NFL Rookie Rankings: Ranking the Top 10 Rookies Through Week 2
NFL Rookie Rankings: Ranking the Top 10 Rookies Through Week 2
As we head into Week 3, the NFL landscape is starting to provide clarity. Some rookies have provided a boost to their respective teams, making noteworthy contributions sooner than what is typical of rookies. So, here are my top 10 rookies through the first two weeks of the NFL season.
NFL Rookie Rankings Through Week 2
1. Aidan Hutchinson (DE - DET)
Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, was outstanding in his second game. He sacked Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz three times, helping the Lions win by a score of 36-27. The three sacks led all NFL defenders in Week 2, not just rookies. It isn't common to see rookies enter the league and immediately produce at an elite level, but Hutchinson appears to be taking the first step in that direction.
2. Drake London (WR - ATL)
Wide receivers, in particular, tend to undergo an acclimation period before becoming full-time contributors at the NFL level. London, however, didn't get that memo — through two games, he has 13 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown. He has also posted a target share of just over 33%, which is outstanding to the point of being unsustainable. Expect London to remain a major contributor moving forward.
3. Garrett Wilson (WR - NYJ)
Wilson's production in his first two games tracks closely with that of London — Wilson has recorded 12 receptions for 154 yards and two scores. Given the fact that the Jets' current starting quarterback is Joe Flacco, Wilson's statistics are particularly impressive. Most of his catches came in Week 2 against the Browns, but he did catch four passes on eight targets in Week 1. At this stage, Wilson looks like a dark horse Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
4. Travon Walker (DE - JAX)
Walker, as the first overall pick from the 2022 draft, entered the league with lofty expectations surrounding him. Walker has largely lived up to those expectations, securing four pressures, a sack, and an interception in his first two games. Jaguars fans can look for him to further ramp up his production as he becomes more accustomed to the NFL game.
5. Jahan Dotson (WR - WAS)
Dotson immediately contributed in Week 1, scoring two touchdowns that helped the Commanders defeat the visiting Jaguars, 28-22. Those two scores made up 2/3 of his total catches in the game (three catches on five targets). In Week 2, Dotson caught four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. With three touchdowns on the year, he is tied for second on the league leaderboard (trailing Stefon Diggs, who has four).
6. Devin Lloyd (LB - JAX)
Lloyd's impact was noticeable throughout Jacksonville's win against the Colts in Week 2. In starting his second straight game at linebacker, he recorded an interception, three pass deflections, and six tackles. Lloyd was also solid in week 1, logging 11 total tackles while playing 90% of the defensive snaps for his team. He and Travon Walker were instrumental in leading the Jacksonville defense in both games, especially in the Week 2 shutout of the Colts.
7. Treylon Burks (WR - TEN)
Burks hasn't been on the field nearly as much as the three receivers above him on this list, but he has maximized his production from the snaps he has received. Through two games, he has seven catches on 11 targets for 102 yards. His average depth of target is a whopping 13.1 yards; he is averaging 9.3 receiving yards per target. If Burks' snap share increases (as it should), expect his production to skyrocket.
8. Quay Walker (LB - GB)
Walker, a first-round pick in 2022, was plugged in as a day-one starter alongside All-Pro linebacker De'Vondre Campbell. Walker hasn't looked out of place, flying around the field and recording 13 total tackles through the first two weeks. The pick of Walker at No. 22 was criticized by many as a reach, but he seems likely to prove that he was worthy of his draft slot.
9. Tyler Smith (LT - DAL)
Tyler Smith was abruptly thrust into the starting left tackle role after Tyron Smith went down with a torn hamstring, but the former has been up to the task. The 24th overall pick has allowed just one sack and taken one penalty through two games, during which he earned a solid PFF grade of 69.6. Rookie offensive tackles tend to struggle before finding their footing at the NFL level, but it seems as though Tyler Smith may be a quick study.
10. Dameon Pierce (RB - HOU)
Pierce was one of the stories of training camp, garnering hype around his stellar preseason play. He was somewhat limited in Week 1, receiving just 11 carries and one target. Pierce began to break out in Week 2, though, when he carried the ball 15 times for 69 yards (4.6 YPA). If he can continue rushing with that level of efficiency, there's a good chance that his role will grow as the season progresses.