Analysis
10/13/21
6 min read
Week 5 Rookie Report: Kyle Pitts is On His Way to Elite Status
Whether they are high draft picks, late-round value picks or undrafted free agents, we’ll take a look each week of the NFL season at how NFL rookies are doing. Here’s this week’s report:
Stock Up Offensive Players
QB: Davis Mills - Mills made an impressive debut on TNF, then struggled last week. Facing Bill Belichick and the Patriots this week, he recovered in a big way. He went 21 of 29 for 312 yards, 3 TD, a 10.8 YPA, a 141.7 passer rating, and a PFF grade of 85.9.Â
RB: Najee Harris - Harris is making an appearance in this spot for the third straight week, cementing a really solid start to his career. He rushed 23 times for 122 yards and a score and added another 2 grabs for 20 yards in the passing game, good for a total grade of 70.1.
WR: Ja’Marr Chase - Chase was recently named the Rookie of the month and had another huge game on Sunday. He showcased his talent against the Packers, catching 6 balls for 159 yards and a touchdown. He earned a PFF grade of 77.5.Â
WR: Kadarius Toney - Toney was not utilized very much at the beginning of the season but has played well of late, including a breakout performance on Sunday. Before getting ejected, Toney caught 10 passes for 189 yards, including the highest PFF grade of the week with a 92.4.
TE: Kyle Pitts - Similar to Toney, Pitts was not getting many targets until he broke out in London against the Jets. He was a mismatch all day, as he caught 10 passes for 148 yards and 1 touchdown and had a great PFF grade of 91.9.
OL: Alijah Vera-Tucker - Vera-Tucker has been inconsistent to start his career, but settled in over the last two weeks, showing why he was drafted so highly. He was very solid in the pass and run game, earning a grade of 92.4 grade.
Stock Down Offensive PlayersÂ
QB: Zach Wilson - After playing very well last week in his first career win, Wilson followed it up with an uninspiring performance. He missed some very manageable throws and went 21-for-36 with 200 yards no touchdowns and a pick. He finished with a 63.5 passer rating and a PFF grade of 53.9.
WR: Jaylen Waddle - Waddle has had a good start to his career so far, but did not play very well in his matchup against the Bucs. He had two drops and caught just two balls on seven targets. He finished with a grade of 53.7 for the day.
WR: Elijah Moore - Moore has yet to really settle into the league so far and struggled to get involved on Sunday. He had just three targets and had a grade of 47.1.
OL: Kendrick Green - Green has looked like a good starter for the Steelers but did not play very well on Sunday, finishing with a PFF grade of 33.9.
OL: Alex Leatherwood - Â Leatherwood has had a rough start to his career at RT, and Week 5 was no different. He allowed a sack and four pressures, giving him a PFF grade of just 50.0.
Stock Up Defensive Players
DL: Osa Odighizuwa - Odighizuwa was very good yet again on Sunday. He had three QB hurries, two hits, and five total pressures, He had a PFF grade of 76.1
DL: Gregory Rousseau - Rousseau had a dominant Sunday night, as he was very stout against the run and was able to rush the passer. He had a sack, three pressures, and added an important acrobatic INT on Patrick Mahomes. He finished with a PFF grade of 73.7.
LB: Jamien Sherwood - Â Sherwood struggled in his first few games but has played really well over the last two weeks. He played especially well in Week 5, as he had six tackles, and was good in coverage. He finished with a PFF grade of 77.1.Â
LB: Pete Werner -Â Werner was great again during Week 5, where had 13 tackles and held his own in coverage. He finished with a grade of 62.6.
DB: Elijah Molden - Â Molden struggled in his first two games but has been very good in his last two, particularly in Week 5. He allowed just 3 catches for 13 yards, playing to a grade of 92.4.Â
DB: Paulson Adebo - Adebo has been inconsistent but settled in during Week 5, allowing just one catch for six yards, and had an INT. He finished with a PFF grade of 80.3.
Stock Down Defensive Players
DL: Joe Tryon - Tryon has been one of the most consistent rookies in the league thus far, but he did not play very well during Week 5. He had just one tackle and finished with a grade of 34.5.Â
LB: Jamin Davis - Davis, who has been up and down to start his career, struggled during Week 5. He had just two tackles and finished with a grade of 43.7.
DB: Derek Barnes - Barnes has yet to find his footing in Detroit and Week 5 was no different. He had just three tackles and allowed catches on every target thrown his way. He finished with a grade of 44.2.Â
DB: Patrick Surtain II - Despite the hot start to his career, Surtain had a his second tough game in a row. He allowed four catches for three first downs, earning a grade of just 47.3.Â
DB: Asante Samuel Jr - Samuel has been very good to start his career but struggled in his Week 5 matchup against the Browns. He allowed 5 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown and finished with a PFF grade of 28.1.
Week 6 Matchups
Going into Week 6, there are some noteworthy matchups of rookies that will be worth keeping an eye on.Â
Justin Fields v. Eric Stokes - Fields has not played particularly well in his first few starts but is looking to settle in against the Packers. Stokes played well in his first two games but has not played nearly as well of late.Â
Rondale Moore v. Greg Newsome - Moore has consistently been one of the most impressive rookies so far and should continue that in his matchup against the Browns. Newsome will have his hands full with a talented Cardinals offense, but has handled himself well so far in the league.Â
Mac Jones v. Micah Parsons - Jones continues to play well and take care of the football, and he has been the most consistent rookie QB so far. Parsons has put together many impressive performances early in his career. Their matchup will be a good one to keep an eye on.Â
