Betting on Breakouts: NFL Rookies Who Could Impact 2025 Odds

Training camps are heating up, and preseason matchups are around the corner. This is the moment where depth charts shift, injuries create opportunities, and rookies begin to turn heads.

While most bettors focus on veterans or top draft picks, lesser-known first-year players often provide the edge in both fantasy and NFL betting predictions.

This article highlights seven rookies whose performances could shift 2025 betting odds, from team win totals to player props.

These players are earning early praise and could find themselves in key roles before Week 1 kicks off. Keeping an eye on NFL rookie prop bets now could pay off down the line.

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Trey Amos (Cornerback, Washington Commanders)

Drafted 61st overall, Trey Amos brings first-round talent to a secondary that needs immediate help. With Marshon Lattimore likely starting on the outside and Mike Sainristil in the slot, Amos is in direct competition with Jonathan Jones for the other boundary corner spot.

He has been a standout in training camp so far. If he wins the job, he could be tested early and often, making him relevant for bettors eyeing defensive stats props or team performance odds.

Aireontae Ersery (Offensive Tackle, Houston Texans)

Ersery was considered a long-term project coming out of Minnesota, but he is already taking first-team reps in Houston. After trading away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green, the Texans are reshuffling their offensive line, and Ersery could find himself starting in Week 1.

With quarterback protection a key part of NFL betting insights, his performance will influence how confident oddsmakers and bettors feel about the Texans’ offense early in the season.

Andrew Mukuba (Safety, Philadelphia Eagles)

The safety battle in Philadelphia is one to watch. While Reed Blankenship has likely secured one starting spot, Mukuba is pushing last year’s third-round pick, Sydney Brown, for the other.

Mukuba’s shoulder injury slowed him early in camp, but he is expected to make a push during preseason. For those tracking NFL betting news, his emergence could change the perception of Philly’s secondary and how books price them against pass-heavy opponents.

Nic Scourton (Linebacker, Carolina Panthers)

Carolina’s pass rush ranked dead last in pressure rate last year. That opens the door for rookie Nic Scourton, who fell to the second round after a dip in production at Texas A&M.

Scourton is competing with veterans like D.J. Wonnum and Patrick Jones II, but his physical upside and college pedigree give him a shot. If he flashes during preseason, he could be a value play in early sack props and impact how sportsbooks assess the Panthers’ defence overall.

Josh Simmons (Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs)

Kansas City used its final first-round pick on Josh Simmons despite a major knee injury in college. The gamble might pay off quicker than expected.

Simmons has already impressed in camp and is battling Jaylon Moore for the starting left tackle job. If he holds up, that solidifies protection for Patrick Mahomes, something that always factors into betting lines and offensive props.

Ozzy Trapilo (Offensive Tackle, Chicago Bears)

Trapilo, a second-round pick, is switching from right tackle to left tackle this summer. He is battling Braxton Jones for the job in Chicago, where the offensive line was a clear focus this offseason.

The Bears brought in multiple veteran interior linemen, but Trapilo could be the final piece on the edge. His performance could influence early-season expectations around Chicago’s run game and pass protection, both of which impact how the Bears are priced in point spreads and totals.

Jared Wilson (Center, New England Patriots)

Most attention in New England has been on the tackle position, but Jared Wilson’s name keeps coming up in camp. Drafted in the third round, he is competing with veteran Garrett Bradbury at center.

The Patriots value physicality and toughness, traits Wilson has already demonstrated. A reliable centre can stabilise an entire offensive line. That’s something bettors should consider when reviewing early matchups and line movement.

Where NFL Rookie Props Come Into Play

These rookies may not be household names, but their impact could extend beyond depth charts and into betting markets. Defensive contributors like Amos and Scourton can sway turnover and sack totals. Offensive linemen like Simmons and Trapilo can shape team rushing yards or passing success rates.

For bettors looking to act early, it is worth tracking NFL rookie prop bets at FanDuel Sportsbook. These markets tend to open with low limits and wide lines, giving bettors a chance to capitalise on early information before Week 1 arrives.

Why These Names Matter to Bettors

Early-season odds shift fast. One injury or roster surprise can move spreads, impact futures, or affect player prop availability. Tracking which rookies are winning jobs, and how coaches view them, can help bettors stay ahead of the market.

These players are not just filling depth. They are competing for starting roles, and in some cases, they are winning them. NFL betting predictions become more accurate when you understand who is really on the field - and why.

Watch Closely as the Preseason Unfolds

Rookies like Puka Nacua and Devon Witherspoon made waves early last season. Don’t be surprised if names like Trey Amos or Ozzy Trapilo show up in highlight reels (and betting markets) before long.

For bettors, the preseason is not about final scores. It is about who’s playing, who’s earning trust, and who could shape the next set of betting odds. Following NFL betting insights during this time can give you an edge when others are still focused on headlines.

Keep your eyes on the reps, the press conferences, and the snap counts. Week 1 lines are already available, but the real information is just starting to surface.

*This article reflects information available as of 2025/07/31 and is subject to change based on team decisions, injuries, and other developments throughout the NFL season.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!