QB
Will Levis / TEN (Round 2)
In the first career start for the quarterback that fell out of round one but was later traded up for by Tennessee, Levis had a historic debut. He is now just the third player in NFL history to score four touchdowns in his first start. They had him throwing deep early and often while supplying him with max protections, and it worked. He ended the game with 234 yards (8.4 yards per attempt) and a 130.1 QB rating. It is hard to imagine Levis going back to holding the clipboard.
Honorable Mention: Bryce Young / CAR
RB
Jahmyr Gibbs / DET (Round 1)
There have been quite a few big time running back performances by rookies over the first half of the season. What Gibbs did on the national stage as he put the Lions on his back may have been the best we’ve seen so far. He had 152 yards on a career-high 26 carries with a touchdown. He then added 37 more yards on 5 catches. Combined, Gibbs broke 11 tackles, gained 9 first downs, and gained 10+ yards five times. The smooth but explosive movement traits are next level.
Honorable Mention: Bijan Robinson / ATL
WR
Jordan Addison / MIN (Round 1)
While the Vikings got the win on the road at Minnesota, they lost starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to an achilles injury. This, combined with the hamstring injury to Justin Jefferson, has left the team in a difficult situation when projecting what they can be in 2023. But in a wide open NFC and considering they are 4-4, the trade for quarterback Josh Dobbs is a clear sign they are pursuing the postseason. Addison has been a huge reason why. He went for 82 yards on 7 catches while adding a touchdown, proving this team has three credible weapons once Jefferson gets back on the field.
Honorable Mention: Josh Downs / IND
TE
Dalton Kincaid / BUF
Kincaid has hit his stride and the Buffalo offense appears to be turning the corner when it comes to consistency. The chain mover had 5 catches for 65 yards, including three first downs and a score. On multiple occasions, including the score, his feel and route running acumen were used by Josh Allen to create big plays. There is so much to like about the big slot receiver’s ability to make an impact and it is only going to get better.
Honorable Mention: Sam LaPorta / DET
OT
Darnell Wright / CHI (Round 1)
As expected, there have been a lot of ups and downs in Wright’s start to his career. Against LAC and their dangerous edge rushers, he stepped up to the occasion. He allowed just two pressures but neither of them were hits on the quarterback. He also graded out with a positive run blocking grade as he stayed attached and consistently created a push.
Honorable Mention: Anton Harrison / JAX
OG/OC
Anthony Bradford / SEA (Round 3)
Bradford is becoming one of the more physical and powerful people movers in the NFL early on in his career. He put multiple Brown defenders on their backs in the running game in Seattle’s comeback win. While the consistency has not showed up yet in pass protection, he is now five games into his career without allowing a sack.
Honorable Mention: O’Cyrus Torrence / BUF
ED
Keion White / NE (Round 2)
Against the complex and fast offense in Miami, White showed excellent eye discipline and reaction speed in his first career start that saw him on the field for a season high 62 snaps. He lined up at three different positions along the front and ended with 3 tackles, 1 TFL, and 2 pressures. The physically imposing, versatile power defender is an ideal fit for the Belichick scheme.
Honorable Mention: Zach Harrison / ATL
DT
Dante Stills / ARZ (Round 6)
Watch the Cardinals' defense and there is a good chance you are going to find Stills in the backfield causing problems. He is a constantly ascending player on the feisty group and his best performance showed up against Baltimore. On just 32 snaps and 19 pass rushes, Stills ended with 2 sacks and a hurry as he played primarly in a three-tech alignment. His sudden burst and ability to adjust his weight laterally was tough to handle for the Baltimore blockers.
Honorable Mention: Kobie Turner / LAR
LB
Jack Campbell / DET (Round 1)
Another quiet week for the league’s rookie linebackers helped Campbell earn this spot, but do not overlook how important he was to Detroit’s Monday night win over Las Vegas. He had 4 tackles and showed notable improvement in coverage which made it tough for them to use the middle of the field, a key component to the Raiders' passing game.
Honorable Mention: Ivan Pace Jr / MIN
CB
Devon Witherspoon / SEA (Round 1)
Witherspoon is all over the Seattle defense and has changed the way they play defense. Whether he is manning up a receiver on an island, blitzing the quarterback, or supporting the run this kid is as active as any corner in the league. He had 2 tackles and allowed just one completion on six targets thrown his way.
Honorable Mention: Christian Izien / TB
S
Jordan Howden / NO (Round 5)
Howden is a tough guy to get off the field. His impact was felt across multiple areas of the defense and his reliability as a tackler in space has been a big deal. He has missed just one all season. He had 9 takedowns this week and broke up a pass. The ability to limit yards after the catch is a clear sign he is constantly getting into the right position at the right time.
Honorable Mention: Sydney Brown / PHI