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All-Rookie Team - WEEK 16

Dave Syvertsen, Senior Draft Analyst
10/30/2023 4:15PM ET

QB

Daniel Jones – NYG (1st round)

Jones became the first rookie QB ever to throw for 350+ yards and 5 TD in the same game as he led NYG to a 41-35 overtime win in Washington.  He is only the 3rd rookie QB in NFL history with 3+ games with 4+ TD passes in a season.

RB

Miles Sanders – PHI (2nd round)

As the depleted PHI offense continues to strengthen despite unfortunate circumstances, Sanders remains a key cog.  He finished with 79 yards and a touchdown on the ground and added another 5 rec / 77 yards in the air in their NFC East showdown win vs DAL.

WR (2)

Hunter Renfrow – OAK (5th round)

In his first game back since November 24, Renfrow was the top target in the OAK passing game finishing with a line of 7 / 107 / 1 while also adding 33 more yards on 3 punt returns.

Diontae Johnson – PIT (3rd round)

With the QB carousel continuing to go round and round, Johnson reminds the most consistent force at WR for PIT in 2019.  He continues to show elite route running and ability to get open on all levels.  He finished with 8 rec / 81 yards / 1 TD vs NYJ.

TE

Kaden Smith – NYG (UDFA)

One of the top waiver pickups of the 2019 season, Smith has been a pleasant surprise for NYG as they had to replace the injured Evan Engram.  His strongest contribution was in the running game in Saquon Barkley’s career day but he also added 6 rec / 35 yards / 2 TD including the game winning score in overtime.

OT (2)

Kaleb McGary – ATL (1st round)

As stated last week, the right side of the ATL offensive line seems to be in place for years to come.  McGary kept pressure off Ryan all afternoon against a tough JAX front.

Jawaan Taylor – JAX (2nd round)

The Falcons didn’t get any pressure on Gardner Minshew from the left edge largely because of Taylor and the wall he creates his with his size and force.  He did get flagged for his NFL-leading 8th holding penalty as he still needs to clean up techniques, but he has been a solid presence there all season.

OG (2)

Chris Lindstrom – ATL (1st round)

The quick-twitched fire plug had another solid game in ATL’s 12 point win over JAX. They averaged 5 yards per carry and kept Matt Ryan upright for almost the entire afternoon.

Elgton Jenkins – GB (2nd round)

The GB offense dominated on the road against a tough MIN front in a game that meant a lot.  It may have been Jenkins' toughest test of the year and he passed with flying colors.  He was fast both mentally and physically.

OC

Erik McCoy – NO (1st round)

The NO running game is slowly but surely waking up and getting primed for the postseason.  Against a very tough TEN front on the road, McCoy really stepped up and got movement off the ball and contained an active front.

EDGE (2)

Montez Sweat – WAS (1st round)

Sweat is the one edge rusher in this year’s rookie crop that spends as much time in coverage as he does rushing the passer.  His stats may not be as impressive but his impact has been solid.  He had 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pressure, and 1 pass break up vs NYG.

Clelin Ferrell – OAK (1st round)

The surprise from the top of the draft last April has quietly been one of the most consistent rookie edge rushers in the league.  Ferrell added 2 tackles, both of which were for a loss, and a sack in OAK’s commanding win over LAC.

DT (2)

Quinnen Williams – NYJ (1st round)

Williams recorded his first sack since early November and has put together a string of games where his consistent penetration has really forced the opposition into altering their approach.  He finished with 4 tackles on the day in their win against PIT.

Christian Wilkins – MIA (1st round)

Wilkins, an every-game starter, recorded his second sack of the season in their home win versus CIN.  He has been the most consistent player on that front and even though he looked over-matched at times, his relentlessness and athletic ability popped off the screen multiple times.

LB (2)

Germaine Pratt – CIN (3rd round)

Pratt remains red hot since being inserted into the starting lineup.  He led CIN with 11 tackles and added 2 TFL against Miami.  The every down linebacker is quickly becoming a building block for the defense that has nowhere to go but up.

Dre Greenlaw – SF (5th round)

His team-leading 13 tackles in their big 34-31 win over LAR was a key reason why they were able to come back and pull off the win that put them in position to lock up the NFC West.

CB (2)

Sean Murphy-Bunting – TB (2nd round)

The versatility Murphy-Bunting has shown throughout the second half of the year has put the TB defensive back woes somewhat in the rear view mirror.  Against the high flying HOU offense, he finished with 4 tackles / 1 PD / 1 FF / 1 sack.

Byron Murphy – ARZ (2nd round)

Murphy was a key player in ARZ’s upset win at SEA against a passing attack that has been dominant at times.  He allowed just 2 catches on the day and was outstanding against the slot.  He finished with 2  tackles and a PD.

S (2)

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – NO (4th round)

Finishing with 8 tackles and a TFL, Gardner Johnson also had the hit which forced a fumble which he also recovered in the back and forth matchup against TEN.  He was an important player all game but shined when it mattered most.

Juan Thornhill – KC (2nd round)

KC kept CHI touchdown-less and this overlooked but surging defense is heading into the postseason on fire.  Thornhill is part of a two-headed monster at safety next to Tyrann Mathieu and because of Thornhill’s discipline and instincts, several other defenders can play aggressive and roam.  He finished with 3 tackles and a pressure late in the game.