NFL Rookie Rankings: DBs, Houston Texans Excel In Week One
11. Malcolm Rodriguez, Lions
A popular day three pick in the 2022 NFL Draft amongst draft Twitter enthusiasts, Malcolm Rodriguez looked very good maneuvering in space and showed off the impressive closing speed coming downhill. As he gets more comfortable with run fits, he will become a very good player in this Lions defense.
12. Zion Johnson, Chargers
A clinic in quickness, explosiveness, and power. From turning defenders outward to seal them off and create lanes, to rolling the hips and generating push with power, and holding off rushes from the interior, Zion Johnson proved that the Chargers were smart going with a “best OL available” approach rather than reaching at tackle, at least so far.
13. Roger McCreary, Titans
He definitely flew under the radar on Sunday, but Roger McCreary rightfully cracks the top 15 of the NFL Rookie Rankings in week one. His technique stood out in both press and off-man coverage, and looks smooth when turning vertically or speed turning to stay sticky in coverage.
14. Cole Strange, Patriots
We knew this was coming right? After being mocked for this selection, the Patriots got a good game out of Cole Strange. He looked right at home moving defenders in the run game and picking up stunts in pass pro with ease.
15. Spencer Burford, 49ers
Spencer Burford was a bit undersized coming out of UTSA, but he might have found a home at guard with the 49ers. His initial quicks and balance show up in both phases, and he handled bull rushes on the interior well for his size.
16. Dominique Robinson, Bears
He didn’t play a ton of snaps, but Dominique Robinson was effective for the Bears getting after the quarterback. His twitch, functional athleticism, and change of direction skills earned him a sack and his relentless pursuit surely earned some favor.
17. Kyle Philips, Titans
A ton of reps in tight, bunch, and the slot for Kyle Philips, and he made it look easy at times versus man coverage. His role as a chain mover is going to come in handy for this Titans passing offense.
18. Tariq Woolen, Seahawks
A couple penalties were to be expected, as Tariq Woolen plays a physical brand of football. Still, his work in man and quarters was impressive, carrying receivers vertically with ease and transitioning well back downhill. He sets a good edge to turn runs back inside, and is a reliable tackler. Seattle might have something special in Woolen.
19. Garrett Wilson, Jets
He barely played in the first half, but made his presence known in the second half. His wicked twitch is a headache in space and his ball skills are going to be what makes his smaller stature less of an issue in the NFL.
20. Kader Kohou, Dolphins
A prospect who was well off the radar, Kader Kohou made his presence known for the Dolphins on a loaded defense. He forced a fumble, looked good in short zone coverage, and had a PBU at the catch point. Lookout for the next slot stud in Miami.