QB
Bailey Zappe / NE (Round 4)
The fifth quarterback taken in the 2022 Draft entered the week 4 matchup at Green Bay as the backup to Brian Hoyer, as Mac Jones missed the game with an ankle injury. Before the first quarter was over, Zappe was under center after Hoyer suffered a concussion. Essentially playing the entire game, Zappe went toe to toe with Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. They limited his impact on the game but his game-ending stat line read 10/15 – 99 yards – 1 TD/0 INT. He did lose a fumble in the third quarter but the overall feel to his inaugural NFL action was a positive one considering the circumstances.
Honorable Mention – Kenny Pickett (PIT)
RB
Dameon Pierce / HOU (Round 4)
The Texans gained 346 yards, a season high, against the Chargers. Pierce led the way as he ran for 131 yards on just 14 carries including a 75-yard touchdown. He also caught all 6 of his targets for 8 yards in the team’s 10-point loss. There isn’t much the team has to scare opposing defenses but Pierce gives them the biggest opportunity to make them adjust. His 100 yards after contact and 6 forced missed tackles are big difference-making traits.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Allgeier (ATL)
WR
George Pickens / PIT (Round 2)
Pickens more-than doubled his yardage on the season as fellow rookie Kenny Pickett got his first action at quarterback. It is only natural to believe we are about to see an uptick in the consistency of his big play output week to week. The 17 yards per catch led the team by far and Pickens added a few highlight reel blocks to boot.
Honorable Mention: Alec Pierce (IND)
TE
Chigoziem Okonkwo / TEN (Round 4)
Okonkwo only played 13 snaps total, and just 5 passing snaps. He was targeted three times and brought all three in for 38 yards and a touchdown. Those 38 yards led the team as TEN only gained 137 yards on 21 passes in their first win over the season.
Honorable Mention: Cade Otton (TB)
OT
Jamaree Salyer / LAC (Round 6)
The season-ending biceps injury to second year veteran and 2021 All-Pro Rashawn Slater initially made me feel this just would not be the Chargers year. That, in combination with 2 early losses in a tough division and a rib injury to quarterback Justin Herbert could have credibly slowed this offense down below the threshold in which a defense, now missing their top DE, couldn’t pick up the slack for. Salyer then comes in and throws a shutout in pass protection in his first NFL start after spending all of his pro days to this point inside at guard. Salyer’s run blocking was a difference maker as well.
Honorable Mention: Ikem Ekwonu (CAR)
OC/OG
Zion Johnson / LAC (Round 1)
The Chargers got themselves back on track after two straight losses aided by a season-high 34 points from the offense. Johnson dominated the interior of the Houston defensive line in the passing game, showing textbook hand-work and an immovable anchor. His success rate at the second level when matched up against linebackers on the move gives him the every-down-weapon label. With Rashawn Slater out, a case can be made Johnson is already the team’s best player on the OL.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Linderbaum (BAL)
EDGE
Jermaine Johnson / NYJ (Round 1)
Johnson added 4 tackles and a play behind the line of scrimmage for the second straight week in the Jets four-point win at Pittsburgh. This week, however, resulted in his first solo sack of the season, coming against Chukwuma Okorafor, who hadn’t allowed a sack this season yet. He is still hovering around a third of the team’s defensive snaps but the early dividends being produced are high considering the time spent on the field.
Honorable Mention: Travon Walker (JAX)
DT
Jordan Davis / PHI (Round 1)
His 17 snaps were a season low but Davis was a big part of the Jaguars offense stalling producing a season-low 21 points and 219 total yards. He finished with 4 tackles, a TFL, and 1 pressure. The bull rush off the ball and immovable nature has kept things clean for other defenders as well.
Honorable Mention: Travis Jones / BAL
LB
Malcolm Rodriguez / DET – Round 6
A season-high 11 tackles for the sixth rounder and week 4 team leader has become one of the most reliable players on this defense so far. He added a TFL and a pressure as the team is putting him into their pass rush plans more and more. The do-it-all linebacker is steadily playing around 80% of the defensive snaps and that number may only increase.
Honorable Mention: Quay Walker (GB)
CB
Jack Jones / NE (Round 4)
In Jones first start, he more-than doubled his total snaps from the season and created momentum-changing plays for the Patriots as they faced off against Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. He had 5 tackles and did allow 5 catches on 7 targets, but it was his forced fumble & recovery (same play) and the pick six that earned him this spot. The underweight corner has been catching the praise from this coaching staff for months and it finally showed up on game day.
Honorable Mention: Tariq Woolen (SEA)
S
Bryan Cook / KC (Round 2)
Cook saw a season high 42 snaps and played his best football of the young season. He was all over the field showing off the immense versatility he brings to the table. The Swiss army knife gave them a bit more power in nickel packages. The Bucs offense ran the ball just 6 times for 3 yards. Cook did damage in the box with 6 tackles but also broke up a pass and added a pressure.
Honorable Mention: Jaquan Brisker (CHI)