Offensive Rookie of the Week:
Jaxson Dart - QB / New York Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Week:
Nick Emmanwori - S / Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Jaxson Dart / NYG (Round 1)
With their backs up against the wall following a 0-3 start and number one receiver Malik Nabers done for the season, Jaxson Dart has officially changed the trajectory of the Giants. With his win over the defending Super Bowl Champions Thursday night, he is now 2-1 as a starter and NYG is knocking on the division’s door. Just four days after a five-turnover game in New Orleans, three of which were on him, Dart scored two touchdowns (one through the air and one on the ground) without any turnovers. His 7.8 yards per pass attempt led all rookies and he led all NFL quarterbacks with 58 yards rushing, his third straight week of hitting 50+ yards on the ground. His ability to break tackles, create on his own, and do it all with swagger has changed the feel for a franchise that has been desperately searching for their “Dart” Knight.
Honorable Mention: Cam Ward / TEN
Running Back
Cam Skattebo / NYG (Round 4)
A lot of the attention in New York has naturally gone to the quarterback, as usual in this league. Skattebo has been just as important when it comes to changing how this team projects both inward and outward. In the win over Philadelphia, Skattebo scored three touchdowns (most in the NFL) and it was the first time a Giants back hit that number in one game since 2011 (Ahmad Bradshaw, who also wore #44). It was more than simple touchdown runs and pushing piles. Skattebo had four runs of over ten yards (no other rookie had two) and his nine first downs/touchdowns were more than any other two rookie backs combined.
Honorable Mention: Ashton Jeanty / LV
Wide Receiver
Matthew Golden / GB (Round 1)
Of the 39 rookies to catch a pass in week six, Golden led all with 86 yards but he did so on just three catches. He had gains of 20, 35, and 31 yards respectively in addition to two rushing attempts for eight yards apiece. He gave the Green Bay offense a first down on all five touches in their win coming off a much-needed bye week.
Honorable Mention: Luther Burden III / CHI
Tight End
Tyler Warren / IND (Round 1)
For the third straight week, Warren got into the end zone. For the second straight week, he caught a touchdown for the team’s first score of the game in a game they eventually won. Warren’s pass game production stands out, as he has gone over 60 yards in four of six games this season and currently leads the league’s tight ends in yards. But it is his usage and performance as a blocker that has equally stood out. Warren is lining up all over the field, including in the backfield as a fullback, and paving the way for Jonathan Taylor who is the league’s leading rusher.
Honorable Mention: Harold Fannin Jr. / CLE
Offensive Tackle
Kelvin Banks / NO (Round 1)
Banks had a scare early on as he fell to the ground and clutched his knee. He quickly came back on to the field, fell on the next play, and created some fear for all those who were watching. From there, Banks reassured everyone he is here to stay. New England tried to throw every trick in the book at him and he responded with clean, crisp footwork and heavy hands. He rarely looks fooled.
Honorable Mention: Will Campbell / NE
Guard/Center
Jonah Monheim / JAX (Round 7)
In his first career start, Monheim was tasked with facing off against one of the best defensive lines in football. That line did eat, sacking Trevor Lawrence seven times, but Monheim was excellent. He more-than held his own as he proved the ability to play fast, recover quickly, and finish. He allowed just two pressures and performed well on the move as a run blocker, notably on the wide zone looks.
Honorable Mention: Connor Colby / SF
Edge
Oluwafemi Oladejo / TEN (Round 2)
A newcomer to the Ourlads All Rookie Team and still somewhat new to life at the end position, Oladejo set the tone for the Tennessee front. The former off-ball linebacker took down Ashton Jeanty for a loss two times, one for three yards and the other for five. He also took down Las Vegas quarterback Geno Smith on a pressure. He did all of this on just 23 snaps.
Honorable Mention: Jalon Walker / ATL
Defensive Tackle
Deone Walker / BUF (Round 4)
Walker is slowly turning into a household name. After a national television spotlight game on Monday night where he finished with not one, not two, not three, but four tackles for loss, onlookers are catching on. He was not a first, not a second, not a third, but a fourth round pick who now leads all rookie defensive linemen with 11 stops. His seven tackles for loss rank sixth in the NFL; only Maxx Crosby, Brian Burns, Byron Young, Myles Garrett, and Jeffery Simmons have more league-wide.
Honorable Mention: Derrick Harmon / PIT
Linebacker
Francisco Mauigoa / NYJ (Round 5)
It was a hard fought game in London and while a lot of the attention will go to how poor the Jets offense is playing, do not overlook how strong of a defensive performance it was. They held Denver to a season low in both yards and points. Mauigoa had nine tackles, four of which were stops and one of those went for a loss. He was all over the field.
Honorable Mention: Shemar James / DAL
Cornerback
Jacob Parrish / TB (Round 3)
As the weeks go by, it is becoming evident Parrish may be the team’s best cornerback. For the second straight week he saw substantial snaps on the outside and at nickel. The options he gives Todd Bowles are invaluable. He had eight tackles against the run and short-pass happy Niners offense, three of which for stops. He also broke up a pass for the oversized Kendrick Bourne in the red zone.
Honorable Mention: Trey Amos / WAS
Safety
Nick Emmanwori / SEA (Round 2)
Injuries are in the rear view mirror and Emmanwori’s role is growing week by week. On 70 out of 74 snaps in a game where the Seattle defense absolutely suffocated the Jacksonville offense, he 9 tackles and 5 stops. Those 5 stops led all rookies and finished fourth in the entire league, number one among safeties. He also added two pressures. If you remember back to last spring, Emmanwori was in a league of his own at the scouting combine. The 6’3”/227-pounder lined up at linebacker, in the slot, at free safety, and even on the edge. His versatility did and will add a scary element to a defense who was already top ten without him.
Honorable Mention: Craig Woodson / NE