The NFL saw standout performances from several rookies during Week 10 of the 2025 season. Players like Nikko Reed and R.J. Mickens from the Los Angeles Chargers played pivotal roles in their team’s victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighting the impact of this year’s rookie class. The performances across the league showcased emerging talents, many of whom are beginning to make their mark.
Quarterback and Running Back Standouts
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough delivered a breakthrough performance against the Carolina Panthers, leading his team to a 27-17 victory. The former second-round pick from Louisville completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns, achieving a commendable 75.5 PFF passing grade without any turnovers. This marked his first win in the NFL, signaling a promising future as he gains confidence in the role.
Meanwhile, Houston Texans running back Woody Marks also shone brightly, achieving the highest PFF grade among rookie running backs this week with an impressive 86.5. Marks carried the ball 15 times for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he contributed two receptions for 18 yards, reflecting his versatility and importance in the Texans’ offense.
Receiving Threats and Defensive Dominance
The Texans’ receiving corps continued to impress with rookie Jayden Higgins, who had a standout game against the Jaguars. He caught five passes for 42 yards and a touchdown, achieving a career-high 78.3 PFF receiving grade. Another rookie, Luther Burden III of the Chicago Bears, played a vital role in their comeback victory against the New York Giants, catching three passes for 51 yards. His performance, while not explosive, highlighted his growing involvement in the Bears’ offense.
Defensively, Jalon Walker of the Atlanta Falcons was outstanding against the Indianapolis Colts, recording a career-high 87.5 PFF grade. He excelled in both pass rushing and run defense, demonstrating his potential as a key player moving forward. Nikko Reed and R.J. Mickens from the Chargers also made significant contributions, with Reed allowing just one reception on four targets and Mickens achieving a total PFF grade of 84.4 during their matchup against the Steelers.
The performances of these rookies are indicative of the depth and talent present in this year’s draft class. As the season progresses, their contributions could prove crucial to their respective teams.
Key Rookie Performances Across the League
Other notable rookie performers included Jackson Hawes of the Buffalo Bills, who showcased his dual-threat ability as both a blocker and receiver, and Josh Conerly Jr. of the Washington Commanders, who made a strong debut against the Detroit Lions. The consistent performances from these rookies highlight the increasing impact of younger players in the NFL.
As the league heads into the latter half of the season, the emergence of these rookie talents adds excitement for fans and teams alike. The contributions of players like Tyler Shough, Woody Marks, and others will be essential as they seek to solidify their roles and help their teams compete effectively in the playoffs.
The NFL’s evolving landscape continues to be shaped by these fresh faces, making Week 10 a significant moment for the league’s future stars.
