Offensive Rookie of the Week:
Kyle Monangai - RB/Chicago
Defensive Rookie of the Week:
Mason Graham - DT/Cleveland
Quarterback
Jaxson Dart / NYG (Round 1)
It was a quiet week for the rookie quarterbacks who had a season-high five starters this past weekend. Dart returned from a concussion that kept him out two games and did not turn the ball over against the surging Patriots. His 99.1 passer rating led the group and for the second time this season he completed over 70% of his passes.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Shough / NO
Running Back
Kyle Monangai / CHI (Round 7)
For the second time this season, the seventh rounder from Rutgers hit 150 rushing yards as the Bears beat the former Super Bowl champs on the road. He is now the only first-year back to hit triple digits twice this season. On 22 attempts, he hit 150 yards with a touchdown including a rookie-high 75 yards after contact.
Honorable Mention: Quinshon Judkins / CLE
Wide Receiver
Jayden Higgins / HOU (Round 2)
Higgins led rookie receivers with five catches and 65 yards on just five targets, four of which went for a first down which was twice as much as anyone else. The Texans got CJ Stroud back under center and their playoff push will very much depend on Higgins maintaining this high level of efficiency.
Honorable Mention: Luther Burden / CHI
Tight End
Mason Taylor / NYJ (Round 2)
Taylor continues to be a force as a blocker but the pass catching should not be overlooked. What he lacks in explosive traits he makes up for in dependability. He was one of two rookies to catch two first downs on both of his catches which resulted in 21 yards.
Honorable Mention: Harold Fannin Jr. / CLE
Offensive Tackle
Josh Conerly Jr. / WAS (Round 1)
In a marathon Sunday night battle against the best pass rush in the league, Conerly played the best football all season. He played a rookie-high 90 snaps and dropped back to pass block 59 times, also a rookie-high. He did not allow a single pressure for the first time since week three as the Commanders took the first place Denver Broncos to overtime and came one play away from the win.
Honorable Mention: Aireontae Ersery / HOU
Guard/Center
Tyler Booker / DAL (Round 1)
If there is one thing Jerry Jones and his crew do well, it is the offensive line. Booker, who’s been up and down this year, has been ascending to new heights as the Cowboys continue to play postseason-caliber ball. Booker played clean in the upset win over the Chiefs. He was not penalized at all, only the second time since week eight he can say that, and kept his sack-less streak alive for the seventh straight game.
Honorable Mention: Dylan Fairchild / CIN
Edge
Donovan Ezeiruaku / DAL (Round 2)
Sticking with the same club, Ezeiruaku is doing his part to help Dallas prove they did not need Micah Parsons the way some believed. He hit Patrick Mahomes twice and pressured him three other times in addition to two tackles as they pulled off the upset win over the Chiefs.
Honorable Mention: Abdul Carter / NYG
Defensive Tackle
Mason Graham / CLE (Round 1)
Graham is a force against both the run and pass, just as all expected he would be. The every down threat led interior defensive linemen with 4 pressures in addition to 4 tackles. His range was a weapon against the lateral attack and screen game San Francisco likes to use. Graham now has three or more pressures in four straight games.
Honorable Mention: Yahya Black / PIT
Linebacker
Carson Schwesinger / CLE (Round 2)
One of the candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year led the group with 11 tackles against the run-heavy attack of San Francisco. Five of them were defensive stops, the third time he has hit that number this year.
Honorable Mention: Cody Simon / ARI
Cornerback
Will Johnson / ARI (Round 2)
Only one of four targets thrown in Johnson’s direction was completed in Sunday’s hard-fought loss to the pass-happy Bucs. It went for just eight yards and Johnson also added four tackles. The understanding of route concepts in both man and zone coverage has given him a clear step ahead. He has allowed just a 57% completion percentage this season.
Honorable Mention: Jahdae Barron / DEN
Safety
Lathan Ransom / CAR (Round 4)
Ransom was all over field in the Carolina upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, He finished with 9 tackles including a third quarter sack that resulted in eight loss yards in their comeback effort. Ransom was the safety net to a few big plays by the Rams that he was able to limit himself with proper angles and good old fashioned speed.
Honorable Mention: Malachi Moore / NYJ