Last week, we saw something different in this space. We watched Bryce Young outplay C.J. Stroud, giving the Panthers their first win of the season.
Unfortunately for Carolina, things went back to normal Sunday. Meanwhile, in Houston, Stroud showed why he’s the long-term answer for the Texans in a phenomenal 39–37 win over the Buccaneers.
Elsewhere, Clayton Tune got his first NFL start and had a brutal afternoon in Cleveland, while Will Levis had a solid outing against the Steelers on Thursday night.
Let’s look at how 11 rookies fared and which direction they’re trending.
Rising
C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans
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Last Week: Falling
Stroud had the best day anybody has had all season in a dramatic comeback win over the Buccaneers. The Ohio State product threw for 470 yards and five touchdowns, culminating with a game-winning strike to Tank Dell with under a minute remaining. Stroud is on pace for 4,287 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Jalen Carter, DT, Eagles
Last Week: Not rated
Carter has been a force on the interior all season for Philadelphia, and against the Cowboys was a menace once again. Carter totaled two quarterback hits and a half sack of Dak Prescott, giving him four sacks on the year. After losing Javon Hargrave in free agency, it seemed Philadelphia would miss its interior rush. Not the case, thanks to Carter.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
Last Week: Not rated
There wasn’t much to cheer about for Seattle fans in the Seahawks’ 37–3 loss at Baltimore, but Smith-Njigba had his third consecutive quality outing. After recording 99 receiving yards and two touchdowns over the previous two games, Smith-Njigba went for six catches and 63 yards on seven targets. He’s starting to turn a corner.
Tank Dell, WR, Texans
Last Week: Holding steady
Dell has gone a bit under the radar considering his quarterback is garnering most of the headlines, but he’s been excellent. For the second time in seven games this year, Dell went over the 100-yard barrier, totaling six catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
Holding Steady
Will Levis, QB, Titans
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Last Week: Rising
Levis was a star against the Falcons in his debut, throwing four touchdowns. Facing the Steelers on the road in a short week, the task was tougher, but the play was respectable. Levis threw for 262 yards on 6.7 yards per attempt, albeit with a game-ending interception. There’s plenty of potential.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons
Last Week: Holding steady
At some point, coach Arthur Smith has to unleash Robinson and therefore, Atlanta’s full potential on offense. The first-round pick had 11 carries and four targets, resulting in 59 total yards against the Vikings. The Falcons led for much of the day against Minnesota, yet Robinson was played as more of a luxury than a bell cow.
Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings
Last Week: Rising
Addison has been phenomenal stepping up in Justin Jefferson’s absence. He has seven receiving touchdowns, leading all rookie wideouts. However, he was relatively quiet with the combination of Jaren Hall and Joshua Dobbs under center, catching five passes for 52 yards.
Falling
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers
Last Week: Rising
It seemed the arrow was finally pointing up for Young after beating Houston last week, but he struggled mightily against the Colts. The No. 1 pick was hideous, throwing three interceptions (including a pick-six) while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. It’s been a rough rookie year to this point.
Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens
Last Week: Falling
Flowers was incredible the first seven games of the season, always having at least 48 receiving yards. However, the past two weeks have seen the Boston College product go silent, with only six catches and 30 yards combined. Baltimore is 7–2, but Flowers should be more involved.
Tyson Bagent, QB, Bears
Last Week: Falling
Bagent was a story line after beating the Raiders at Soldier Field two weeks ago. But since then, it’s been downhill. The Bears’ rookie has thrown five interceptions over the past two weeks, both road defeats. Once Justin Fields is healthy enough to play, there won’t be a controversy.
Clayton Tune, QB, Cardinals
Last Week: Not rated
How bad was Tune’s professional debut? He threw for 58 yards on 20 attempts, the Cardinals didn’t score a point, and Tune’s QBR was 1.6. Other than that, things went well. As Kyler Murray works back from a torn ACL and Arizona goes on its bye week, Tune might be one-and-done as a starter.
