feet. He was not credited with a tackle, facing a number of double-teams on run plays, but consistently chased plays downfield and to the sideline. He used his quick hands and feet to flush the quarterback on one second-down play but spent most pass plays watching the QB. Collins squared up against double-teams, but his 6-foot-5 frame often made it difficult to maintain leverage.

Grant is another 330-pound defender who is expected to often play on or outside the guard in the Dolphins' scheme. His thick lower body stayed put against the run, and he improved shedding blocks as the game went on. Grant regularly hustled to the ball, stopping a screen pass (after falling to the ground on initial contact) and chasing down a third-down quick throw to the numbers in the red zone. The first-rounder isn't known as a pass rusher, but he was effective coming off a twist and when the ball stayed in the pocket too long. Grant also knocked down a pass when unable to get to the quarterback in the second quarter.

Shough showed poise entering the Saints' loss to the Chargers in a two-minute situation, overshooting an open receiver on his first throw but then taking short gains, throwing away a couple passes and getting the team to the line to stop the clock to set up a field goal before the half. The second-round pick stared down an out route in the third quarter, however, allowing the corner to jump the throw and take the pick to the house. He bounced back on the next drive, looping a slightly underthrown touchdown pass to a receiver lost in a Chargers defensive miscommunication. Shough stood tall in the pocket and found short outlet throws, but he lacked quick-twitch movement, resulting in two sacks.