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A look at how some of this year's draft picks are performing in the NFL.
The NFL Draft always gets fans talking, and the 2025 draft was no different. It is the time of year when teams try to find that next franchise player, and fans look for reasons to be hopeful about the upcoming season.
At this time, analysts debated every selection and betting platforms like DraftKings tracked the latest odds. Now that we are well into the season, it's a good time to look at how some of this year's draft picks are performing in the NFL.
Caleb Downs, Safety, Washington Commanders
The Commanders used an early pick on Caleb Downs from Alabama as they were hoping he could help solidify their defense. So far, he has been successful in that task.
Downs has already picked up around 50 tackles, a couple of interceptions and a forced fumble. This shows he has the instincts and composure that made him such a top prospect.
He is also quickly becoming one of the top voices of the Commanders' defense. Washington fans are pleased to finally have a safety who can cover ground and hit hard without overcommitting. So far, Downs looks to have been a good pick.
Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
The New York Giants needed support on their offense and Malik Nabers has been a good pick. The LSU grad has brought some much-needed energy and speed to the team.
In his first eight games, he put up just over 600 receiving yards and five touchdowns. This is a great result for a rookie still adjusting to NFL defenses.
His route running and ability to make plays after the catch have stood out to fans. Giants fans have been hoping for a reliable, exciting receiver for years and Nabers seems to tick that box.
If he continues to play at this level, he could be in the running for Rookie of the Year by the end of the season.
Drake Maye, Quarterback, New England Patriots
The Patriots' new quarterback Drake Maye hasn't had it easy, but he is showing progress. After some shaky early games, he has started to settle down and manage the offense more confidently.
So far, the player has thrown for around 1,800 yards with 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He is calm under pressure and seems to be earning the trust of his teammates.
While he has not yet made the biggest impact, things are looking up for Drake Maye.
Olu Fashanu, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans
The Titans made a smart move selecting Olu Fashanu to strengthen their offensive line. He might not always be in the headlines, but his impact has been noticeable. Fashanu has
started every game so far and has only allowed a couple of sacks.
That is quite an impressive result for a rookie. He has given Will Levis more time to throw and has helped open up lanes in the running game.
Offensive linemen rarely get much attention. But Fashanu's consistency has been one of the key reasons the Titans' offense is looking to be more balanced this season.
Brock Bowers, Tight End, Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers came into the league with a lot of attention after a standout career at Georgia. He has now lived up to expectations with the Raiders too.
He has been a reliable target and has already put together around 400 yards and four touchdowns. But what is it that makes Bowers so valuable? It is his versatility. He can line up in multiple spots and create mismatches.
Antonio Pierce has been full of praise and has been calling him one of the most coachable rookies he's worked with. Raiders fans are hopeful that they have found a long-term addition to their offense.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Detroit Lions
Detroit took Kool-Aid McKinstry on to help fix their secondary and he has started out strong. Through his first several games, he has recorded three interceptions and nine pass breakups.
The player has already earned a starting role and seems to fit right into the Lions' high-energy defense. Fans like him for his playmaking ability and he is already becoming a bit of a favorite in Detroit.
So, which players are standing out the most?
Every new draft takes a while to settle, but the 2025 rookies are showing some real promise. Downs, Nabers, and Bowers look like early hits, while players like Maye and Fashanu are developing well in their roles too.
Platforms such as DraftKings have been updating rookie performance odds weekly and these names keep showing up near the top. Analysts are already calling it one of the more balanced rookie classes of the past few years in the NFL.
As the season continues, it will be interesting to see who breaks out late and who folds under the pressure.