The 2023 NFL draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most talented in recent years. Not only have there been literally dozens of rookies making impact plays but several rookies are taking full-on leadership roles on their respective teams.
The folks over at Pro Football Focus grade out every player every week and while we might not always understand how the formula works but it typically fits with what players are doing on the field.
Here are the nine highest-graded rookies in the NFL through three weeks.
1 - DT Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles - 93.2
Carter has been just as good and as disrupted as advertised through three games.
2 - LB Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota Vikings - 84.9
One of our favorite sleeper prospects pre-draft, Pace has been a force so far this season.
3 - CB Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots - 84.4
The best cornerback coming into the draft, Gonzalez remains the top rookie cornerback.
4 - WR Puka Nacua, Los Angles Rams - 83.8
Nacua wasn’t a high pick but filling in for Cooper Kupp, he has played like a veteran.
5 - TE Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions - 80.7
LaPorta is a no-nonsense player who has proven to be NFL-ready from the first snap.
6 - DE Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams - 76.9
The former third-round pick, Turner has made the most of his opportunity.
7 - WR Tank Dell, Houston Texans - 76.6
Dell’s connection with fellow rookie CJ Stroud is paying off for the former college speedster.
8 - RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons - 76.3
Robinson is No. 7 on this list but he’s been one of the most impressive running backs in the NFL this season.
9 - EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
The second Texan to make the list, Anderson has been excellent so far and is nowhere near his potential.
