Rookie Radar: Week 5 Grades – Ward’s First Win, Hunter Shines on Both Sides

On Oct 8, 2025

Grading All 32 First-Round Rookies After Week 5

Week 5 is done and dusted, and man, some of these rookies really showed what they’re made of. From game-changing catches to clutch throws, the new class is starting to settle in. Let’s check out how the top picks performed, what their PFF grades say, and who’s trending up (or down) as we move deeper into the season.

Pick No. 1: Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward

Overall Rookie Grade: 56.7 (Rank: 1/2)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 5 Snaps: 67
Week 5 Grade: 68.0

Cam Ward finally got his first NFL win — and what a wild one it was. The Titans pulled off a late comeback over Arizona, and Ward was right in the middle of it. The rookie threw three absolute darts in the fourth quarter, including two deep bombs to Calvin Ridley that had fans on their feet.

His PFF passing grade in that final quarter? A sweet 92.1 — elite stuff. Also, Tennessee’s O-line finally gave him a break, with pressure coming on just 19% of his dropbacks. When Ward gets time, you can see why he was the top pick.

Takeaway: If the Titans can keep him upright, Ward might start cooking for real.

Pick No. 2: Jacksonville Jaguars – WR/CB Travis Hunter

Overall Rookie Grade (Offense): 60.9 (Rank: 6/10)
Principal Opponent (Offense): Chamarri Conner
Week 5 Offensive Snaps: 39
Week 5 Offensive Grade: 76.9
Overall Rookie Grade (Defense): 74.2 (Rank: 2/12)
Principal Opponent (Defense): Xavier Worthy
Week 5 Defensive Snaps: 25
Week 5 Defensive Grade: 77.3

Travis Hunter just keeps proving he’s built differently. The guy’s playing both sides of the ball — and excelling at it. Against the Chiefs, he hauled in a crazy one-handed grab for 44 yards in the third quarter, and then turned right around and broke up a clutch third-down pass to Travis Kelce earlier in the game.

His defensive play is really standing out now — a 74.2 PFF grade puts him among the top 20 corners in the league already. The Jaguars are finding creative ways to use him, and it’s starting to pay off big time.

Takeaway: Hunter’s becoming a legit two-way threat. The hype’s real.

Players to Watch

Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers): Went off for 163 yards this week, leading the entire NFL. The dude’s been uncoverable lately.
Jihaad Campbell (Eagles): Even in Philly’s first loss, he racked up an 80.6 run-defense grade and keeps anchoring that front seven.

Form Guide

Titans (with Ward): Trending upward – offense finally finding rhythm.
Jaguars (with Hunter): Up-and-down team, but Hunter’s dual role gives them some real spark.

Prediction

Both Ward and Hunter look like they’re settling in after some rookie bumps. Expect Ward’s confidence to rise with better protection, and Hunter to start seeing even more snaps on both sides. Rookie of the Year talk might not be too far off.

Betting Tips

Titans spread looks juicy if Ward keeps improving behind better pass protection.
Hunter prop bets (receptions + pass breakups) could be sneaky value as his usage expands.

Wrap-Up

Week 5 gave us a real taste of what these first-rounders can do when they’re comfortable. Ward finally looked like a true QB1, and Hunter continues to amaze doing double duty. As the season goes on, expect both of these guys to keep turning heads — and maybe even flipping a few betting slips in your favor.