On this week’s list, most of the group remains the same. A few players, especially offensively, continue to make their case to be the rookie of the year. This class has been a blast to watch as we near the midway point of the 2021 season. Some of these players are playing on playoff-contending teams and will need to keep up their stellar play. Let’s take a look at the 10 best rookies in the Week 8 NFL Rookie Rankings.
10. Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets
Despite the Jets’ embarrassing loss, Carter remains one of the team’s bright spots as a rookie. In Sunday’s game, Carter had 37 yards rushing and an impressive eight catches on nine targets for 67 yards. He recorded 19 total touches for 104 scrimmage yards. He has been a blast to watch on this young Jets team. Carter is proving himself to be an every-down runner and viable pass-catcher out of the backfield.
9. Paulson Adebo, CB, New Orleans Saints
Adebo continued his encouraging rookie campaign with arguably his best performance yet on Monday night. He helped contribute to the Saints’ defense that propelled the team to a pivotal road win. Adebo possesses adequate length and plays a physical game. He came up to make one impressive tackle in the game. In coverage, he was fairly stout throughout the game. He recorded a pass deflection and did not allow many completions his way. Going forward, Adebo will be counted upon to keep up his strong play.
8. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Even though the Dolphins lost their last six, Waddle had another very good showing for the Dolphins on Sunday. He was targeted eight times and had seven catches for 83 yards. Seeing his yards per catch increase is great to see. Hopefully, it continues with his speed and big-play threat ability. His connection with Tua Tagovailoa from Alabama has clearly been on display in the early going. The Dolphins will need Waddle to keep making plays in order to start winning games.
7. Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears
Despite a blowout loss for the Bears, Herbert had his third straight impressive game. He finally got his first 100-yard rushing game on 18 carries. Herbert had his longest run yet as he broke one off for 29 yards Sunday. As a receiver in the passing game, Herbert caught all five of his targets for 33 yards. In total, he had 23 touches for 133 scrimmage yards. Herbert will be featured in the Bears offense again this upcoming week as they have a big game.
6. Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions
Sewell had another very good game for the Lions on Sunday. He competed against one of the best defensive fronts in football and had a strong showing. For the second straight week, he did not allow a sack. In the running game, Sewell has had his impact felt. He has graded out very well and helped lead the Lions rushing attack to 137 yards. The young rookie is proving his worth as a building block to the Lions’ foundation.
5. Nick Bolton, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ defense as a whole struggled once again this week, but Bolton continues his tremendous level of play. Bolton is essentially the only thing the unit has going for itself. He recorded a ridiculous total of 15 tackles. Even more special was the fact that he had four tackles for loss. Bolton is making his physical presence felt on this Chiefs defense. He helped keep Derrick Henry to under three yards per carry and the Titans rushing attack to a total of 103 yards on the game after a tremendous performance they had. Bolton continues his great play.
4. Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
Jones had another stellar performance for the Patriots Sunday as they got their first home win of the year. He had his first 300-yard passing game in his young NFL career. To add, he picked up 19 yards on the ground. For the first time since Week 2, he did not throw an interception. Jones did a great job of spreading the football around in the passing game as he got many Patriots skill position players involved. Jones did his part to keep the Patriots in the playoff mix.
3. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, New York Giants
Ojulari had a dominant performance for the Giants on Sunday leading the defense to a great outing only giving up three points. He finished the game with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. On the season, he is already up to 5.5 sacks. Ojulari also totaled four quarterback hits in Sunday’s game. Ojulari has been a great addition as a second-round draft pick so far. He is a gifted pass rusher who should continue to grow for the Giants.
2. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Pitts had another incredible game this last week as he got his second 100-yard receiving game in a row. On eight targets, Pitts had seven catches for 163 yards. He had one big play got for 39 yards. He was used out wide as a receiver and made things happen with his speed vertically. Pitts had a big play on the Falcons game-winning drive. His one-handed catch was a tremendous play. Pitts should only keep improving after his last two games.
1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Chase once again had a dominant performance and likely his best game yet. On 10 targets, Chase had eight catches go for 201 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown was an impressive 82-yard play in which he showed his ability after the catch. Chase led the Bengals to a huge road win against a great division opponent. Chase is currently second in the NFL in receiving yards. He has been impactful in every game for the Bengals this season. Chase continues to make his case to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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