Week 3 of the NFL concluded with the Lions making a statement win against the Ravens on Monday Night Football in Baltimore. Across the NFL, this week was a crazy one for defense and special teams, with a total of 9 touchdowns, the most in a week since week 12 in 2020. Many rookies were a part of this special day for defense and special teams. Here are my picks for the top rookie from week 3 of the 2025 NFL season.
Cam Skattebo – New York Giants
Against the Chiefs’ defense, which has been known to be tough against running backs in recent years, Cam Skattebo didn’t let that stop him. Running for 60 yards on the ground, a rushing touchdown, and getting 61 yards through the air with 6 receptions, getting a total of 121 scrimmage yards, Skattebo was a large part of the Giants’ offense. Although they lost 9-22, Skattebo still showed the league that the Giants may have gotten a steal at the running back position in the 3rd round of the draft.
Omarion Hampton – Los Angeles Chargers
With 5 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Chargers running back Najee Harris collapsed to the turf during a play-action pass. Harris was carted off, and it was confirmed he had torn his Achilles tendon. Omarion Hampton was then called on to fill the RB 1 spot for the rest of the game against the division rival Denver Broncos. The Chargers were up 3-0 when Hampton went into the game, and he continued that drive until he ran it in for a touchdown to get the Chargers up 10-0. He continued to shine, helping the Chargers beat the Broncos with a final score of 23-20. He finished with 129 total yards, 70 rushing yards, and 6 receptions for 59 yards.
Tory Horton – Seattle Seahawks
This 5th round wide receiver made his mark as a punt returner, returning for 114 yards and a touchdown on a punt return. That was not his only touchdown of the day, as he had a 14-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold, and received a total of 32 yards on 3 receptions, totaling up to 146 all-purpose yards. Horton was one of the 9 touchdowns scored on defense or special teams mentioned earlier, and he was a part of the Seahawks’ blowout win against the New Orleans Saints.
Jaylin Lane – Washington Commanders
Returning 5 punts for 127 yards, and returning one to the endzone for a touchdown, Lane also contributed to the 9 defense and special teams touchdowns this week. This wide receiver caught one pass from Marcus Mariota, but Lane was tackled behind the line of scrimmage for a grand total of -2 receiving yards. Lane still helped the Commanders destroy the Raiders 41-24.
