NFL Week 7 Rookies of the Week

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Kosta Boskovic
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https://www.seahawks.com/news/kenneth-walker-iii-looks-like-a-star-in-the-making-in-the-seahawks-victory-over-

Rookies across the league are establishing themselves as rising stars, as attested by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah stating that the New York Jets’ Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and the Seattle Seahawks’ Tariq Woolen are both among the top five cornerbacks in the NFL already. With that comes another week of shining performances, so let’s hand out the honors for Week 7!

Offensive Rookie of the Week: Kenneth Walker, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker has officially arrived, and this week showed why he was our top-ranked running back throughout the draft process. Walker led the league in rushing yards this week, totaling 23 carries for 168 yards and two touchdowns in his second game as the full-time starter after the unfortunate injury to Rashaad Penny. Walker has seized his opportunity and had a 74-yard touchdown rush, which he clocked out at 22.09 mph, the fastest speed by a ball carrier all season. In addition to his speed, Walker’s patience, burst, and physical running style were on display and helped lead Seattle to a decisive victory over the Chargers. With Breece Hall out for the season, Walker should be in a firm position to make a run for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 

Runners-Up: 

Ikem Ekwonu, OT, Carolina Panthers

Ekwonu struggled the first two games of the season but has really come into his own these past few games. In the win against the Buccaneers, he allowed 0 pressures on 24 pass-blocking snaps and was very effective in the run game. 

Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans

Pierce has had a great start to his season. In a loss against the Raiders this week, he put up another respectable performance, racking up 117 total yards on 20 carries and four receptions. 

Defensive Rookie of the Week: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions

The Lions’ struggles to win games continued in a 6-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but they can be pleased with second-overall pick Aidan Hutchinson’s performance. Hutchinson recorded 1.5 sacks, three total tackles including one for loss, and three quarterback hits. His play has been more flashy than consistent this season, but his 4.5 sacks thus far are as much as the rest of the Detroit Lions team combined. Expect Hutchinson to continue to build momentum as the season progresses, utilizing his well-rounded pass-rushing skill set to his advantage more regularly as he acclimates to facing quality NFL offensive linemen. 

Runners-Up:

Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, CB, New York Jets

For the fourth straight week, Gardner receives Rookie of the Week honors. In a win against the Broncos, Gardner allowed just 16 yards and recorded three crucial pass break-ups against 10 targets on 50 coverage snaps. He is the Defensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner.

Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears

Brisker continued his stellar rookie season in a 33-14 win over the Patriots, flying around the field and making plays to the tune of seven tackles, one pass defended, and one interception. He is a much-needed physical tone-setter on the back end for the Bears. 

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