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As we begin to think about our needs for next year, I thought it might be an interesting exercise to think about the expected slumps or jumps of our rookies. In doing so, I want to start with how are 2024 picks have done in their second year (feel free to disagree with my assessment because I'm not using statistics or ratings just my own memories and observations.) Afterwards, I want to make a guess about what might expect in 2026 because the third year often tells the tale of a rookie. After, three years the team decides if they are worth keeping, whether they are backups, blue collar starters, or potential stars. Then, I want to look at this year's crop and have us project how they will fit the roster's needs in 2026.
Sophomore jumpers
Luke McCaffrey: Luke has proven himself to be one of the better KR in the league. At receiver, he has made a few plays, but overall he hasn't emerged as someone who can be counted on as a starting or slot receiver. His injury came at a terrible time as I think that things were starting to really click for him. Still, I'm going to put him in the jump category because compared to his rookie season he has carved a role and has shown he belongs in the league. What he ultimately becomes is still up for question.
Jordan Magee: Magee is starting to flash a bit. If he can get past the injuries and continues to improve, he might be a contributor. I can't tell if he can become a starter, but he is a player.
Dominique Hampton: I have heard is name a couple of times in recent weeks so I think he's made it into the rotation. I think he also is contributin on special teams.
Sophomore slumpers
Johnny Newton: I'm placing Jer'zhan as a slumper simply because I thought he flashed a few times last season and I haven't noticed him at all this year. Plus, it feels like Goldman, Kinlaw, and others have moved ahead of him in the rotation.
Mike Sainristil: In part because of Whitt's playcalling and moving Sainristill to the nickel, Mike has been worse in 2025 than in 2024. That said, injuries and Quinn assuming playcalling looks to be creating an opportunity for Sainristil to end strong. The pass defense has been a little better the past few days so maybe his decline was the result of being played incorrectly. We saw a similar decline with Coleman. In both cases, the braintrust took a player who was doing well at one position and decided to fit the square peg into the round hole.
Ben Sinnott: It's less of a slump then a failure to rise. Sinnott has not jumped even if he has become a more trusted blocker, therefore he has slumped.
Jayden Daniels: This is based solely on the injuries. His play has been pretty good, but he hasn't been on the field enough and some of that is his fault.
Brandon Coleman: He is a tackle. The decison to move him to guard in year one was a failure. Again, I think this is a coaching-slump more than a player slump.
Third year expectations:
I fully expect that Daniels, Sainristil, and Coleman to return to form in 2026. I don't know what we should expect out of Luke, but I think he will at least be a good special teamer which has value. For some reason, I think Magee may not grow into a bigger role. I suspect they will look elsewhere to replace Wagner and there are other options on the team, in the draft, and in free agency that will push him down the depth chart. I don't know what to think about Newton. I expect Payne to be traded or gone which opens up a place, but I don't know that Newton has done enough or can do enough to be a starter. He doesn't generate enough pressure to offset his weakness against the run. I would love Sinnott to do something, but it's pretty rare for a player to do all but nothing in their first two years and become a player in their third.
2025 rookie projections:
Connerly: I don't expect a sophomore slump. He seems to be improving and given his age, a year of strength work and experience is promising.
Trey Amos: I think he will be even better with a better play caller.
Jaylin Lane: He's already a good punt returner. I have my doubts about him as a receiver. I don't mind the raw route running, but I've seen too many drops. He certainly has room to make a good jump.
Kain Madrano: I have no idea
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: I think a year working on pass protection will do wonders. I think most of his problems had to do with playing with no receiving weapons, super stacked boxes, and other factors. If given a chance, I think he will continue to surprise in a good way.
Sophomore jumpers
Luke McCaffrey: Luke has proven himself to be one of the better KR in the league. At receiver, he has made a few plays, but overall he hasn't emerged as someone who can be counted on as a starting or slot receiver. His injury came at a terrible time as I think that things were starting to really click for him. Still, I'm going to put him in the jump category because compared to his rookie season he has carved a role and has shown he belongs in the league. What he ultimately becomes is still up for question.
Jordan Magee: Magee is starting to flash a bit. If he can get past the injuries and continues to improve, he might be a contributor. I can't tell if he can become a starter, but he is a player.
Dominique Hampton: I have heard is name a couple of times in recent weeks so I think he's made it into the rotation. I think he also is contributin on special teams.
Sophomore slumpers
Johnny Newton: I'm placing Jer'zhan as a slumper simply because I thought he flashed a few times last season and I haven't noticed him at all this year. Plus, it feels like Goldman, Kinlaw, and others have moved ahead of him in the rotation.
Mike Sainristil: In part because of Whitt's playcalling and moving Sainristill to the nickel, Mike has been worse in 2025 than in 2024. That said, injuries and Quinn assuming playcalling looks to be creating an opportunity for Sainristil to end strong. The pass defense has been a little better the past few days so maybe his decline was the result of being played incorrectly. We saw a similar decline with Coleman. In both cases, the braintrust took a player who was doing well at one position and decided to fit the square peg into the round hole.
Ben Sinnott: It's less of a slump then a failure to rise. Sinnott has not jumped even if he has become a more trusted blocker, therefore he has slumped.
Jayden Daniels: This is based solely on the injuries. His play has been pretty good, but he hasn't been on the field enough and some of that is his fault.
Brandon Coleman: He is a tackle. The decison to move him to guard in year one was a failure. Again, I think this is a coaching-slump more than a player slump.
Third year expectations:
I fully expect that Daniels, Sainristil, and Coleman to return to form in 2026. I don't know what we should expect out of Luke, but I think he will at least be a good special teamer which has value. For some reason, I think Magee may not grow into a bigger role. I suspect they will look elsewhere to replace Wagner and there are other options on the team, in the draft, and in free agency that will push him down the depth chart. I don't know what to think about Newton. I expect Payne to be traded or gone which opens up a place, but I don't know that Newton has done enough or can do enough to be a starter. He doesn't generate enough pressure to offset his weakness against the run. I would love Sinnott to do something, but it's pretty rare for a player to do all but nothing in their first two years and become a player in their third.
2025 rookie projections:
Connerly: I don't expect a sophomore slump. He seems to be improving and given his age, a year of strength work and experience is promising.
Trey Amos: I think he will be even better with a better play caller.
Jaylin Lane: He's already a good punt returner. I have my doubts about him as a receiver. I don't mind the raw route running, but I've seen too many drops. He certainly has room to make a good jump.
Kain Madrano: I have no idea
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: I think a year working on pass protection will do wonders. I think most of his problems had to do with playing with no receiving weapons, super stacked boxes, and other factors. If given a chance, I think he will continue to surprise in a good way.
