Quarterback
Cam Ward - Tennessee Titans (Round 1)
Once again, Ward did not have competition for the week two spot (although Doug Gabriel was 3/3 with a touchdown in garbage time at Baltimore), we did see a cleaner game from the number one overall pick in week two. His production improved across the board and he threw his first career touchdown to fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor against the stingy Rams’ defense. While he is still looking for his first NFL win, Ward is proving to be comfortable on the move and under pressure. He is just one of 11 quarterbacks with 280+ yards and zero interceptions this season.
Honorable Mention: Dillon Gabriel / CLE
Running Back
Bhayshul Tuten - Jacksonville (Round 4)
The trade of the team’s 2024 leading rusher Tank Bigsby opened the door to the day three pick to take over the number two role under Travis Etienne, a back who the team does not want to overuse. In his first game in that role. Tuten led the rookie backs with 74 total yards. He gained 43 of them rushing on just eight carries and 32 more yards on two catches, one of which was an eight yard touchdown (the first of his career). Tuten’s quick trigger and easy agility made the first guy miss multiple times and he looks ready for that complementary role.
Honorable Mention: Quinshon Judkins / CLE
Wide Receiver
Tetairoa McMillian - Carolina (Round 1)
McMillan recorded his first of many 100-yard games which led all rookies. His five first downs also led the group as were the 48 yards after the catch. While he is not the most explosive nor does he have elite breakaway speed, McMillan’s savvy footwork and feel for the defense both pre and post-catch were key contributors to the comeback effort Carolina showed in Arizona. Through two weeks, he is the leader in the rookie clubhouse in both targets and yards.
Honorable Mention: Elic Ayomanor / TEN
Tight End
Tyler Warren - Indianapolis (Round 1)
I am getting the feeling we are going to see a similar situation to last year where Brock Bowers, who won rookie of the week at tight end 13 times. Warren again led the group in yards with 79 on just four catches. His 55 yards after the catch alone were more than any other rookie at the position. Through two weeks he is leading all tight ends league wide with 155 yards and is tied with Trey McBride for first downs (8). He is the leading receiver for the surprising 2-0 Colts and the league’s second leading passer, Daniel Jones.
Honorable Mention: Harold Fannin Jr. / CLE
Offensive Tackle
Josh Simmons - Kansas City (Round 1)
Against one of the top pass rush defenses in the NFL, Simmons (who missed more than half of 2024 with a knee injury) did not allow a single pressure in 39 pass rush snaps. The width and mobility of his lower body complement his special athleticism to make him a tough guy to beat on the outside. He is far from a finished product but he may already be the best left tackle Patrick Mahomes has had in years. The icing on the cake was arguably the most impressive play I saw all week by the league’s rookies; it was the Simmons chase down of safety Andrew Mukuba who was well on his way to a pick six. He hit 18 miles per hour on that play, an incredibly rare number for a lineman.
Honorable Mention: Marcus Mbow / NYG
Guard/Center
Connor Colby - San Francisco (Round 7)
The Niners have done it again. A Shanahan coach has done it again. The 249th pick of the draft put together one of the best games by any lineman in the league as the Niners flew across the country with a depleted offense missing their quarterback, number one receiver, and number one tight end. Colby’s assignment did not make a single play in New Orleans. He looked fast, balanced, and strong both in-line and at the second level. Ben Bartch went down with an ankle injury early and Colby not only played well, he may have already proven he should be the starter long term after Bartch returns to the field.
Honorable Mention: Dylan Fairchild / CIN
Edge
Mykel Williams - San Francisco (Round 1)
Staying in San Francisco. The Niners defense is putting a lot of weight on rookies along their defensive line. So far, Williams looks like a veteran when he plays the run with how easily he can stack and shed blockers. He had 5 tackles against New Orleans, four of which were stops and two of which went for a loss for a combined six yards. His pass rush repertoire still needs work but he did add three pressures, the most impressive of which came from the inside that led to a sack by Nick Bosa.
Honorable Mention: James Pearce / ATL
Defensive Tackle
Mason Graham - Cleveland (Round 1)
Graham’s four tackles, one for a loss, were impressive but the multiple solo takedowns of Derrick Henry were what impressed me most on his week two tape. Graham also added a pressure and continuously showed impressive assignment-savvy play that makes him already look like a multi-year veteran.
Honorable Mention: Jamaree Caldwell / LAC
Linebacker
Jihaad Campbell - Philadelphia (Round 1)
Campbell simply isn’t coming off the field for the 2-0 Eagles. He has played 114 of 121 snaps so far and his production was once again all over the stat sheet. He was harassing Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City as both a blitzing linebacker or spy, limiting his impact as a scrambler and forcing him into fast decisions. He finished with six tackles spread all over the field.
Honorable Mention: Carson Schwesinger / CLE