QB
CJ Stroud / HOU (Round 1)
A three-point loss at home against the Jaguars which ended up being decided by a field goal that was mere inches short, separates Stroud from a four-game winning streak. He went for 300+ yards for the sixth time (and fourth game in a row) but also added a season-high 47 yards on the ground. He threw two touchdowns and ran for another and did not have a single turnover worthy play.
Honorable Mention: Aidan O’Connell / LV
RB
Bijan Robinson / ATL (Round 1)
Robinson gained 91 yards on the ground and another 32 yards in the air on just 19 touches. It was the fourth time he has done so but the first time he has scored a touchdown in both. The 45 yards after contact as a rusher and three runs of 10+ yards reminded us who the best rookie athlete at the position is.
Honorable Mention: Keaton Mitchell / BAL
WR
Rashee Rice / KC (Round 2)
The Chiefs went down 14-0 on the road in a divisional game coming off a short week of rest. Almost always that results in a recipe for disaster. Rice was the key cog in the passing game that turned the game around. He led the team with 10 targets, 8 catches, and 107 yards. His touchdown was a long run after a short pass that was essentially all him. That score put the game out of reach for Las Vegas.
Honorable Mention: Jaylin Hyatt / NYG
TE
Sam LaPorta / DET (Round 2)
LaPorta has been the mainstay among rookie tight ends this season. While he did struggle in the trenches against Green Bay on a short week, he still ended with 5 catches for 47 yards and a score, his fifth of the year, tied for second in the NFL among tight ends.
Honorable Mention: Tucker Kraft / GB
OT
Broderick Jones / PIT (Round 1)
With the offensive changes at the top for Pittsburgh, there is some new life and identity this team will try to take on. Jones allowed three hurries in pass protection, but he was dominant in the running game in their win over Cincinnati. This team will be leaning on that part of their offense hard and Jones is and will be a big part of it.
Honorable Mention: Darnell Wright / CHI
OG/OC
Matthew Bergeron / ATL (Round 2)
The Falcons ran the ball a whopping 38 times (life under Arthur Smith) and averaged 6 yards per. Bergeron graded out exceptionally well as a run blocker, his best of the year, and allowed just one hurry. This homegrown offensive line gives them a fighting chance every week.
Honorable Mention: Steve Avila / LAR
EDGE
Tuli Tuipulotu / LAC (Round 2)
One of the constants of the Chargers' defense finished second on the team in pressures with 4. Tuipulotu added 4 tackles and set a hard edge all night. While the rest of the front did not get the job done, he is making a case to be considered the team’s most reliable player on that side of the ball.
Honorable Mention: Will Anderson / HOU
DT
Karl Brooks / GB (Round 6)
A season-high 5 pressures for the non-combine invitee in the team’s Thanksgiving upset win over Detroit. Brooks also added 3 tackles and a forced fumble. He is moving around the line, giving this front plenty of options. Brooks played 19 snaps at three-tech and 8 snaps over as four-tech.
Honorable Mention: Jalen Carter / PHI
LB
Ivan Pace Jr / MIN (UDFA)
Pace got the start for Minnesota and started the game off on fire. His sack on the opening drive gained some initial momentum and it was a play we saw over and over in college. His combination of power and agility makes him incredibly slippery to blockers. He finished with 9 tackles including that sack.
Honorable Mention: Jack Campbell / DET
CB
DJ Turner / CIN (Round 2)
It was a season-high 71 snaps for the speedster from Michigan. In. a defensive battle and while missing the team’s top corner, he stepped up with 5 tackles and 2 pass break ups. He allowed just 9 yards after the catch on 4 completions.
Honorable Mention: Mekhi Blackmon / MIN
S
Jordan Battle / CIN (Round 3)
The rookies on the Cincinnati defense are starting to step up in a big way. A season-high 59 snaps led to a season-high 9 tackles. He displayed outstanding stack and shed ability against the power-run game Pittsburgh used and provided a solid last line of defense to that unit. He was not targeted once in the passing game.
Honorable Mention: DeMarcco Hellams / ATL