Most NFL rookies typically do not make an immediate impact after transitioning from college football. Each player is at a different stage on the developmental spectrum, and depending on the investment made in them, patience may be a necessary virtue. However, each year, a handful of rookies break out and make a significant mark on the league. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels stands out as an exception to the norm. A first-year quarterback is generally not expected to start on Day 1, exceed 3,500 passing yards, lead their team in rushing yardage, and guide their team to the NFC Championship Game. Most rookies experience a mix of struggles and triumphs as they learn the ins and outs of being a professional athlete.

As top prospects enter their second year in the league, expectations grow significantly. Having spent a year in the system and gone through a full offseason of development, players are anticipated to improve markedly. The focus is particularly on recent first-round selections, who are often counted on to be difference-makers for their respective teams. Moneyline has identified eight prominent selections from the 2024 NFL Draft, including three quarterbacks, who must demonstrate substantial growth during the 2025 season, or speculation about their future may arise. As highlighted in Seth Wickersham's upcoming book, "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback," Caleb Williams and his family had initial reservations about joining the Chicago Bears during the 2024 NFL Draft. However, following a predraft visit, Williams reportedly expressed a change of heart, deciding, "I can do it for this team. I'm going to go to the Bears." Despite this newfound commitment, Williams faced difficulties due to a lack of guidance from the former coaching staff, which resulted in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus being dismissed midseason.

Year two presents a fresh start under the direction of new head coach and offensive play-caller Ben Johnson, placing the onus on Williams to leverage the experience gained. General manager Ryan Poles has been proactive in surrounding the 2024 No. 1 overall pick with considerable talent, particularly by revitalizing the offensive line through the acquisitions of Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. Additionally, the Bears bolstered their offense by selecting tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III in the first two rounds. Williams now faces the challenge of enhancing his skills, including preparation, field recognition pre- and post-snap, and refining his footwork, especially from the under-center position, while ensuring timely and rhythmic ball distribution. Williams's natural playmaking ability will come into play when circumstances demand it. Poles emphasized the importance of challenging Williams rather than coddling him, stating, "I think there's a space for building someone's confidence, but I think you have to be demanding and challenging of the expectations of what you're looking for."

As Williams progresses, comparisons to the quarterback drafted just one pick behind him, Jayden Daniels, will be inevitable. The announcement made during the 2024 NFL Draft that the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick left many in disbelief. Earlier that offseason, the Falcons secured veteran Kirk Cousins with a four-year, $180 million free-agent contract to prevent a repeat of their previous predicament following the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts before the 2022 season. The Falcons' succession plan unfolded as anticipated, albeit sooner than expected. Cousins found himself benched by Week 16, leading to Penix’s entry into the lineup. During the final three games of the season, Penix exhibited potential as a starting-caliber quarterback, showcasing impressive throws, although he completed under 60 percent of his passes and recorded an equal number of interceptions and touchdowns during his limited appearances.

Penix's performance can be dissected further, as he earned an overall grade of 87.9 across 114 dropbacks, significantly boosted by a dominant Week 18 showing that encompassed seven standout throws and a game grade of 95.6. However, inconsistency characterized his early efforts; in the preceding game, he struggled with accuracy, posting a passing grade of just 54.3. The Falcons' coaching staff noted signs of a quarterback capable of evolving into a franchise player, which is the standard expected from a top-10 selection. Quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates praised Penix’s ability to manipulate defenses with his vision, declaring, "We got a guy here." As he enters Year 2 as the full-time starter, Penix's ability to layer throws and handle pressure will be pivotal. The Falcons are rich in skill-position talent and have aspirations of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Penix must demonstrate he is capable of leading the roster into postseason contention.

J.J. McCarthy also finds himself under the spotlight as he steps into the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback role, drawing continuous comparisons to the prior starter, Sam Darnold. The 2024 draft saw the Vikings trade up to secure McCarthy with the 10th overall pick, ensuring he would be part of their future. Unfortunately, McCarthy's rookie year was hindered by a torn meniscus in his right knee sustained during the preseason, culminating in the team naming Darnold as the starting quarterback before the regular season commenced. Despite this setback, Darnold had a career year, achieving Pro Bowl status by chalking up a 66.2 completion percentage, 4,319 passing yards, and 35 touchdown passes, leading the Vikings to a commendable 14-3 record. With Darnold now having departed for the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, McCarthy must seize the opportunity to establish himself as the franchise quarterback that the team envisions.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is recognized for his ability to develop quarterbacks and implement a quarterback-friendly offense. McCarthy expressed confidence in his skills and his readiness to step up as the team's leader, stating, "I know I'm ready to start... and just take it one day at a time, one play at a time." However, McCarthy must bolster this claim with performance on the field to build trust among his teammates. The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy's readiness adds another layer of intrigue to the Vikings' strategy moving forward. Marvin Harrison Jr., hailed as one of the best wide receiver prospects since Calvin Johnson, had a promising yet uneven rookie season. Although he performed well, Harrison acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in strength against tougher NFL competition. He shared his commitment to physical enhancement during the offseason: "Yeah, I definitely put on some pounds. I think I added some muscle to my body a little bit."

The Arizona Cardinals aim for a more productive sophomore season from Harrison, hoping that his improved physique and the experience gained last year will translate into greater contributions on the field. Harrison's rookie season was characterized by bursts of activity coupled with long patches of stagnation, as the majority of his production materialized early in games before opposing defenses adjusted. With 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut year, Harrison's figures, while respectable, still fell short of expectations. Comparatively, his father, a Hall of Famer, caught 64 passes for 836 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season. Despite the presence of other rookie receivers like Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Ladd McConkey, along with tight end Brock Bowers, Harrison's potential remains high. The Cardinals' coaching staff must devise strategies to optimize Harrison's utilization, possibly by moving him around more pre-snap and employing formations that create space for him.

The Pittsburgh Steelers initially intended for rookie Troy Fautanu to seize the starting right tackle position, flipping Broderick Jones to his natural left side. However, injuries halted that plan, as Fautanu suffered an MCL sprain during the preseason, making his first start in Week 2 before dislocating his kneecap, which placed him on injured reserve. Following his absence, other rookie offensive linemen, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, shone in their respective roles. The Steelers allowed starting left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to depart in free agency, delegating the offensive line's future to Jones's switch and Fautanu's development. A successful season for Fautanu could be crucial, particularly as the Steelers' quarterback situation remains uncertain, with options ranging from a veteran Aaron Rodgers to a less experienced alternative needing support.

The Green Bay Packers' Jordan Morgan, the 25th overall pick in the previous draft, is set to transition back to left tackle after beginning his career at guard. Having started only one game last season, Morgan aims to reclaim his natural position, where he started all 37 games during his college tenure at Arizona. Offensive line coach Luke Butkus expressed confidence in Morgan's abilities, describing him as athletic and effortless in his movements. A return to tackle could ease some of the shoulder injuries Morgan faced, as that role typically emphasizes technique and agility over the physicality of the guard position. As the Packers look to navigate the 2025 season, Morgan's development at left tackle will be a significant factor in protecting quarterback Jordan Love's blind side.

Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts' Laiatu Latu must navigate the expectations that accompanied his selection as the 15th overall pick in the draft. Highlighted by Colts general manager Chris Ballard's enthusiastic remarks upon his selection, Latu's performance during his rookie year did not live up to the hype, finishing with four sacks, ranking fifth among rookies. The Defensive Rookie of the Year award ultimately went to the Rams' Jared Verse. As Latu enters his second season, the Colts are hopeful for a substantial leap in performance, with head coach Shane Steichen indicating the potential for double-digit sack numbers this year as Latu assumes a starting role following Dayo Odeyingbo's departure in free agency. Latu now shares a depth chart with notable talent such as Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, a healthy Samson Ebukam, and second-round rookie JT Tuimoloau, and he must prove himself worthy of his draft position.

Dallas Turner, the last first-round pick from the Vikings, struggled to find his footing during what was deemed a disappointing rookie year. Although he did not start any games, he made brief appearances, concluding his season with 12 tackles and three sacks. Turner, however, arrived in the league with considerable upside as a pass-rusher, having excelled in collegiate football where he was co-Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC. The Vikings are optimistic about Turner's development in year two as the team bolstered its defensive front with the signings of notable players Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. A more productive Turner could enhance a defensive unit looking to improve its total defense numbers, building on last season’s performance.