Every year rookies compete not only for playing time but also to make themselves a staple name in their first year.
C.J. Stroud, Puka Nacua, Aiden Hutchinson, Sauce Gardner, and Kayvon Thibodeaux were rookies who made threatening impacts in the past two seasons alone. So here are the top ten rookies through week six.
Just Missed the Cut
Laiatu Latu - The Indianapolis Colts defensive end just missed out on this week's rankings after the Tennessee Titans were able to contain him to two tackles and one stuff (tackle for loss on a run play) following a week five masterclass. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars the week before, he had six tackles (four solo), two assisted tackles, a forced fumble, and a 4.26-yard separation to the quarterback on pass rush plays, per Next Gen Stats where the league average is 4.57 yards.
10. Quinyon Mitchell - CB
The Philadelphia Eagles cornerback recorded only three tackles in the 20-16 victory against the Cleveland Browns. Despite an average performance to his standards, Quinyon Mitchell is the leading rookie in the league with six pass deflections and has tallied 21 total tackles, 17 of which have been solo.
9. Xavier Worthy - WR
Xavier Worthy has the opportunity to rise in these rankings in the coming weeks since last week Rashee Rice suffered a Lateral Collateral Ligament injury that could see him out for the rest of the season. Even with Rice on the field Worthy has been exactly what his name suggests, and is the third-leading receiver on the Kansas City Chiefs. Going into their week six bye, the rookie wide receiver has 179 yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions.
8. Joe Alt - LT
The Los Angeles Chargers Left Tackle returned against the Denver Broncos. Joe Alt has lived up to being the fifth overall draft pick having given up two of the team's 16 sacks this season. He has been an exceptional addition to the Chargers and has been given a 72.4 grade by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
7. Jared Verse - LB
The Los Angeles Rams Edge rusher has trailed off since his spectacular performance in week two where he had seven tackles (six solo), three stuffs, and a forced fumble. The Rams matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who have given up the fifth most sacks this year (18), could be the perfect opportunity to showcase why Jared Verse is the best rookie defensive playmaker.
6. Brian Thomas Jr. - WR
The Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had a season-best 122 yards in his team's first victory of the year, followed by his worst performance gaining only 27 yards in three receptions from six targets. His saving grace from staying in the top ten is his 424 yards and that he leads rookie wide receivers in yards per catch, eighth in the league, and total yards, ninth in the NFL.
5. Bucky Irving - RB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving leads the league in rushing yards among rookies and is a top-20 rusher overall. He had a breakout performance last week in the 51-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints where he rushed for a season-high 81 yards on 14 carries, totaling 328 on the year. He is also third in the league with 5.7 yards per carry and is ninth, per PFF, having forced 18 missed tackles while rushing.
4. Zach Frazier - C
The Pittsburgh Steelers' new center has been the missing piece to their offensive line puzzle. Zach Frazier has allowed zero sacks and only four total pressures this season and has an 84.1 run block grade making him a top-five center in six weeks according to PFF.
3. Malik Nabers - WR
Yes, Malik Nabers has spent the past two weeks out injured and is questionable to make his return against the Eagles this week making his high rating an interesting decision. But, Nabers is third in the NFL averaging 96.5 yards per game, bettered only by Nico Collins (113.4) and A.J. Brown (117.5). There is no denying his impact ability as he has recorded a 20+ yard reception in each of the four games played and is projected to have a 1,000+ receiving yard season.
2. Brock Bowers - TE
The 13th overall pick from Georgia is the most surprising rookie so far this season. Brock Bowers has become the most threatening tight end not only in a division that is home to Travis Kelce but also in the league. He is fourth in the league in receptions (37), 10th in yards after catch (206), and 15th in total yards (384) leading all tight ends this season. Bowers had a 90% completion on 10 targets racking up 71 yards last week.
1. Jayden Daniels - QB
Jayden Daniels proved last week that he can remain incredibly calm and composed in matches where some of his offense struggles to gain momentum. The Washington Commanders have scored the most rushing touchdowns this season. However, they were only able to generate 52 yards on the ground.
Daniels also had to deal with a Baltimore secondary that had three of his receivers average less than two yards of separation on their defensive marking, per PFF. Despite that pressure, he was still able to throw for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
