Every NFL Wednesday, the Rookie Diary honors the most prominent rookies. The best offensive beginner, his defensive alter ego, the action, the revelation of the week, the flop… And, to finish, the Power Rooking. Everything, you will know everything about the Rookies!
Offensive Rookie of the Week
Christian Watson – WR – Green Bay Packers (34th pick)
3 receptions, 48 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 rush, 46 yards, 1 touchdown
Game after game, the receiver becomes a staple of the Packers attack, and if it has been running (a little) better in recent games, Watson is no stranger to it. On the ground of historic rival Chicago, the former North Dakota State player did not tremble. A receiving touchdown that allowed the Packers to stay in the game, and especially the winning touchdown at the end of the 4th quarter on a 46-yard run, concluding in style a nice comeback for his team. By continuing on this rhythm until the end of the season, he will undoubtedly be in the discussion of the offensive rookie of the year.
Special Mention: Garrett Wilson – WR – New York Jets (10th pick)
Decidedly the presence of Mike White makes the happiness of the 10th choice of the draft. With 8 receptions and 160 yards, Wilson managed his most prolific game of his young career and hurt the defense of the Vikings. He only needed a touchdown to make the perfect evening.
Defensive Rookie of the Week
Kayvon Thibodeaux – Edge – New York Giants (5th pick)
5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 2 QB hits
He too is gaining momentum as the season progresses. A true pocket disruptor, Thibodeaux made life difficult for Taylor Heinicke and his line. If that wasn’t enough to snatch the win, it did at least put a brake on their Washington rivals’ winning streak.
action of the week
Jahan Dotson – WR – Washington Commanders (17th pick)
More discreet for a few weeks, Jahan Dotson remembered the good memories of the opposing defenders by achieving a high class action. A magnificent turn on himself to put two Giants players in the wind and spin to the touchdown. Simply splendid.
Jahan Dotson with a NASTY spin cycle 😳 pic.twitter.com/R9okwWUOWV
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 4, 2022
Revelation of the week
Brock Purdy – QB – San Francisco 49ers (262nd pick)
25/37, 210 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Like what one can be Mr. Irrelevant (note: last player chosen in the draft) is to be on the front of the stage. 3rd quarterback in the hierarchy, Purdy is now at the head of the San Francisco attack. After Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury exit, the young pitcher had a very creditable game, leading his team to victory over the strong Dolphins squad. A promising statistics sheet for the one who will have to carry the hopes of the 49ers until the end of the regular season and surely a good part of possible playoffs.
Offensive Power Rooking
1. Garrett Wilson – WR – New York Jets
12 games, 57 receptions, 790 yards, 4 touchdowns
2. Chris Olave – WR – New Orleans Saints
12 games, 60 receptions, 887 yards, 3 touchdowns
3. Christian Watson – WR – Green Bay Packers
10 games, 25 receptions, 401 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5 carries, 68 yards, 2 touchdowns
4. Kenneth Walker – RB – Seattle Seahawks
11 games, 138 carries, 649 yards, 9 touchdowns, 19 receptions, 116 yards
5. Dameon Pierce – RB – Houston Texans
12 games, 198 carries, 861 yards, 3 touchdowns, 30 receptions, 165 yards, 1 touchdown
Defensive Power Rooking
1. Tariq Woolen – CB – Seattle Seahawks
12 matches, 45 tackles, 6 interceptions, 12 passes defended, 2 fumbles covered, 1 touchdown
2. Gardner Sauce – BC – New York Jets
12 matches, 50 tackles, 2 interceptions, 15 passes defended
3. Jalen Pitre – S – Houston Texans
12 games, 92 tackles, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 4 passes defensed, 8.5 tackles for loss
4. Jaquan Brisker – S – Chicago Bears
10 games, 73 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble covered, 1 pass defended, 4 tackles for loss
5. Devin Lloyd – LB – Jacksonville Jaguars
12 games, 81 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 fumbles covered, 7 passes defended, 3.5 tackles for loss
