Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty are among the NFL rookies to watch this season

Rookie Watch: The Titans' High-Stakes Gamble and Other Fresh Faces

Cam Ward has arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, with the weight of a franchise on his shoulders. The Titans’ top draft pick – a highly touted signal-caller who transferred between colleges before setting Division I passing records at Miami – takes over as starter after last season's dismal three-win performance.

"Impressive," "fantastic," and "top prospect" are words being tossed around, but the preseason can be a crucible for rookies. Ward isn’t alone in facing scrutiny.

A Two-Way Trailblazer
Travis Hunter's path is a unique one. Drafted No. 2 by the Jaguars, he aims to play both wide receiver and cornerback – just like his Heisman Trophy-winning days at Colorado.

"He's still learning," admits Jaguars coach Liam Coen. But the team has packages designed for him on both sides of the ball. Will Hunter truly be a two-way threat in the NFL?

Running Back Renaissance?
The Raiders, saddled with the league’s worst rushing attack last season, are betting on Ashton Jeanty to turn things around. Drafted No. 6 overall – the highest running back selection since Saquon Barkley in 2018 – Jeanty burst onto the scene at Boise State, racking up over 2,600 yards and 29 touchdowns. Can he translate that success to the NFL?

A Defensive Force Emerges
Abdul Carter joined a Giants' pass rush already boasting Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence and dynamic edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Drafted No. 3 overall, Carter won't shoulder the entire load, but his potential is undeniable after racking up 23 ½ tackles for loss last season at Penn State.

Can Sanders Rise From Draft Slump?
Projected as a first-round pick, Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round, landing with the Browns. Now facing a crowded quarterback room – behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett – can he seize an opportunity in Cleveland's perpetually quarterback-challenged system?