NFL Rookie Rankings: Rashawn Slater plays well in big test
Rashawn Slater’s performance in a big test and the rise of a couple edge rushers continues in the NFL Rookie Rankings.
As the weather turns in mid-October, it feels like a great time to remember how fast the NFL season goes. Week six is set to begin tonight, and before we know it it’ll be Thanksgiving and then December will roll around. It’s a good time to sit back and enjoy the NFL, and enjoy the rookie performances as well this season.
It may feel like an odd year, especially with a highly touted quarterback group struggling early, but plenty of guys are making their presence known in these NFL rookie rankings. From offensive linemen looking strong, to receivers living up to the hype, and a couple edge rushers proving traits are important, the rankings have a bit of everything. Let’s dive in before a new week begins.
1. Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers
Yes, a few reps were lost on Sunday, one of which resulted in a sack, but Rashawn Slater still played extremely well against Myles Garrett and limiting him to minimal damage in the win. He’s still playing at a fantastic level and leads these NFL rookie rankings.
2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Browns
The uptick in snaps has been a major benefit for Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and when he gets a clean alley on perimeter runs, look out. He plays like a heat-seeking missile and is great to have out there in coverage.
3. Odafe Oweh, EDGE, Ravens
Odafe Oweh jumps into the top three of the NFL rookie rankings, and it’s due to yet another very good performance. His get off is incredible and when he times the snap, like he did on his strip sack Monday Night, it makes it even tougher for tackles to handle him.
4. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
Another week and another deep touchdown for Ja’Marr Chase (this statement is now a regularly scheduled one). He’s rediscovered the chemistry with Joe Burrow, and the tempo he plays with is fun to watch. His ball skills and body control are top notch, and he had a phenomenal catch in OT.
5. Creed Humphrey, C, Chiefs
The top graded center according to PFF, Creed Humphrey is looking like the potential decade starter he was touted to be in the 2021 NFL Draft. Humphrey is a brick wall in pass protection with good lateral skills and can handle the power of nose tackles.
6. Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys
He’s cooled a little bit the past couple weeks, but Micah Parsons is still playing well at linebacker and getting pressure on the edge. It will be fascinating to see how the Cowboys utilize his skills down the stretch and (potentially) in the postseason.
7. Greg Newsome II, CB, Browns
Newsome takes a tumble in the NFL rookie rankings only because he hasn’t seen game action in a couple weeks. Still, when he’s back, the Browns will be lethal in the secondary.
8. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos
Surtain was a bright spot for the Broncos Sunday, and he made things difficult at the catch point for Chase Claypool when lined up against him. His patience to let receivers tip their hand a bit is impressive and his transitions are efficient.
9. Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
Big time performance for Kyle Pitts Sunday, and his impressive catch radius and control was on display. He’s got the speed to threaten vertically and we should see similar performances in spurts the rest of the way.
10. Josh Myers, C, Packers
He missed last week with a finger injury, but Josh Myers has been important for the Packers line and been a staple player in these NFL rookie rankings. His processing and control keeps the group in line.