Rookie of the Year Watch: Week 1

Story posted September 16, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by James Morrison

With the NFL season underway, rookies are getting their first taste of a regular season game.

On the offensive side Drake London showed that he was the top receiving choice in Atlanta as he hauled in five catches for 74 yards in his debut. He was going up against a Saints secondary that is usually pretty good as it features the likes of Marshon Lattimore.

Isiah Pacheco was picked in the seventh round by the Chiefs and showed up big in garbage time with 62 yards and a touchdown on 12 touches against the Cardinals.

Commanders rookie Jahan Dotson hauled in two touchdowns in his debut, including the game winner, as Washington defeated Jacksonville. While he only had three catches, he showed off his skill set while running routes and getting open, especially in the endzone.

Kyle Phillips was probably not the expected rookie on the Titans on this list but he showed up to play on Sunday with six catches for 66 yards to lead the team.

Treylon Burks also made his debut in this game and had 55 yards which was the third best on the team behind Phillips and running back Dontrell Hilliard.

Another unexpected name on this list is Montrell Washington of the Broncos who averaged 17 yards on three kick returns against the Seahawks.

The Seahawks had their own pair of standout rookies in the game as rookie tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas both played like seasoned veterans and did their job to help make a clean pocket for Geno Smith.

On the defensive side, safety Jaquan Brisker was noticeable on the field as he recovered a crucial fumble and also recorded four tackles, including one for loss. Dominique Robinson was another surprise player for the Bears who had seven tackles and 1.5 sacks on the day against the 49ers. The Bears would use these surprise performances in the rain to help upset the 49ers.

First overall pick Travon Walker made his debut for the Jaguars and even picked off Carson Wentz from the defensive end position and also recorded a sack.

Another high pick, Sauce Gardner of the Jets, showed that he has the potential of being the top corner in New York being the top corner in New York and was not targeted a lot but did have a pass defended.

Jordan Davis was very noticeable in the run game as the Lions had greater difficulty running the ball when he was on the field than when he was not on the field.

Linebacker and Hard Knocks star Malcolm Rodriguez lived up to the hype he received this offseason as he was flying all over the field to make plays and recorded a tackle for loss. He was exactly what the Lions needed at the linebacker position and will be a top linebacker in the NFL as his career goes on.

The Colts started strong safety Nick Cross over the recently signed Rodney McLeod and played him the entire game. He held up well in coverage and recorded four tackles.

 

James Morrison is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jpm6920@psu.edu.