It’s that time again as we rank our NFL rookies after Week 6 and look forward to Week 7 of the first 17-game regular season in league history.
1. Rashawn Slater (LT, Los Angeles Chargers)
Although the Chargers came East and were walloped 34-6 by the Ravens, the rookie left tackle continued his great season. He’s dominated just about all of his matchups this season against the opposing teams’ best edge rusher, and Sunday was no different. Slater manhandled fellow rookie Odafe Oweh all game with a sound technical approach. The Chargers have a potentially great left tackle whose upside is through the roof.
Retroactively changing my stud of the day to Rashawn Slater. *This is now a weekly tweet* pic.twitter.com/FTY3LuocMn
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) October 19, 2021
2. Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
The Bengals are 4-2, and a lot of it has to do with a much better defense and a quarterback named Joe Burrow. But Joe Cool’s top target has been Chase, who ranks fourth in the league in receiving yards, and second in yards per catch for receivers with at least 10 or more grabs. His struggles in preseason were greatly exaggerated, and now he’s torching secondaries weekly as the most impactful rookie.
I love Jamar Chase pic.twitter.com/cQa21FBidP
— Sean (@SeanKnowsBaIl) October 17, 2021
3 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB/S, Cleveland Browns)
Cleveland is littered with injuries on both sides of the ball. “JOK” is one of those casualties.
Browns’ HC Kevin Stefanski Stefanski also said on Zoom call today that, not only will RB Kareem Hunt miss multiple weeks with his calf injury, but LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will as well.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2021
The one thing that stood out when you watched “JOK” on film was his elite speed. His ability to cover backs and tight ends downfield and then come off the edge in pass rush situations is why he was the top linebacker available in the NFL draft.
His smallish frame and injury history scared teams away to an extent. A game-changer on defense in more ways than one.
4. Creed Humphrey (OL,, Creed Humphrey)
In the offseason the Chiefs looked to upgrade their offensive line after they were obliterated in the Super Bowl. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was battered and bruised. Humph has been downright dominant for K.C. Head coach Andy Reid called him one of the smartest players he’s ever interviewed prior to the draft.
There are 32 starting centers in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Creed Humphrey is the best 🏅 pic.twitter.com/ljDNkQ2CXX
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 14, 2021
5. Eric Stokes (CB, Green Bay Packers)
Starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King are out, so Stokes has been thrust into the top defensive back role via attrition. He’s played very well while being targeted with regularity. Stokes has given up yardage, but he’s battled and held his own on the outside. Many balked at the Pack using a first-round pick on him, but he’s the goods.
No Jaire. No King. Cornerback is the next position where the depth will be tested.
Who steps up opposite of Eric Stokes?https://t.co/y05pR5W0PS
— Paul Bretl (@Paul_Bretl) October 16, 2021
Honorable Mention:
Micah Parsons (LB/S/Edge, Dallas Cowboys) — The do-it-all player from Penn State struggled a bit against the Patriots in a game where they attacked him in the seams. He’s a rookie and he’ll bounce back after the team’s bye week.
Patrick Surtain II (CB, Denver Broncos) — Surtain is looking like a 10-year starter for the Broncos. His length and athleticism were always noticeable, but his route and play recognition is much better than anticipated.
Josh Myers (C, Green Bay Packers) — Protecting Aaron Rodgers is vital to the success of the Packers. Drafting Myers was important. He’s allowed just one hit on Rodgers in 156 pass attempts this season.
Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars) — The Jags rookie got his first NFL win in Week 6 and he’s been steadily improving in his first season under Urban Meyer.
