This past Sunday, there were a ton of rookies who deserved to make the list for this week. Many members of the first-year class had strong enough performances to help their team to victory. The top of this list is led by many running backs who had tremendous games. Defensively, there is one new addition who had a stellar outing. Let’s take a look at the 10 best rookies in the Week 9 NFL Rookie Rankings.
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No 10. Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
It was very exciting to see Moore have his second quality performance for the Jets. He had his best game yet on Sunday. Moore finished with six catches for 67 yards and also had four yards rushing on the one attempt he got. In total, he recorded 71 yards. Moore showed his reliable hands, ability to create separation and speed. He is extremely talented and should only build on these last two weeks. Moore is already one of the Jets’ core, young players.
No 9. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, New York Jets
Vera-Tucker added yet another stellar performance to his young Jets career this past weekend. He graded out very well and made his impact felt on key plays throughout the game. On the Jets two-minute drive before the half, on the play that resulted in a touchdown Vera-Tucker showed his special ability blocking two defenders rushing. In the running game, he continues to win. Vera-Tucker has been very reliable and will only keep improving for the Jets.
No 8. Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
Despite the Bears’ home loss, Fields had arguably his best game to date. On the ground, he was fairly unstoppable rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown which was an incredible play. Fields showed how special he can be with his legs. Through the air, he was fairly solid throwing for 175 yards and a touchdown. In total, he had 278 yards and two touchdowns. This was a quality outing Fields needed and one he should continue to build on for the Bears.
No 7. Ernest Jones, LB, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ third-round draft pick saw his first major action and delivered in a big way. Jones finished the game with one interception, one pass deflection, nine total tackles, a half-sack, and one tackle for loss. He was making plays everywhere against the run and the pass for the Rams defense. Linebacker has been a position of an unknown for the Rams so hopefully, Jones keeps this up for them. He is a talented, young prospect.
No 6. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers
After losing four straight, the Panthers needed a win on the road in the division. Hubbard helped in a tremendous way for his team. He was given plenty of opportunities as he finished with 24 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown. He also had a reception for nine yards in the passing game, putting him at 91 yards from scrimmage. Early on, Hubbard has shown some very encouraging things for the Panthers.
No 5. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Parsons had another big performance for the Cowboys as one of their major contributors defensively. He finished the game with 11 total tackles and four tackles for loss. To record that many tackles for loss is unbelievable. He helped slow down a Vikings offense that has been successful for most of this season. For Parsons, it is just another game we have come to expect. He remains the likely Defensive Rookie of The Year nearing the halfway point of the season.
No 4. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
For the second straight week, Freiermuth had a big game for the Steelers. They needed a big win on the road in the division and he stepped up. He finished with four catches for 44 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown catch was an incredible play. It came on a fourth down late in the game that gave the Steelers the lead which was enough for the victory. With more chances, Freiermuth is showing his talent and should only be more involved moving forward.
No 3. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Another Steelers talented rookie once again made his impact felt greatly in their big win. Harris was given the football a ton as is the case most weeks. He had 26 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. In the passing game as a receiver, Harris had three catches for 29 yards. Similar to his teammate, Freiermuth, the touchdown he scored was an impressive run that came down the stretch at a key point. Harris continues his special rookie year for the Steelers.
No 2. Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers
For the second game in a row, Mitchell had a 100-yard outing for the 49ers on their way to a key bounce-back victory. On 18 carries, Mitchell finished with 137 yards and a touchdown. He has recorded an impressive three 100-yard rushing performances in only five NFL games. His home-run hitting speed is clearly a perfect mesh with the running scheme Kyle Shanahan designs. Anticipate more big games to come from Mitchell.
No 1. Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets
The third Jets rookie on the list for this week, Carter was the best in the entire rookie class. Carter had his second straight week of great production. This last Sunday, he had 15 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown, by far his best rushing performance yet. In the passing game, Carter was targeted 14 times, he had nine receptions for 95 yards. In total, he finished with 24 touches for 172 yards. Carter was special for the Jets in their big win. He has proven his great talent early on for the Jets and is one of the team’s most exciting players moving forward.
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