Ranking 2025 NFL rookie impact for non-Round 1 draft picks - ESPN

The dust has settled on the 2025 NFL draft, as we've had a few weeks to digest and assess all 257 picks.

The headliners of any draft class will always be the first-round picks; they obviously arrive to the NFL with great expectations. But there are several Day 2 and Day 3 players who will make instant, notable contributions. Look back to 2024, when fourth-round running back Bucky Irving had 1,122 rushing yards and third-round safety Calen Bullock had five interceptions. Both numbers led all rookies last season.

With that in mind, I'm going to rank 10 players on each side of the ball selected in Rounds 2-7 who I expect will make the greatest immediate impact as rookies. I'm factoring in potential role, upside and talent. Let's start with a quarterback who could see a bunch of starts.

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Offense | Defense

Derek Carr retiring from football means the Saints will go into training camp with a quarterback competition. And I believe Shough will beat out Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener for the starting job.

Now, the Saints' roster might not be set up for the immediate success of a rookie quarterback, but they will likely give Shough every chance to show he can become their long-term fixture under center. Shough's arm talent, ability to read the defense and mobility are the foundation of an impressive skill set. He threw 23 touchdown passes last season and has 32 career starts under his belt.

The Broncos entered the draft needing a running back, and many — myself included — thought they might take one with their first-round pick at No. 20. Instead, the Broncos got their guy 40 picks later. Harvey can be the «joker» in Sean Payton's offense, impacting the game as both a runner and receiver. He actually reminds me of Bucky