QB
Justin Herbert / LAC – Round 1
This spot will be a constant battle between Joe Burrow and Herbert for at least the near future. Both are playing at a high level in relation to their experience levels. Herbert faced off against Tampa Bay across the country and even though he lost, it may have been the best we’ve seen out of him. He went 20/25 for 290 yards and 3 touchdowns. He did turn the ball over with an interception, but this kid is playing winning football. A very efficient, versatile, and smart style that is going to keep the banged-up Chargers in a lot of games.
RB
Antonio Gibson / WAS – Round 3
Gibson’s role in this Washington offense continues to grow. In their effort to try and keep the Ravens off the field, he was given a career high 17 touches (13 car / 4 rec) and it resulted in a career high 128 total yards and a touchdown. He is evolving into the bell cow back and should see the majority snaps at the position from here on out. Remember, he wasn’t a full time running back until the halfway point of last year at Memphis. The untapped upside and early paybacks he is offering right now is worth monitoring as the potential next big thing at the position.
WR
CeeDee Lamb / DAL – Round 1
Dallas and their defensive woes aside, there is cause for excitement in Jerry Jones’ suite. His 2020 first rounder is already making a case to be the number one receiver on the team. Lamb added 2 more touchdowns on 5 catches and 79 yards in their home loss to Cleveland. Lamb is a factor on all levels of the route tree and he doesn’t let the ball touch the ground when he gets his hands on it.
TE
Harrison Bryant / CLE – Round 4
The Browns are going to run a lot of two tight end sets and Bryant is further strengthening the confidence they have in that concept. He played 69% of the snaps as the number two guy at the position and caught all four of his targets for 37 yards in the team’s dominant offensive performance in Dallas.
OT
Tristan Wirfs / TB – Round 1
There may not have been a tougher assignment of the season for all rookie tackles than Joey Bosa. Wirfs not only took him on, but often looked like the better player while doing it. His power shocked Bosa several times and he did an excellent job re-anchoring after initial contact and handling the secondary moves. Bosa had his quietest game in a contest that saw Brady drop back to pass 47 times.
OG/OC
Jonah Jackson / DET – Round 3
Detroit made things interesting at home against the Saints, putting 29 points on the board. They averaged 4.1 yards per carry and when the tough ones were needed, they continued to run behind Jackson. His lateral movement as a pull blocker resulted in positive plays and he has yet to allow a sack in his 4 starts.
EDGE
Yetur Gross-Matos / CAR – Round 2
Gross-Matos is turning the corner in regard to his health and it is translating to his performance on the field on one of the league’s youngest defenses. He recorded the first sack of his career that also jarred the ball loose from Kyler Murray’s hand, causing a turnover that led to 7 points in their upset home win.
DT
DaVon Hamilton / JAX – Round 3
Hamilton was known as the Alpha-Male on the loaded Ohio State front at this time last year and he is quickly gaining the label in Jacksonville. The nose tackle had 5 tackles and a sturdy inside presence while also adding 2 QB hits. While he isn’t known for his pass rushing prowess and they do take him off the field in obvious passing situations, Hamilton is proving to be much more than just a run stuffer.
LB
Patrick Queen / BAL – Round 1
Queen is looking a lot like Devin Bush did in 2019 in that he has so quickly become the most important second level defender on a good defense. He was downright dominant in their win over Washington, finishing with 12 tackles and 3 TFL. His speed and violence at the point of contact is what stood out the most. Known for his athletic juice, Queen came up with a couple grown-man stops inside as well.
CB
Jaylon Johnson / CHI – Round 2
If the Bears are going to be a factor in 2020, it will be a result of the defense going back to their 2018 form where they finished atop the league in yards allowed. Johnson is making a case to be a big part of it, as he added yet another quality game as he pairs with Kyle Fuller to form one of the top young corner duos in the league. Johnson broke up 2 more passes against the IND passing attack.
S
Julian Blackmon / IND – Round 3
The injuries are piling up on the Colts' defense but this is a league where the replacements are eventually going to be tested. Blackmon gave this secondary a boost in confidence and performance with his 3 pass break up / 1 interception game in their dominant defensive win over Chicago.