Over this past week in the NFL, many first-year players were impactful. There were some deserving candidates not listed below. There are a few different players who made the cut for this week on the defensive side of the football. The rest is filled with players we have all come to expect in the rookie rankings. Let’s take a look at the 10 best rookies heading into Week 13.
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Sewell had another stellar outing for the Lions even though they are still without a win. He graded out well overall in the Lions’ last game. In the running game, he had one very impressive rep in which he blocked two defenders. Sewell plays with great strength. In pass protection, he had a good game once again. Sewell continues to show promise as his rookie year continues.
Even though it was a disappointing home loss and outing defensively for the Cowboys, Parsons showed up again. He was lined up at edge as he has been in the Cowboys’ last game. He finished with a sack, two tackles for loss, and five total tackles. Parsons played with speed and strength as he made impact plays. Another big game will be needed from him Thursday night.
Despite a disappointing loss for the Browns, the rookie Owusu-Koramoah had another stellar performance. He finished Sunday night’s game very active with 12 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and half a sack. Owusu-Koramoah made some good plays against the run. He showed his speed and athletic ability when making plays. Owusu-Koramoah has done some great things helping the Browns defense improve.
7. Tyson Campbell, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ early second-round selection had an encouraging game Sunday. The Jaguars may have lost another one, but Campbell played arguably his best game yet. He finished the game recording an impressive three pass deflections and one interception. Campbell also recorded a total of three tackles. He did a great job of making plays on the football in coverage. Campbell is a talented cornerback with length and speed. He should continue to ascend as his rookie year finishes.
Williams had a very big game for the Broncos in their crucial division home win Sunday. He was given 14 carries, running for 54 yards and a touchdown. In the passing game, Williams got four targets, catching three of them for 57 yards. He finished the game recording a total of 111 scrimmage yards. Williams made big plays for the Broncos and propelled the offense on the scoreboard. It has been a great start for Williams as a rookie.
Surtain had an awesome game Sunday for the Broncos. He had two interceptions, one of which went for a touchdown. Surtain also recorded two pass breakups. He had five total tackles in the game. The Broncos’ first-round draft pick has been as encouraging as they could ask for. Surtain and Williams are foundational pieces to the Broncos organization moving forward. He is a complete cover corner from a talent standpoint. He has been one of the better defensive rookies this season.
It was just another week at the office for Waddle. He caught nine of his 10 targets for 137 yards and a touchdown. In terms of yards per catch, it was one of the best games of his rookie year with over 15 on Sunday. The speedster had by far his longest catch of the season for 57 yards. Finally getting big plays from Waddle is great to see because he can do so much.
3. Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
Jones had another fantastic week for the Patriots leading them to six wins in a row. He threw for 310 yards, the most in a game all year for Jones. Jones nearly completed 72 percent of his passes, going 23-of-32. He threw two touchdowns to no interceptions and finished with an impressive rating of 123.2. To add, he had 11 yards rushing. Jones helped lead the Patriots’ offense to 36 points. His rookie year has been fantastic.
Phillips is quietly up to six and a half sacks in his rookie season. This Sunday, he had a dominant performance finishing with three sacks. Phillips also recorded a pass deflection and finished with four total tackles. He has always been a tremendous pass-rushing talent. Expect this to be the start of something great for Phillips. He possesses all the important traits in an edge rusher.
Mitchell was back healthy and helped the 49ers get a big win. He was given a ton of work in Sunday’s game. Mitchell had 27 carries, running for 133 yards and one touchdown. He was involved in the passing game as well. Mitchell had six targets, catching five for 35 receiving yards. He finished with 168 total yards, a dominating game. As a late-round selection, Mitchell has had a promising rookie year.
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