There were a lot of noteworthy rookie performances this past week. All of the players mentioned on the list for this week have been named here more than enough by now. These first-year players have had impactful rookie seasons for their respective teams. In Week 11, many first-year wide receivers were productive. Let’s take a look at the 10 best rookies headed into Week 12.
You can find last week’s rookie rankings right here.
10. Jevon Holland, S, Miami Dolphins
Holland was one of the Dolphins’ key contributors defensively in their road win. He finished the game with six tackles, one pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. Holland has proven his ability to play in coverage these last few weeks. He is a talented, young safety who can add to an already solid Miami secondary. The Dolphins have to feel great about Holland’s start.
9. Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
Jones had a good outing for the Patriots, helping his team win their fifth-straight game. He finished the contest with a steady stat line, going 22-for-26 with 207 yards and a touchdown pass. His completion percentage was nearly 85 percent, and he got all of his top three wide receivers involved well. The rookie signal-caller executed enough for his team to get a road victory.
8. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Smith had yet another solid day for the Eagles in their home win. He was targeted six times, catching four passes for 61 receiving yards. Smith accounted for nearly half of the Eagles’ aerial attack. His long of the day went for 33 yards, when he made an impressive move after the catch to gain extra yardage. Smith has been a great rookie for the Eagles and belongs in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
7. Rondale Moore, WR, Arizona Cardinals
With the Cardinals down some core players offensively on the road and in need of a win, Moore delivered. He did an impressive job, as he caught all eleven of his targets in Sunday’s game. Moore finished with 51 receiving yards. He was great on the short and underneath routes in the quick passing game. Moore’s outing was needed for the Cardinals and propelled them to a key victory.
6. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Waddle had another productive game for the Dolphins, helping them win their third game in a row. He caught eight of his nine targets, recording 65 receiving yards. On the ground, he scored a touchdown on his only carry. His speed was obvious while getting to the edge on the score. Waddle has been everything the Dolphins could have asked for. His rookie year has been fantastic.
5. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Indianapolis Colts
Paye has been tremendous in his development over the last few weeks. His stellar play continued on Sunday for the Colts in their convincing road victory. His contributions helped completely shut down a loaded offense. Paye finished the game with one sack and one forced fumble. He made his presence felt as a pass rusher again. The Colts will need the defensive end to keep this up as they look to push themselves into the playoffs.
4. Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Slater continued his absolute dominance for the Chargers in their big primetime victory on Sunday night. He was terrific as a pass blocker once again, and has been successful in the rushing attack, as well. He contributed to the Chargers’ 41-point performance and helped them attain over 150 yards on the ground. Slater has proven himself to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
3. Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions
Sewell had a great performance for the Lions on Sunday. Going up against a few talented edge pass rushers, he did not allow a single pressure. He contributed to the Lions’ rushing attack that eclipsed 150 yards. Sewell is incredibly young, with the strength and athletic ability to be special. He is coming along very well for the Lions as a foundational piece in this building year.
2. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Despite the Cowboys’ tough loss, Parsons was his usual self once again. He led the defense to a solid outing on the road against a talented offense. Parsons filled out the stat sheet like he does every week, finishing with four tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and three quarterback hits. Parsons played with great speed lined up on the edge. He has to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year barring anything unforeseen.
1. Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
Moore had a great game for the Jets as he continued his tremendous play over the last month. He finished the game with eight catches on 11 targets for 141 receiving yards. He also had a carry that went for 15 more, finishing with 156 total yards. Throughout the game, he showed his special talent and was utilized all over the field. Moore proved his ability to create separation with speed and quickness as a route runner. He is great after the catch. Moore is looking like a special player as a rookie.
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