Projecting 2025 NFL rookie leaders in 10 stat categories - ESPN

It has been nearly a month since the 2025 NFL draft, and we now have a much better grasp of what each team will look like this season. That means we can start projecting expectations — and stats — for this year's batch of rookies.

Will anyone challenge Cam Ward in passing yards? How many rushing yards should we expect from early-round running backs such as Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton? What are reasonable outlooks for Travis Hunter on both offense and defense? And who will lead all defensive rookies in tackles and sacks?

Let's look at the top five projected leaders among rookies in a variety of statistical categories for the 2025 season. These team and player projections are my own, compiled through a process that is both quantitative (league, team, coaching and player trends) and qualitative (projected depth chart placement and role). Missed time due to injury is factored in, with running backs generally maxing out at 14 games and other positions at 15.

For full statistical outlooks, you can check out my projections page to sort and filter through the entire league. Both are updated often leading up to the start of the season.

Jump to stat leaders:
Passing | Rushing | Receiving | TDs
Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions

1. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans: 3,392 yards, 20 TDs (15 starts)
2. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints: 3,020 yards, 13 TDs (13 starts)
3. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants: 1,968 yards, 10 TDs (9 starts)
4. Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns: 1,205 yards, 5 TDs (5 starts)
5. Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns: 925 yards, 4 TDs (4 starts)

This is not one of the better quarterback classes in recent memory, with Ward as the only sure bet to start Week 1. As a second-round pick, Shough seemed like a relative long shot to pan