Top Rookies From Week 2: Bijan Robinson, C.J. Stroud show no signs of slowing down

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 17: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions makes a catch during the fourth quarter in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on September 17, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 17: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions makes a catch during the fourth quarter in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on September 17, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Sep 17, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) breaks away from Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) after catching a pass in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) breaks away from Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) after catching a pass in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Rookie Tight End: Sam LaPorta (Lions)

Dalton Kincaid of the Bills made a strong case for the top rookie tight end in Week 2 with five receptions for 43 yards. However, Sam LaPorta retook the prize this week. Laporta’s five catches for 63 yards were exponential in helping the Lions put up their 31 points in a heartbreaking shootout loss to the Seahawks.

LaPorta again separated himself from his fellow rookie tight ends, including Michael Mayer of the Raiders and the Jaguars’ Brenton Strange. This makes him the standout rookie tight end of Week 2.

Top Rookie Defender: Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Chiefs)

On the defensive side of the ball, Felix Anudike-Uzomah of the Kansas City Chiefs stood tall. His awareness and ball-hawking abilities were on full display in Week 2. In a game that saw the Chiefs best the Jaguars, Anudike-Uzomah forced a critical fumble that shifted the momentum in Kansas City’s favor. His standout performance showcased his potential as a valuable addition to the Chiefs’ front seven.

Anudike-Uzomah overshadowed Will Anderson Jr.’s solid outing and the performance of the Eagles’ Jalen Carter, plus all the highly-touted first-round cornerbacks, making him the standout defender of Week 2.

Who Will Be The Top Rookies Of Week 3?

As we move forward into the 2023 NFL season, we’ll continue to watch these rookies and others as they develop and gain experience. Each game is an opportunity for these players to learn, grow, and refine their skills. We’ll be here week after week, analyzing their performances and highlighting their contributions.

From quarterbacks capable of making plays with both their arms and legs to wide receivers who can step up when their team needs them most, these rookies have shown they have what it takes to compete at the NFL level. Their performances in Week 2 have set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned for our weekly updates as we continue to track the progress of these promising newcomers.