With a quarter of the 2022 NFL season complete, the rookie rankings have changed weekly. In a league where change is inevitable, the NFL frosh have had ups and downs, and that’s to be expected.
But these five newbies had standout games in Week 4 of the NFL season. Emerging is a Patriots cornerback, which is unsurprising, considering head coach Bill Belichick always seemingly finds a defensive back that didn’t have much hype prior to the draft and then shines under his tutelage.
- Jack Jones — New England Patriots, CB
In a game facing Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who’s only thrown 95 career interceptions, Jones became the fifth player to get a pick six off the four-time NFL MVP. The talented ballhawking rookie also forced a fumble, which led to another score. Over his career Bill Belichick has had a knack for finding quality secondary players that weren’t highly touted prospects. Think Asante Samuel, Malcolm Butler, JC Jackson. Jonathan Jones, and now Jack Jones.
Elite click and close ability by Arizona State legend, Jack Jones pic.twitter.com/rdg8SYwd4h
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) October 2, 2022
While Belichick has never been one to give a lot of compliments. He did talk about Jones in the preseason.
“Jack’s had some nice plays out there in practice, and in the preseason games and practices,” the tight-lipped Belichick said.
He’s now doing it in regular season games.
2. George Pickens — Pittsburgh Steelers, WR
Pickens, the former Georgia Bulldogs star, flashed all preseason his unique blend of speed and pure power. But in the regular season things didn’t seem to click until this past Sunday. Pickens had six receptions for 102 yards, albeit in a 24-20 home loss to the Jets. Expect Pickens’ play to continue to rise with the insertion of fellow rookie Kenny Pickett under center. These two could form a lethal duo for years to come in “The Burgh.”
Pickens with an incredible catch 😱
📺 #NYJvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/AqQNnzjnM7
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 2, 2022
3. Dameon Pierce — Houston Texans, RB
With the Texans in rebuild mode, it looks as if they have found their future tailback going forward. Pierce, the former Florida Gators standout, has been superb through the first four weeks of the season. Sunday’s 131-yard outing was his best outing yet. He even took a handoff 76 yards to paydirt.
Run like the wind. @IRep229
📺 » @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/JDgLpzTJNB
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 2, 2022
The run is the sixth-longest in franchise history. He’s got 314 yards rushing this season, good for ninth in the NFL.
4. Chris Olave — New Orleans Saints, WR
The Saints have struggled out the gate, going 1-3 in their first four games. Injuries to key pieces like quarterback Jameis Winston and running back Alvin Kamara haven’t helped matters. But the play of first-round pick Chris Olave has been as expected. Olave was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month, with 17 receptions for 268 yards. He added to that on Sunday in London with four more grabs for 67 yards and his first career touchdown. Olave is a complete receiver capable of playing the X, Y and Z positions at a high level.
5. Devin Lloyd — Jacksonville Jaguars, LB
Lloyd, the former Utah Utes star has been even better than advertised in his first month with the Jags. The talented three-down backer has been all over the field for the new-look Jaguars, tallying 24 tackles, two interceptions and a league-best six passes defended in just three games. Jacksonville seems to have their cornerstone pieces in QB Trevor Lawrence and linebackers Devin Lloyd and Josh Allen.
He’s a special talent.
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