Several NFL rookies made big-time impacts in Week 1. We received debut starts for first-round quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix. Elsewhere, talents like Jared Verse, Joe Alt, Xavier Worthy, Bucky Irving, and Caelen Carson were among the rookies who put forth standout performances.
Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright debuted in Thursday's defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Week 2 has officially arrived. We've identified five rookies poised to make an impact this weekend.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Don't underrate what rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. did for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. Thomas Jr. ran 19 routes and caught all four of his targets 47 yards and one touchdown. His 0.30 Expected Points Added (EPA) per route was the highest since 2013, per TruMedia.
On Sunday, Thomas Jr. draws a date with a Cleveland Browns defense that's licking their wounds after allowing the Dallas Cowboys to score 33 points (including a punt return). The Browns have an outstanding trio of cornerbacks, including Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, and Martin Emerson Jr. Thomas Jr. should see some fun matchup opportunities.
Calen Bullock, SAF, Houston Texans
Houston Texans rookie safety Calen Bullock was one of two rookies with an interception in Week 1. Bullock's instincts quickly endeared itself to head coach DeMeco Ryans, who entrusted him to play an immediate role. The former USC standout wasn't credited with allowing a single reception in Week 1.
Houston plays the Chicago Bears on primetime in Week 2, pitting Bullock against rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams threw for a league-low 64 net passing yards in a peculiar Week 1 win. He’s looking for a better performance, but the Texans' defense will relish their opportunities to bait the young QB into mistakes.
Taliese Fuaga, OT, New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga played a lights-out game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Fuaga, who made a position switch from right tackle, pitched a shutout. The big-bodied blocker didn't allow a single pressure en route to earning a pass-pro grade of 87.3, per PFF.
The Dallas Cowboys pose a significantly more difficult matchup in Week 2. Fuaga should draw reps with Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and standout rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who also played well in his debut. Can Fuaga keep his good start going?
Byron Murphy II, DT, Seattle Seahawks
Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II helped the Seattle Seahawks enjoy a dominant defensive performance in Week 1. Murphy gave the Denver Broncos offensive line fits with quickness and leverage. He recorded two pressures and two hurries in his debut.
The New England Patriots are already dealing with some injury issues across an offensive line that lacks quality depth. I’m looking forward to one-on-ones between Murphy and rookie guard Layden Robinson, who played very well for the Patriots in their shocking Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Murphy’s showing flew a bit under the radar, probably because he didn’t fill the stat sheet, but he was a handful.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
In a fast-moving league, many of you have already forgotten what Philadelphia Eagles rookie corner Quinyon Mitchell did in his debut because it happened on a Friday in Brazil. Mitchell played shutdown coverage on various Green Bay Packers wideouts. The first-round defender was targeted a sizable nine times and came up with a bunch of pass breakups.
The Eagles play on Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons. Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins doesn’t look fully recovered from last year’s season-ending Achilles injury. Mitchell should get more opportunities to make impact plays in the passing game.
