It’s that time again. We rank the Fab Frosh after five weeks of NFL football.
Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
When the Cincinnati Bengals drafted Ja’Marr Chase in the first round of the draft they knew they were getting a bona fide baller at the wide receiver position. No way they could’ve known he would blossom this quickly, especially after he had problems seeing the NFL football in preseason.
JOE BURROW. JAMAR CHASE. pic.twitter.com/8sANvc9WOX
— Pub Sports Radio ™ (@PubSportsRadio) October 10, 2021
To put Chase’s start — 23 receptions for 456 yards and five touchdowns — into statistical perspective, only Randy Moss did more through five games by the age of 21. The Bengals have their new and more explosive version of former All-Pro A.J. Green.
The Burrow-to-Chase connection that led LSU to a national title will be the cornerstone of the new Cincinnati Bengals as they lay the groundwork for a future Super Bowl run.
Creed Humphrey (OL, Kansas City Chiefs)
Linemen never get much love, but Chiefs center Creed Humphrey is going to get some every week if he keeps playing at this high level. He and fellow rookie Trey Smith have solidified the middle of the Chiefs offensive line for years to come.
Creed Humphrey is the highest-graded Center in the NFL (87.1) 🥇@OU_Football pic.twitter.com/Kt5EjBye7X
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 12, 2021
Patrick Mahomes is struggling a bit, but it’s more about him forcing things than being harassed or hit too frequently. The Chiefs got two future Pro Bowl players with these two.
Rashawn Slater (OL, LA Chargers)
Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater makes the list again, as he’s responsible for protecting the blind side of Justin Herbert. He’s doing it at a Secret Service level. This season he’s held his own against elite defenders Chase Young, Micah Parsons, Chris Jones, Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.
Amazing throw and catch by Herbert and Allen
but if you look at the top of the O-line you’ll see Rashawn Slater man handling Myles Garrett⚡️ pic.twitter.com/TnN5IZWC8m— ＣＨΛＲＧΞＲＳ⚡️ＴΛＬＫ (@ChargersTalkNow) October 11, 2021
He possesses great footwork and arm length and is much stronger at the point of attack than given credit for prior to the draft.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB, Cleveland Browns)
“JOK” was known for his ability to cover and play in space in college. But no one could’ve predicted his dominance against the run, given his lack of experience as an every-down linebacker while at Notre Dame.
Highest-graded #Browns through five games (min. 125 snaps)
1️⃣ Myles Garrett, EDGE- 90.1
2️⃣ Joel Bitonio, OG- 89.9
3️⃣ Greedy Williams, CB- 85.8
4️⃣ Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB- 85.3
5️⃣ Kareem Hunt, RB- 83.0 pic.twitter.com/Dwt8RQMBUx— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) October 12, 2021
His smallish frame was also a concern, but he’s a football player and just throws his body around with no fear. The Browns landed a stud two-way linebacker to insert into a defense that was already considered top 10.
Micah Parsons (LB/S/Edge, Dallas Cowboys)
The Dallas Cowboys defense has made a huge leap under Dan Quinn this season. The former Atlanta Falcons head coach and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator has simplified things in Dallas.
https://twitter.com/MicahhParsons11/status/1447701654866890758
Prized rookie Micah Parsons, a Swiss army knife, has benefited greatly from it. Parsons has been all over the field playing LB, edge and even drops into coverage like a safety sometimes.
Honorable Mention:
Buffalo Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau has been great, and that interception he made on Patrick Mahomes on Sunday night shows why he was highly coveted coming out of “The U.”
Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. continues to impress. He followed Browns wideout Odell Beckham Jr. all game on Sunday, and he didn’t disappoint at all. He’s like his dad in that he isn’t afraid of the moment.
Too bad the Denver Broncos are atrocious offensively, because their defense is playoff-worthy, and Patrick Surtain II is a huge reason why. Another one of our rookies whose dad was a good one in the league. Surtain exudes supreme confidence and believes he can cover anyone. He’ll be a good one in the Mile High City for years to come.
