It was another exciting weekend of NFL football, marked by several teams getting their first win of the season thrillingly or dominantly, including the likes of the Detroit Lions, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Once again, rookies across the league showed out, playing critical roles in their teams’ victories. We’re back to highlight a few of the top performers in the rookie class!
Offensive Rookie of the Week: Garrett Wilson, WR New York Jets
GARRETT WILSON FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN ✈️ pic.twitter.com/CqXIKEj4xy
— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) September 18, 2022
Wilson had a stellar Week 2 performance, making his case to be the Jets’ WR1 moving forwards. He displayed his athletic ability while running crisp routes and finding holes in the defense. Wilson recorded 8 receptions for 102 yards and the first two touchdowns of his career, including the game-winner with 25 seconds left. Expect Wilson’s role to expand moving forward, and keep his name in the offensive rookie of the year conversation.
Runners-up:
Cole Strange, OG New England Patriots
Although the Strange pick was mocked by many due to his low level of competition, he looks to have no issues transitioning to the NFL, as he allowed zero pressures against the talented Steelers defensive line, and was equally impressive in run-blocking.
Zion Johnson, OG, Los Angeles Chargers
Despite the loss against the Chiefs on Thursday night, Johnson allowed just one pressure against All-Pro Chris Jones and played very well all night in the run and pass game.
Defensive Rookie of the Week: Aidan Hutchinson, DE Detroit Lions
AIDAN HUTCHINSON. THREE SACKS IN THE FIRST HALF 💪
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/cQep1e0m6T
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 18, 2022
After a quiet Week 1 performance, Hutchinson exploded for three sacks in the first half of a win against the Washington Commanders, earning him the Lions’ rookie single-game sack record. Hutchinson showed off his sheer power, quick burst, a relentless motor, and there will likely be many more sacks to come for my highest-graded player in the 2022 NFL Draft class.
Runners-up:
Jaylen Watson, CB Kansas City Chiefs
Watson made one of the best plays across all Week 2 games, returning an interception for 99 yards and the score to give the Chiefs a 24-17 lead against the Chargers (a turning point in the game that set his team on the path for victory). His story is a remarkable one: Watson had to take the Junior College route after being ruled academically ineligible while at USC and worked at Wendy’s to pay the bills in the meantime. He improved his grades, earned a scholarship at Washington State, and now the seventh-round rookie is already making game-changing plays in the NFL.
Devin Lloyd, LB Jacksonville Jaguars
Lloyd starred on the football field and stuffed the stat sheet in the Jaguars’ dominant win over the Colts, recording six tackles, three passes defended, and one interception.
