Quarterback
Cam Ward / Tennessee (Round 1)
Ward was, once again, the only rookie to see substantial snaps at the position. He finished with a career-high 219 yards through the air and 12 yards on the ground while adding a touchdown for the second straight week. He also threw his first career interception in the loss to Indianapolis. What is going against him is the lack of pass protection. He’s the second most pressured quarterback in the NFL and nobody has been sacked more.
Honorable Mention: Max Brosmer / MIN
Running Back
Cam Skattebo / New York - N (Round 4)
After getting more carries in their week two offensive breakout at Dallas, Skattebo remained in the backup role but it was only a matter of time before the number one spot on that depth chart was his. Thanks to a shoulder injury to Tracy in the first half, Skattebo took over the lead role and ran away with it. He gained 61 yards on just ten carries and tied the rookie lead with six catches. Skattebo, a day three pick, was the lone bright spot in the Giants offense and he carried them on his back in their one and only touchdown scoring drive. The mix of impact as a rusher, receiver, and even blocker were felt all night,
Honorable Mention: Quinshon Judkins / CLE
Wide Receiver
Emeka Egbuka / Tampa Bay (Round 1)
This actually felt like a five-catch, 88-yard performance because his first reception of the day was a botched screen that resulted in a three-yard loss. The injuries are piling up in that receiver room as Mike Evans left the game with a hamstring strain. Egbuka kept the passing game alive with one of the best catches you will see all year on the sideline and a huge fourth quarter grab as Tampa achieved a late comeback victory.
Honorable Mention: Tory Horton / SEA
Tight End
Oronde Gadsen / Los Angeles - A (Round 5)
The day three pick who played a receiver/tight end mix at Syracuse got on the field for the first time this season. He did not disappoint. Gadsden led rookie tight ends in catches, yards, and first downs. Justin Herbert looked his way often on first and second down but most importantly, it was Gadsen he went to twice on the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Honorable Mention: Mason Taylor / NYJ
Offensive Tackle
Armand Membou / New York - A (Round 1)
For the second time in three weeks, Membou takes the top spot. Against a team tied for sixth in the NFL in QB hits, Tampa put yet another challenge at the feet of Membou. He responded with just one pressure allowed and excellent run bocking. He remains locked out with active feet and quality control. He was not penalized again and he is the only rookie tackle of six who has yet to be flagged.
Guard/Center
Grey Zabel / Seattle (Round 1)
This offense is all about a diverse running game and thoughtful approach to passing. Grey Zabel’s versatile skill set allows them to run wide zone without restriction and his reliable, pressure-free pass protection has firmed up the inside. It was clean win for Seattle as they controlled the point of attack agaisnt New Orleans all afternoon.
Honorable Mention: Tate Ratledge / DET
Edge
Mykel Williams / San Francisco (Round 1)
The news out of San Francisco is bleak. They have been bit by the injury bug again and now their top pass rusher Nick Bosa is out for the year. Mykel Williams stepped up in a big way, leading all rookies with six pressures. Four of those came in the second half and he disrupted the passer from both the outside and inside. His power game is a real difference maker and one of those pressures was just inches away from a safety in their matchup against Arizona. They are going to need him to develop, fast.
Honorable Mention: Nic Scourton / CAR
Defensive Tackle
Mason Graham / Cleveland (Round 1)
The goal of drafting Graham (in addition to getting a ransom from Jacksonville via the trade down) was exactly what we watched Sunday in Cleveland. The Browns upset the Packers mainly because of how uncomfortable Jordan Love was in the pocket, We know the obvious Myles Garrett alone can do that but with how frequently Graham was shooting the gap and causing Love to move off his point without the option of drifting anywhere near Garrett, the Packers offense stalled. Graham recorded his first sack and added three more pressures on just 27 pass rush attempts. He added a couple of tackles and put the Green Bay interior offensive line on their heels all afternoon.
Honorable Mention: Deone Walker / BUF
Linebacker
Jihaad Campbell / Philadelphia (Round 1)
It continues to be a two-man race at linebacker but it is Campbell who continues to play a lot of mistake-free football. He had eight tackles and they were all over the field. While he did not make much happen behind the line of scrimmage, he was preventing big plays with his pursuit and reliable take down ability. Campbell has yet to miss a tackle this season.
Honorable Mention: Carson Schwesinger / CLE
Cornerback
Trey Amos / Washington (Round 2)
Amos was targeted just one time against the Raiders, who threw 34 times. That one target resulted in a pass break up on a pass intended for Dont’e Thornton which was mere inches away from being an interception. The third down stop was a big play and otherwise he was blanketing receivers all over the field. He added one tackle as well.
Honorable Mention: Lance Parrish / TB
Safety
Lathan Ransom / Carolina (Round 4)
The fourth round pick played a key role in the first Carolina shutout since week 11 of 2020. Ransom had four tackles and forced a fumble and looks comfortable in multiple coverage roles. His physical presence and quick trigger have been a key reason why the league’s worst defense in 2024 has seemed to turn a corner.