QB
None
RB
Isiah Pacheco – KC (Round 7)
There was a lot of buzz surrounding Pacheco throughout the summer but until the regular season begins, we just don’t know what is real and what is fake. Pacheco is very much a big part of this offense as he led the team with 12 rushes and 62 yards in addition to scoring the team’s only touchdown on the ground.
Honorable Mention: Breece Hall / NYJ
WR
Jahan Dotson – WAS (Round 1)
Dotson caught 3 of 5 targets for 40 yards. While there was more production around the league from rookies at the position, one must consider the magnitude of Dotson’s receptions. Two of those three catches were touchdowns. The first being on a brilliant route where he shook the defender out his pants. The second was a 24-yard game winner in the fourth quarter with under 2 minutes left with WAS down 2 at the time.
Honorable Mention: Drake London / ATL
TE
Daniel Bellinger – NYG (Round 4)
It was a quiet day for the rookie tight ends, as is normally the case for the rookies at the position. The fourth rounder did in fact impact the offense in a big way. His blocking at the second level on multiple successful runs by Saquon Barkley were a key component to their big plays. Bellinger essentially won the job by default but there are several factors to his game that look pro ready and blocking in space is clearly one of them.
Honorable Mention: Chigoziem Okonkwo / TEN
OT
Nicholas Petit-Frere – TEN (Round 3)
The Tennessee offensive line essentially pitched a shutout against the beat up NYG pass rush. While the level of competition was nothing to write home about, Petit-Frere did not allow a single pressure or sack while playing every offensive snap at right tackle.
Honorable Mention: Abraham Lucas / SEA
OG/OC
Cole Strange / NE (Round 1)
The lone offensive bright spot for the Patriots anemic offense was their surprise first rounder. Strange did not allow a single pressure or sack and looked both twitchy and powerful in the running game. If he keeps this level of play throughout the year, he will easily be the top OL on this team.
Honorable Mention: Ed Ingram / MIN
EDGE
Dominique Robinson / CHI (Round 5)
In just 28 snaps (out of 68), Robinson can make a case for being the most impactful defender of the game economically. The former wide receiver finished with 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 pressure as he lined up against former first round pick Mike McGlinchey. On a defense that lost Khalil Mack in a trade to LAC, there is an open audition on this team to line up opposite Robert Quinn and Robinson may have that job locked up before October.
Honorable Mention: Travon Walker / JAC
DT
Jordan Davis – PHI (Round 1)
Not many rookie defensive tackles saw the field a lot week 1. Davis’ impact was clearly felt against Detroit’s run game. When he was on the field, the Lions averaged 2.9 yards per carry. When he was on the sideline, Detroit averaged 10 yards per carry.
Honorable Mention: Logan Hall / TB
LB
Quay Walker – GB (Round 1)
If and when Walker figures this game out mentally, we are talking about one of the most gifted players in the league at the position that will derive into a force. His impact was clearly felt as he finished with 8 tackles that were all over the field. His range was incredible and the power he dishes out on his hits were felt by Viking ball carriers for days.
Honorable Mention: Malcolm Rodriguez / DET
CB
Sauce Gardner – NYJ (Round 1)
Gardner was thrown at three times, and he allowed just 1 catch for 8 yards. He broke up a pass in the end zone and was not penalized once. He primarily lined up outside, but he did see four snaps in the slot.
Honorable Mention: Tariq Woolen / SEA
S
Jaquan Brisker – CHI (Round 2)
Brisker played every single snap in Chicago’s impressive home win against San Francisco in less-than-ideal weather conditions. As he was all preseason, Brisker was all over the field finishing with 4 tackles, 1 TFL, and a fumble recovery.
Honorable Mention: Nick Cross / IND