Creed Humphrey, Center — Chiefs
Humphrey’s talent was unquestioned coming out of Oklahoma, but no one could’ve imagined he would be this good this early. In his last 1,804 snaps between college and the NFL, he’s allowed just 20 QB pressures and two sacks.
It’s safe to say the Chiefs have an anchor on the offensive line to keep franchise QB Patrick Mahomes upright for years to come. He’ll be an All-Pro in short order and has Hall of Fame potential. His calling card is a nasty demeanor in the run and pass game.
He's the top graded Center in the NFL according to @PFF.
RT to vote Creed into the Pro Bowl!#ProBowlVote + @creed_humphrey pic.twitter.com/BFJypHcgz7
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2021
Micah Parsons, OLB/ILB/Edge — Cowboys
No matter where Parsons has lined up this season, he’s been a playmaker for a very improved Cowboys defense. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has used Parsons all over the place (off-the-ball or the edge, and he’s paid dividends everywhere).
In the Boys’ last outing, a 27-17 win at New Orleans, the former Penn State Nittany Lion played almost exclusively at linebacker and still racked up five pressures on 12 pass-rush opportunities. He also showed his ability to defend tight ends with two pass breakups on two targets his way.
Why @dallascowboys LB @MicahhParsons11 is the No. 1 rising star in the NFL, according to @BuckyBrooks ⬇️#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/S0nqXfunRX
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 9, 2021
Rashawn Slater, LT — Chargers
Another one of these freakish offensive lineman who don’t get enough pub. Slater has been just as dominant as the aforementioned Humphrey but from the left tackle position, facing teams’ best pass rusher weekly. Slater’s played with the consistency of a 10-12 year veteran.
Most rookies almost assuredly have their challenging “welcome to the NFL moment.” That hasn’t happened yet to the technically sound Northwestern product.
He’s held his own against the likes of elite pass rushers Chase Young, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, Chris Jones, Maxx Crosby, Bradley Chubb, Calais Campbell, DeMarcus Lawrence. Slater’s surrendered just two sacks and 18 QB pressures to this crop.
slater fam 💙 pic.twitter.com/ADbonwHt9W
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 15, 2021
Jaylen Waddle, WR — Dolphins
QB Tua Tagovailoa’s play has been trending upward during a five-game win streak, and a lot of that has to do with wideout Jaylen Waddle. In the past two games, the speedy Waddle has caught 18 of his 21 targets for 227 yards and one touchdown.
He’s now the unquestioned No. 1 receiver in South Beach. Even scarier is the Fins haven’t even used the elite speed and deep ball ability he possesses. “SpookyHours”
8⃣5⃣✅
🐧 @D1__JW pic.twitter.com/a3MSXAnucl
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 5, 2021
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB — Browns
Prior to the draft the question was how could a 215-pound linebacker survive the physicality if the NFL. Well, it’s safe to say “JOK” has done just that. He currently leads all linebackers in run-stoppage rate at 14.6 percent. When he’s healthy the Browns defense goes into a next gear. His play recognition is elite, and the speed he possesses to make the play is otherworldly. If his health holds up he has All-Pro-type ability for years to come.
The numbers don’t lie! 💪 @j_owuu 🇬🇭#NFLAfrica @OsiUmenyiora 🇳🇬 https://t.co/tBEyuKtoa9 pic.twitter.com/IdbpuvSVcx
— NFL Africa (@NFLAfrica) December 1, 2021
Honorable Mention
Mac Jones, QB — Patriots
After tossing just three passes in a 14-10 win over the Bills, it showed NE can win without their rookie signal caller throwing it around the gridiron. Still doesn’t diminish his decision-making, accuracy and efficiency he plays with.
During the week in football season, @MacJones_10 remains so focused, he doesn't check his phone.
Not even to answer a text from Peyton Manning: https://t.co/SYud5kcbIe
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 8, 2021
Jevontae Williams, RB — Broncos
Williams is like a bowling ball in the makeup of former NFL back Michael Turner (Chargers/Falcons). Low center of gravity with elite power and quickness that make it tough to bring him down. He ranks second in broken tackles amongst running backs this season. In Sunday night’s 22-9 loss to the Chiefs he went for 102 yards rushing and 76 receiving. Time to make him RB1 in the “Mile High City.”
Javonte Williams in the first half
💥 16 touches
💥 72 total yardsMORE JAVONTE ‼️ pic.twitter.com/5KeksT2Edv
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) December 6, 2021
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