Offensive Rookie of the Week:
Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders
Defensive Rookie of the Week:
Barrett Carter - Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Cam Ward / TEN (Round 1)
Ward has put together the best stretch of his rookie season so far. His performance in the Tennessee win over banged up Kansas City included a season-high 75% completion percentage and 122.3 passer rating in addition to 228 yards and two touchdowns. For the sixth time in the last seven games, he did not throw an interception. All the numbers complement the eye test as well, as Ward made multiple tight window throws to all levels of the route tree both from the pocket and on the move.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Shough / NO
Running Back
Ashton Jeanty / LV (Round 1)
It seems like we have been waiting for this all season. Jeanty was the only rookie back to break 100 yards and he added his fifth receiving touchdown of the season, a 60-yard score. He also got into the end zone on a 51-yard run where the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact were on full display. Jeanty’s 10 missed tackles forced led the entire league in week 16.
Honorable Mention: RJ Harvey / DEN
Wide Receiver
Tetairoa McMillan / CAR (Round 1)
Yet another top-ten pick making waves late in the year, but this one is for a first place team. McMillan led rookie receivers with six catches and 73 yards. He also led the group with four first downs and brought in his rookie-leading seventh touchdown of the season. While there is a limit to his speed and burst, McMillan’s smoothness and reliable hands no matter the situation have made him the go-to weapon the team envisioned when they drafted him.
Honorable Mention: Isaac TeSlaa / DET
Tight End
Terrance Ferguson / LAR (Round 2)
Ferguson caught a season-high three catches, one of which went for a touchdown and another went for a first down. The 33 yards ranked second among rookie tight ends. His 27-yard downfield catch with a safety bearing down on him prior to taking a big hit int he fourth quarter was a crucial play in a crucial moment. As time goes, he is becoming a bigger part of the Rams offense and he has more than held his own as a blocker.
Honorable Mention: Harold Fannin Jr. / CLE
Offensive Tackle
Ozzy Trapilo / CHI (Round 2)
Lost in the late game heroics of Caleb Williams has been the rock-solid performance of Trapilo at left tackle. After a rough week against Cleveland, he bounced back with a rock solid performance against Green Bay. The ability to shake off a bad game is a huge asset for a rookie, one that several do not have.
Honorable Mention: Armand Membou / NYJ
Guard/Center
Caleb Rogers / LV (Round 3)
A newcomer to the All-Rookie team, Rogers allowed just one pressure against one of the best defensive fronts in football as Las Vegas kept the game competitive. Much of Jeanty’s breakout performance came from better play up front. The versatile Rogers looks to be at least a short term answer at right guard now.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Booker / DAL
Edge
Abdul Carter / NYG (Round 1)
Carter led the rookie class with six pressures and sacked JJ McCarthy on a lethal inside spin move after lining up over center. He ended up hitting the Minnesota quarterbacks three times, also a rookie-high. He also caused a holding penalty and disrupted a screen pass that ended up a fumble and defensive touchdown for the Giants.
Defensive Tackle
Kenneth Grant / MIA (Round 1)
Grant was known for his size and power when he came out of Michigan but there was a disconnect between his play speed and timed speed. That gap seems to be decreasing as he is moving with a lot more twitch post-snap. He had three pressures and his second sack in three weeks in addition to three tackles, of which were stops.
Honorable Mention: CJ West / SF
Linebacker
Barrett Carter / CIN (Round 4)
Carter’s every down impact was on display in the Bengals win over Miami. He was very stout and rangy against the run. He had four tackles and three stops but the biggest play of his game was a third quarter interception, the first of his career.
Honorable Mention: Jihaad Campbell / PHI
Cornerback
Upton Stout / SF (Round 3)
The Niners quietly have the best defensive rookie class in the NFL. Stout has been a factor all year and he has cut down on some of the mistakes we saw earlier in the season. On the road Monday night in Indianapolis, he finished with four tackles and two pass break ups. He handled both Tyler Warren and Josh Downs, two complete opposites, in coverage. Only 50% of the passes thrown his way were completed.
Honorable Mention: Denzel Burke / ARI
Safety
Jonas Sanker / NO (Round 3)
Sanker was, once again, all over the field for a Saints defense that has really hit their stride. He has been a big part of it. He intercepted a Brady Cook pass via great anticipation and added four tackles without any misses. The other pass thrown his way, he got his hand on to break up as well.
Honorable Mention: Dean Clark / NYJ