Top rookies of NFL Week 5: Sam LaPorta wins the Sam LaPorta award

In a league as unpredictable as the NFL, rookies often turn out to be the game-changers. Week 5 has been no exception. It witnessed a surge of exceptional performances from first-year players who stepped up to become the torchbearers for their teams. Bryce Young, De’Von Achane, Sam LaPorta, and a few others made their presence felt last weekend.

As the NFL regular season progresses, each week brings fresh opportunities for rookies to step up and make their mark. Again, we look at the top rookies who dazzled in Week 5, with one rookie sensation changing the award while setting a precedent for NFLMocks’ weekly awards.

Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been thrust into the spotlight as the Carolina Panthers' frontman. Looking at Young's statistics might suggest that the rookie quarterback has had a rocky start to his NFL career, but a closer examination reveals a different story.

Making his mark in the first week of the NFL, Young showed great promise for the future. Despite the team's struggles, he emerged as a beacon of hope, demonstrating remarkable poise, vision, and accuracy. Although the Panthers have yet to register their first NFL win, Young's performance has steadily improved in his three starts.

Despite lacking a significant support system, Young has displayed impressive resilience and leadership, taking on the mantle of the Panthers' offense with admirable grit. Despite the team's winless streak, Young's personal development is evident in his weekly performances.

Young's performance in the season's first three weeks showcased his raw potential. By Week 5, he had begun to refine his game, displaying improved decision-making skills and increased accuracy. His progress is best illustrated by comparing his statistics from Week 1 to Week 4.

He tossed 25 completions on 41 attempts for a 61 percent completion rating and amassed 247 yards with three touchdowns in Week 5. Despite his two interceptions, he edged out the Texans’ C.J. Stroud for the win. This is Young's first recognition on NFLMocks’ Top Rookies of the Week.