QB
Malik Willis / TEN (Round 3)
Willis earns this spot by default – as he was the only rookie to see action at the position. He went 1/4 for 6 yards as a passer and gained 16 yards on the ground but lost a fumble late in the game when it was already out of reach for the now 0-2 Titans. Getting him some serious looks late in the year if/when the team is mathematically eliminated needs to be a priority for this franchise if Tannehill continues to remain stuck in the mud.
RB
Breece Hall / NYJ (Round 2)
The Jets are using a steady rotation at running back with second-year veteran Michael Carter seeing most of the snaps. That may not be the case for much longer. Hall played just 19 snaps (27%) but more than doubled Carter’s rushing yards (50 to 23) on the same number of carries. Hus biggest play came through the air, as he caught his first touchdown late in the second quarter that tied the game up at the time. His yards after contact and ability to block were the two standout traits to his game, both being essential to him getting and staying on the field.
Honorable Mention: Dameon Pierce (HOU)
WR
Garrett Wilson – NYJ (Round 1)
With a rookie leading the way in the backfield, another rookie led the Jets in the pass-catching department. Wilson led the team with 14 targets, 8 catches, and 102 yards with the game winning touchdown on a route that gave off Justin Jefferson-vibes. There are special physical traits to his game as an athlete, but he shows the necessary toughness as well, coming back in after taking a violent fall on the sideline earlier in the game and showing zero hesitation over the middle.
Honorable Mention: Jahan Dotson (WAS)
TE
Isaiah Likely / BAL (Round 4)
In a passing game without a true number one threat, Likely was one that rose to catch 4 passes for 43 yards despite ranking third at the position in snaps on the team. He had a 34-yard play that showed off the nifty, quick footwork near the sideline combined with his lower body strength that broke tackles. We will see his name plenty this year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pass Josh Oliver on the depth chart by mid-year. Lamar Jackson loves his tight ends.
Honorable Mention: Daniel Bellinger (NYG)
OT
Tyler Smith / DAL (Round 1)
Hats off to Smith after working primarily at guard for the majority of camp and preseason. Dallas pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the weekend against the defending AFC Champion Bengals. He was not flagged once (a major red flag on his scouting report coming out of Tulsa) and allowed just one pressure from the blind side. His run blocking is already one of the top weapons on that line.
Honorable Mention: Charles Cross (SEA)
OG/OC
Cordell Volson / CIN (Round 4)
A standout contributor from a Bengals offensive line that was the catalyst to their defeat in Dallas? Yup. Volson was (unfortunately for CIN) their most consistent performer this past Sunday. While that isn’t much to brag about, it is a positive sign for a guy that is still years away from his physical peak. His lack of staying power did show up in the run game, but he did not allow a single pressure, the only OL on that team that can say so. He was also the only starter to play a single snap in preseason. Not a coincidence.
Honorable Mention: Cole Strange (NE)
EDGE
Aidan Hutchinson / DET (Round 1)
After a quiet week 1, Hutchinson came out on fire in week 2 setting a single-game franchise rookie record with 3 sacks. He had 6 tackles and a pressure to add to a dynamic performance that saw him create havoc in the pocket from multiple angles. His presence was felt both inside and outside.
Honorable Mention: Boye Mafe (SEA)
DT
Thomas Booker / HOU (Round 5)
No offense to Booker, but the 2022 rookie defensive tackles are barely seeing the field to this point. Very few are even getting on the field and maybe just half of that group is averaging double digits snaps. That said, Booker was on the field for 22 plays in Houston’s solid defensive effort at Denver. He 2-gapped well in the run game and got a pressure on Russell Wilson.
Honorable Mention: Matt Henningsen (DEN)
LB
Devin Lloyd / JAC (Round 2)
The atmosphere in Jacksonville is different. The untrained eye will only point to Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson but after watching Lloyd lead the way for this defense, we may soon be watching a Jaguars defense that compares to what they were putting out in 2017-2018 (top 5 in the league). Lloyd accrued 6 tackles, 2 pass break ups, and a game-sealing interception in their upset home win over the division-favorite Colts.
Honorable Mention: Malcolm Rodriguez (DET)
CB
Cobie Durant / LAR (Round 4)
In a group of impressive rookie corners that are impacting the league in every corner, Durant’s big play impact was felt as much if not more than any other rook. He had an interception that was returned 53 yards, just 7 shy of a pick six, a pass break up, and a sack in LAR’s win over Atlanta. The nickel played just 23 total snaps but his impact on the game, which ended up being a close one, was huge.
Honorable Mention: Jaylen Watson (KC)
S
Dane Belton / NYG (Round 5)
After missing week 1 as he recovered from a collar bone injury suffered in camp, Belton could not have begun his career better. He recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. As a starting safety on the team that has allowed the lowest completion percentage in football through 2 weeks, Belton is playing fast and physical. He has 5 tackles and was inches away from his first interception.
Honorable Mention: Kyle Hamilton (BAL)