OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Bo Nix – QB / Denver Broncos
Let’s rewind to September 22nd. The 0-2 Broncos are in Tampa Bay about to take on the Bucs. Nix has 4 interceptions and zero touchdowns through the air averaging about five yards per attempt for a team that hadn’t finished over .500 since 2016 and was still paying Russell Wilson, a backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, over $37 million. That was the start of Bo Nix’s career. But getting beaten down and then resurrecting was nothing new for the guy that set an NCAA record with 61 career starts in college following a transfer from Auburn to Oregon.
Nix entered week 18 in an “win and in” situation after leading his team on a 10-5 streak to end the year after that 0-2 start. Kansas City was resting their starters but do not forget he was a blocked field goal away from beating them at Arrowhead in November. Nix could not have played better this past week, especially in the first half. He completed all 18 of his passing attempts before one hit the ground. Nix finished with a stat line of 26 for 29, 321 yards, and four touchdowns. Not a single turnover. He also led the team with 47 yards on the ground. Talk about a big-time performance leaving no questions in their must-win to reach the postseason.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Payton Wilson – LB / Pittsburgh Steelers
Double digit surgeries. A six-year career in college. Two knee injuries. Two shoulder injuries. And an original day three / undrafted grade from scouts after the 2022 season. That is what Payton Wilson was prior to 2023 – the year in which he took home the Butkus Award and earned All-American honors. His tape was as impressive as any linebacker in last year’s draft and then he stole the show at the combine, running a 4.43 forty.
Pittsburgh drafted the first-round talent in the third round. He’s been a part of their defense since week one and in their big AFC North matchup against the Bengals, he shined. Wilson had 8 tackles without a single miss and forced a fumble on a play where he made a four-yard tackle for loss. His speed and recognition have been next level. Fully healthy, Wilson fits in exactly with the ethos of this franchise.
QB
Bo Nix / DEN (Round 1)
See above
Honorable Mention: Caleb Williams (CHI)
RB
Bucky Irving / TB (Round 4)
Irving led all rookies with 89 yards on the ground and for the ninth time this season, he rattled off multiple 10+ yard runs in a single game including a game sealing 11-yard touchdown to help clinch the NFC South.
Honorable Mention: Ray Davis (BUF)
WR
Ladd McConkey / LAC (Round 2)
For the seventh straight week, McConkey caught five-plus passes averaging 19 yards per. The crafty slot can do and has done more for this offense that just move the chains with short gains. He averaged 8.6 yards after the catch per reception.
Honorable Mention: Ricky Pearsall / SF
TE
AJ Barner / SEA (Round 4)
A position that has been thoroughly dominated by Brock Bowers all season, Barner takes home the weekly award to finish off the season. He caught all five targets, which led rookie tight ends, for 34 yards including a touchdown. He also excelled as a blocker against the physical Rams front.Honorable Mention: Brock Bowers (LV)
Honorable Mention: Brock Bowers (LV)
OT
Christian Jones / ARI (Round 5)
In his first career start, Jones pitched a shutout in pass protection at right tackle. An oversized and powerful blocker, Jones hid his movement shortcomings well and played big.
Honorable Mention: Taliese Fuaga (NO)
OG/OC
Graham Barton / TB (Round 1)
The NFC South champions have always benefitted from quality center play. This time, however, it is a rookie that is locked in for a long time. Barton extended his sack-less streak to 11 straight games as the former college tackle looks both comfortable and twitchy.
Honorable Mention: Mason McCormick (PIT)
ED
Chop Robinson / MIA (Round 1)
Robinson added four pressures to his season total against the Jets, showing a tough combination of initial burst to the outside and an explosive interior spin move.
Honorable Mention: Javon Solomon (BUF)
DT
Michael Hall Jr. / CLE (Round 2)
Hall was taken off the field early with an injury but he didn’t need much time before making his way to the league lead in pressures by a rookie with five. He did so on just 19 pass rush attempts.
Honorable Mention: Jonah Laulu (LV)
LB
Payton Wilson / PIT (Round 3)
See above
Honorable Mention: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (PHI)
CB
Jarrion Jones / JAX (Round 3)
Jones impacted the game from multiple angles. He recoeded a sack and allowed just 50% of the passes thrown his way top be completed. It was one of his best games of the season as he proves to be a part of the solution on that defense long term.
Honorable Mention: Nate Wiggins (BAL)
S
Calen Bullock / HOU (Round 3)
No other rookie safety had broken up more passes this season. He added another to his season total to even further that gap in addition to finishing with four tackles in a game where he did not need to play the full dosage of snaps.
Honorable Mention: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ARI)