Week 13 Rookies of the Week

By
Kosta Boskovic
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Kayvon Thibodeaux Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Week 13 was fun for rookies across the league, including a late-round quarterback being thrust into action. ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ is honored and a highly selected player is named Defensive Rookie of the Week for the first time. Let’s dive into the Week 13 Rookies of the Week!

Offensive Rookie of the Week: Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets

For the second straight week, Wilson wins our Offensive Rookie of the Week award. Wilson was the best player on the Jets’ offense in their close loss to the Vikings, coming up clutch multiple times making catches in traffic, and breaking tackles. Wilson recorded eight receptions for 162 yards, which included a crucial catch-and-run on 4th and 10 late in the game. Wilson has had two great games with Mike White at quarterback and is showing that he can get open and be a reliable target for whoever the Jets’ quarterback is for the rest of the season. Wilson is showing that he can be a WR1 for the Jets, and with 790 yards, he is second all-time on the Jets’ all-time rookie receiving record while also being on pace for a 1000-yard rookie campaign. Wilson puts his name squarely in a suddenly cloudy Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation.

Runners-Up:

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers

Watson had his FOURTH straight game with at least ONE touchdown (eight total in that time) this week, recording three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown while also adding one rush for 46 yards and a second touchdown.

Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers

Mr. Irrelevant becomes relevant as Purdy was thrown into the game early after starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot, leading the 49ers to a win while throwing for 210 yards and two touchdowns. 

Defensive Rookie of the Week: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, New York Giants

Thibodeaux had perhaps the best game of his rookie season in a tie against the Washington Commanders, making five total tackles including a sack and a tackle for loss, in addition to two quarterback hits. Thibodeaux is playing with fire, silencing many critics in the NFL Draft process who claimed he took plays off and lacked competitiveness. The Giants may be set for a long time at the defensive end position with Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, two young, talented pass-rushers. With both playing on a rookie contract for two more seasons, their play also gives the Giants cheap productive options at an expensive position. 

Runners-Up:

Jalen Pitre, S, Houston Texans

Pitre was all over the field in a loss to the Cleveland Browns, racking up 16 tackles in addition to an interception and a pass break-up, helping the defense allow just six points, with the remainder of the points given up by the offense and special teams. 

Tariq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks

With his sixth interception of the season, Woolen set a rookie franchise record in picks and tied C.J. Gardner-Johnson for the league lead. In a 27-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams, Woolen allowed just an 11.5 passer rating against him. 

Join Alex and Kosta on Wednesday at 8:30 pm ET live on the Bold Take Scouting YouTube Channel and the East West Football Twitter, as they review the top rookie performances thus far and discuss the possibility of an NFL Draft lottery!

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