NFL Rookie of the Year Watch: Week 3
After the first two weeks provided lots of highlights from the NFL’s young crop of talent, this week was a tad slower on that part.
Granted the rookies had their moments, including the potential catch of the year from Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens on Thursday Night Football.
Let’s take a look at how some of the top rookies performed this past weekend.
Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ
Let’s open things up with last week’s Rookie of the Week recipient.
While he wasn’t as dominant this time around against the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson was still targeted often by quarterback Joe Flacco.
Even after missing a portion of the game due to injury, Wilson still finished with six catches for 60 yards in a Jets’ loss.
It will be interesting to see how the former Ohio State Buckeyes’ targets will change with Flacco likely being swapped out with Zach Wilson at signal caller.
Chris Olave, WR, NO
We’re staying with the Ohio State receiver trend as Olave proved to be a rare bright spot in a stagnant New Orleans Saints offense.
In a Saints loss, Olave shined with 147 receiving yards on nine catches.
Olave’s stats have increased each week thus far and this game was the first time he’s gone over 100 receiving yards in his career.
With a few receivers questionable on the Saints’ roster this week, Olave could find similar production this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU
Now changing positions, Pierce led the way offensively in a close loss for the Texans.
Against the Chicago Bears, Pierce was able to compile 101 yards from scrimmage with a rushing touchdown.
Pierce picked up 80 of those yards on the ground on 20 carries.
That total was a career high for the running back and the touchdown was the first of his career.
Devin Lloyd, LB, JAX
Not only are we swapping positions but sides of the ball as we have our first player on the list who left the week with a win.
Lloyd was all over the field against the Los Angeles Chargers picking up an interception and seven total tackles.
The tackle category saw Lloyd second on his team and he was the lone player on his team to intercept a pass from Justin Herbert.
Lloyd also came away with three pass deflections in the game.
Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
