Over this last week, the 2021 rookie class had some impressive performances. Two new players from the same team made the list for this week as they contributed to their team’s road victory. The rest of this list is made up of a lot of the same players who continue to build on their impressive first year. Let’s take a look at the 10 best rookies in the Week 10 NFL Rookie Rankings.
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No. 10. Caden Sterns, S, Denver Broncos
Sterns had the first big game of his career in the Broncos win Sunday. He finished the game with one interception, one pass deflection, and two tackles. The interception he had was an impressive play late in the game. After his first impactful game, anticipate more reps for Sterns. He was a productive player in college and can continue to help this Broncos defense.
No. 9. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
For the third straight week, Freiermuth came up huge for the Steelers with his steady target amount. His two touchdowns were pivotal for the Steelers in their victory. Freiermuth finished the game with five catches on six targets, 43 yards, along with the two scores. Each week he continues to show why he was such a promising prospect. The Steelers will need Freiermuth to keep up this production.
No. 8. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
It was another impressive week for Waddle as he helped the Dolphins get their first win in a while. He led the Dolphins in receiving in their win. Additionally, Waddle also recorded eight catches on 10 targets for 83 yards. His longest reception in the game went for 17 yards. Hopefully, for the Dolphins, even bigger plays come from the big-play talent Waddle is. For Waddle, his rookie year continues to be very good.
No. 7. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Despite the Cowboys’ disappointing home loss, Parsons had another great game. He filled out the stat sheet once again totaling 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two and a half sacks. Parsons continues to make plays all over the field for the Cowboys’ defense. He shows his speed and power rushing the quarterback where he has been very successful. The Cowboys have to pick up a win this week and will need Parsons once again.
No. 6. Jonathan Cooper, EDGE, Denver Broncos
For the first time in over a decade, Von Miller was not a part of the Broncos. The rookie, Cooper stepped up in a big way. He finished with four total tackles and two sacks. Cooper did a great job of generating consistent pressure. Having successful outings from late-round selections in Sterns and Cooper is very exciting for the Broncos. Cooper should continue to build on this last game.
No. 5. Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
Moore had his third straight productive game for the Jets. This one was his best yet. He finished the game with eight targets, seven catches, 84 yards, and two touchdowns. He made big plays and did so all over the field. Over the middle, Moore converted a third down and finished with an impressive run on his second touchdown. He showed his speed and reliable hands once again. Moore will keep on improving for the Jets.
No. 4. Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Slater continued his dominant rookie season again on Sunday helping the Chargers get back in the win column. He did not allow a single pressure against the Philadelphia Eagles. Slater had some incredible pass-blocking reps throughout the game. He helped Justin Herbert have a big game in the air. Slater has been as good as any offensive tackle all year. He continued to prove his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
No. 3. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Indianapolis Colts
Paye had a dominant performance for the Colts in their Thursday night win. He finished the game with only two tackles and one pass deflection. However, in Paye’s case here his special performance does not show up on the stat sheet. Paye had a ridiculous nine pressures for the Colts in their big victory. He graded out extremely well as a pass rusher and won most of his reps getting after the quarterback. Paye is a talented young player who will continue playing well.
No 2. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Smith continued his exciting rookie campaign with another productive game. He finished the game with five catches on six targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. Smith was essentially the Eagles’ only option in the passing game who did anything for them Sunday. His touchdown was an impressive play as he finished with a good run after the catch late in the game. Smith has been terrific for the Eagles.
No 1. Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
Williams had his best NFL game yet for the Broncos. He made a ton of big plays. Williams finished with 17 carries for 111 yards rushing, an average of 6.5 per attempt. His longest carry in the game went for 30 yards. Williams was a key factor in the Broncos road victory. His rookie year has been good. Hopefully, he gets even more carries and opportunities for the Broncos in the passing game moving forward. Williams is a very gifted young player.
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