NFL Rookie Rankings: Ja’Marr Chase, Azeez Ojulari Shine In Week 7
A new name takes the top spot and an edge rusher flies up the board in the latest NFL Rookie Rankings.
The halfway point in the 2021 NFL season is nearing, and the contenders and pretenders are now separating. The NFC looks like three sure fire elite teams, and two more who could challenge for an NFC title. The AFC is utter chaos, as they beat each other randomly week after week.
One thing is clear, though. The rookie class is playing extremely well to this point in the season. The full slate of rookie camp, training camp, and preseason has certainly helped this season. As it stands, the elite offensive talent in the class is finding their stride, while some defenders are slowly coming along. Let’s dive in to the latest NFL Rookie Rankings after seven weeks of play, with a look ahead to some honorable mentions who could crack the list down the stretch.
NFL Rookie Rankings Post-Week Seven
1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
Goodness what a game for Ja’Marr Chase. The new number one on the NFL Rookie Rankings put up an impressive eight-catch, 201-yard performance against the Ravens, beating press coverage with great timing and accuracy with his hands, and showing off the speed, flexibility, and balance after the catch. He’s unlocked a new confidence in Joe Burrow with the deep ball, and looks like a top 10 receiver in football already.
2. Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers
He didn’t play this previous week, but he looked solid handling the speed of Odafe Oweh and the power/savvy of Justin Houston. Slater is still dominating in pass protection and is a force in the run game. His play is at a Pro Bowl level.
3. Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
Maybe this should say receiver instead of tight end, cause Kyle Pitts was winning at will on the outside last Sunday against the Dolphins. His combination of size, length, and flexibility is a true joy to watch, and he makes the difficult catches look routine. Pitts is on pace to set some rookie TE records.
4. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Browns
The top defender in the NFL Rookie Rankings obviously didn’t play last week against Denver, but the Browns defense looks better when Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is out there. His quick trigger, closing speed, and reliable tackling are showing that more snaps won’t be a problem for him.
5. Creed Humphrey, C, Chiefs
The Chiefs offensive line may have struggled a little on Sunday, as some sacks were on them and some on Patrick Mahomes. Creed Humphrey has still played impressive football at center thus far, and his processing and recognition skills have helped early against NFL competition.
6. Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys
Micah Parsons is succeeding wherever the Cowboys put him. His pass rush win rate is impressive for a player of his size, and he’s got the range when playing off the ball. As he gets more comfortable with his keys in both phases, look out.
7. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Giants
A three sack performance for Azeez Ojulari gives him a jump in the NFL Rookie Rankings. He’s winning in a variety of ways, from dipping around contact to shedding at the contact point. His athleticism and hand usage proved difficult for the Panthers line.
8. Odafe Oweh, EDGE, Ravens
Betting on the traits of Oweh has paid off for the Ravens, as he’s won with impressive first step explosiveness and speed to turn the corner and flatten his angle. The pressure he’s created so far is impressive, and that eventually should even out and turn into more sacks.
9. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos
The completely calm and patient Patrick Surtain II is so fun to watch. He stays in phase in his soft press coverage, keeps his eyes on his opponent’s core (which limits susceptibility to double moves), and continues to make plays at the catch point.
10. Greg Newsome II, CB, Browns
Yes, he’s only played 2.5 games, and Courtland Sutton beat him a couple times, but Greg Newsome still had extremely impressive reps last Thursday where he flipped his hips with ease to recover and break up a couple passes. He should only get better going forward.