2018 NFL Draft: Best rookie performances of Week 1

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs with the ball in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on September 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

The 2018 NFL draft class got their first taste of real professional football on Thursday and Sunday, with plenty of big plays from the group.

It’s still plenty early in the process. One that usually takes three seasons on average to discover who the actual good players are. Even so, there were plenty of standouts in Week 1 that are deserving of some praise for getting off on the right foot. Here are some names in no particular order that delivered on their early promise. To the shock of nobody, most were top 10 draft choices.

Bradley Chubb (EDGE, Denver Broncos)

The #5 overall pick was drafted to help ease the pressure on Von Miller and help the Denver Broncos maintain a strong pass rush. He did his job in every way. Not only did the N.C. State product have seven total pressures including a sack on the day. His presence enabled Miller to go crazy for three sacks of his own. Denver had six total as a team. That is quite the debut for Chubb and a good early sign the team made the right decision by not passing on him.

Denzel Ward (CB, Cleveland Browns)

Many criticized for the Browns for drafting an undersized corner (5’10) like Ward with the #4 overall pick. Ward didn’t help matters when he got nicked up in the preseason. Turns out they may have known what they were doing from the start. The Ohio State standout picked off Ben Roethlisberger twice in the teams’ 21-21 tie on opening day. Maybe the Steelers will be smart enough not to go after him 10 times in a game like that again.

Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)

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The New York Giants went against modern tradition when they drafted Barkley #2 overall. It’s because they feel he has a chance to be a superstar in this league. Against the best defense in the AFC in Jacksonville, he delivered on some of that promise with 106 yards and a touchdown on just 18 carries. He also had two catches for 22 yards. If he could do that against a defense the caliber of the Jaguars? One must shudder to think what fate awaits other teams.

Quenton Nelson (OG, Indianapolis Colts)

The Colts offensive line was not at full strength going against Cincinnati. Not a good thing given the defensive front they had to play against led by Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. Yet Andrew Luck was sacked just twice. A big reason for that was top overall pick Quenton Nelson. The monster guard from Notre Dame was immovable the entire game, allowing just two hurries and no sacks in 60 passing snaps. Against such a loaded defensive front, that’s impressive.

Will Dissly (TE, Seattle Seahawks)

Seattle didn’t miss Jimmy Graham as much as people thought. They continue to find unsung gems who can contribute right away. Will Dissly is the latest example. The 4th round pick out of Washington didn’t come in with a lot of fanfare but the Denver Broncos found out how dangerous he could be when he burned them for three catches, 105 yards and a touchdown. It seems like a classic troll job that he inherited Graham’s old number of 88.

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