QB
CJ Stroud / HOU (Round 1)
Stroud was back on the field for the first time since week 14 after recovering from a concussion. He completed 75% of his passes with a touchdown and did not turn the ball over in Houston’s win over Tennessee to keep their playoff hopes alive. His game revolved around short passes and efficiency, ending with his seventh game of a 100+ passer rating this year.
Honorable Mention: Aidan O’Connell / LV
RB
De’Von Achane / MIA (Round 3)
The sub-190-pounder averaged 7.6 yards on 14 carries, which actually brought his season per-carry number down. The 137 total yards marked the fifth time he’s breached the century mark. The four rushes of 10+ yards tied a season high as Miami gets ready to show if this offense can perform in the postseason.
Honorable Mention: Bijan Robinson / ATL
WR
Jayden Reed / GB (Round 2)
Reed became just the second receiver in franchise history to record 50+ catches, 500+ yards, and 6+ touchdowns in his rookie season, the last time being 1952. He got there via his 6/89/2 stat line in Green Bay’s drubbing of Minnesota to keep their playoff hopes alive. He did this on just 23 snaps.
Honorable Mention: Rashee Rice / KC
TE
Sam LaPorta / DET (Round 2)
LaPorta ended with 84 yards, the second highest of his amazing rookie season, on 7 catches, the fourth most he’s had in a game. The 11 targets tied a season high, as did the 5 first downs. He and Amon St. Brown are just seven catches shy of a combined 200 on the year, over half of the team’s production in the passing game.
Honorable Mention: Tucker Kraft / GB
OT
Paris Johnson / ARZ (Round 1)
Johnson, the first tackle taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been the best and most consistent tackle among rookies. One of his toughest tests, the Philadelphia front, was shut out by Johnson on 38 pass block snaps.
Honorable Mention: Darnell Wright / CHI
OG/OC
Jordan McFadden / LAC (Round 5)
In his first career start, subbing in for the injured Zion Johnson, McFadden shined. He did not allow a single pressure on 41 pass block snaps and was putting Denver defenders on their backs as a run blocker. The college left tackle has seen some spot duty as a blocking tight end this year, but his first real action at guard could not have been better.
Honorable Mention: Steve Avila / LAR
ED
Byron Young / LAR (Round 3)
The Rams' defense held on despite Aaron Donald being held in check for most of the game. Young was one reason why; the other one can be found in the next paragraph. He finished with a sack (his seventh of the year), two QB hits and three tackles.
Honorable Mention: BJ Ojulari / ARZ
DT
Kobie Turner / LAR (Round 3)
Look at all the rookie defenders (including his own teammate discussed above) and try to guess who leads them in sacks. Very few would know it is Turner, who now has 11 on the year. He added an amazing six hurries and a QB hit in addition to two tackles, both of which were run stuffs.
Honorable Mention: Gervon Dexter / CHI
LB
Otis Reese / TEN (UDFA)
In just his second game of his career, Reese (starting for the second week in a row), finished with 9 tackles and 2 stops. He allowed just 8 yards in the passing game and most importantly, the sub-220 pounder did not miss any tackles and was constantly around the ball all over the field.
Honorable Mention: Jack Campbell (DET)
CB
Tyrique Stevenson / CHI (Round 2)
Stevenson is ending his rookie season on a constant ascent, and it peaked in Chicago’s big win over Atlanta. He finished with 5 tackles (no misses) with 2 interceptions and a pass break up. The two quarterbacks had a 9.7 passer rating when targeting him.
Honorable Mention: JuJu Brents / IND
S
Ronnie Hickman / CLE (UDFA)
Hickman took over a starting spot week 14 and has quietly worked his way into a key role for one of the league’s top defenses that will be tough to beat. He was docked in the pre-draft process for a lack of athleticism in coverage. He has been excellent over that span, and intercepted his first pass against the Jets which he also returned for a touchdown. He added 4 tackles as well.
Honorable Mention: Sydney Brown / PHI