NFC West Wildcards: Day 3 Rookies Already Making Noise in 2025″

You want shock value? Look no further than the NFC West, where late-round rookies are flipping the script and forcing their way into the spotlight. These guys weren’t supposed to be the headliners, yet here they are, crashing depth charts, dominating reps, and turning skeptics into believers. Here are two breakout candidates from each NFC West squad who are already stealing the show.

Los Angeles Rams (Sneaky Stunners in the Front Seven)

Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss)

The Rams might’ve just found their next defensive general. Paul Jr. is flying through OTAs like a linebacker with something to prove, because he does. His sideline-to-sideline speed and play recognition are already creating buzz in L.A.

Ty Hamilton (DL, Ohio State)

Hamilton is a wall in the trenches. His power and leverage are giving Rams O-linemen fits in early drills. A pure tone-setter who could be an instant force in the run game.

Arizona Cardinals (Blue-Collar Breakouts on Defense)

Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)

Simon hits like a missile and diagnoses plays like a vet. He’s already calling out formations at camp and impressing with how quickly he adapts. Don’t be surprised if he earns a key rotational role by midseason.

Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)

A feisty cover man with elite footwork and a nose for the ball. Jones has been sticking to receivers like glue and already has a couple of pick, sixes in practice. Arizona may have found a future starter on Day 3.

San Francisco 49ers (Depth Pieces with Star Potential)

Kobe King (LB, Penn State)

Underrated? Absolutely. King’s physicality and anticipation have made him a camp darling. He’s the kind of player who quietly becomes a core piece on defense and special teams.

Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pitt)

The 49ers love tight ends who can do it all. Bartholomew blocks like a lineman and catches like a slot receiver. He’s already drawing comparisons to a young George Kittle in effort and toughness.

Seattle Seahawks (High Ceilings, Higher Impact)

Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)

He fell to Round 5, but don’t blink. Milroe is showing flashes of elite dual-threat upside, delivering lasers in team drills and scrambling like a seasoned vet. He’s not just a project; he might be the future.

Cam Jackson (DL, Florida)

Big, fast, and violent at the point of attack. Jackson has been a surprise disruptor in practice, knocking back linemen and commanding double teams. Seattle’s D-line rotation just got deeper and scarier.

Bottom Line:

These NFC West rookies weren’t supposed to star. They were drafted to develop quietly. But football doesn’t wait for a resume,it rewards hunger, hustle, and heart. And these underdogs have all three.

They’re not just filling roster spots, they’re hunting for starting jobs. And by the time the 2025 season kicks off, they might be the biggest names you never saw coming.