5 NFL Rookie Standouts From Week 1 (NFL)
NFL

5 NFL Rookie Standouts From Week 1

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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The first week of the NFL campaign is always filled with excitement and breakout performances, but it’s the rookies who often capture the spotlight as they take their first official snaps on NFL-branded turf.

After months of anticipation, many of the league’s freshest faces popped when presented with an opportunity to compete in Week 1. Players that looked beyond their years, several first-year playmakers delivered standout performances that have already begun to shape their ever-growing roles within their respective organizations.

Joe Alt, OT, Los Angeles Chargers

The No. 5 pick in April, Joe Alt wasted no time in asserting himself as one of the top young tackles in football. Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders presented an excellent test for Alt in his pro debut, and he passed with flying colors. 

While the transition from left to right tackle this summer was expected to take time, Alt was dominant in his first taste of action on the right side. The former Notre Dame standout failed to allow a QB hit or sack and gave up just one pressure in 29 pass-pro snaps. He and left tackle Rashawn Slater have the opportunity to become one of the NFL’s premier tackle tandems for the next decade-plus.

Zach Frazier, IOL, Pittsburgh Steelers

The leader up front for Pittsburgh, Zach Frazier’s play at the pivot spot showcased a rookie beyond his years. He set protections, displaced bodies in the run game, and had no issue when asked to drop anchor in the passing game. 

A former all-state wrestler during his days in high school, Frazier’s blend of strength, flexibility, hands, and understanding of leverage translated in his tape in Week 1. He’s a piece for both the now and the future in Pittsburgh.

Jared Verse, EDGE, Los Angeles Rams

The rookie leader in pressures (6) from Week 1, Jared Verse’s power-laden skill set was a tall task to counter for the Detroit Lions’ front five. His get-off, combined with his powerful upper half and spring-loaded hands, consistently worked their way into the chest of his opponents. 

Combined with second-year man Byron Young on the opposite side, the Rams have two youth-infused, powerful yet elusive edge threats that should be good for a long, long time.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

What a debut it was for Xavier Worthy, who reached the end zone twice on opening night against the Baltimore Ravens. On the ground or through the air, Worthy’s speed—as it was at Texas—was electrifying. He’s more than just fundamental explosiveness, however, as his ability to stack corners and exploit open space against zone coverage was on full display in Week 1. His role and volume will only increase as his rapport elevates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Calen Bullock, SAF, Houston Texans

One of two rookies (Giants LB Darius Muasau) with an interception in Week 1, Calen Bullock’s instincts and awareness in space flashed all afternoon long. A product of USC, Bullock lived primarily at free safety in his 25 snaps, a workload that should only increase as the weeks churn on. 

At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Bullock’s length can be utilized near the line of scrimmage against larger pass-catchers, while his fluidity and quick foot turnover are tough to counter on vertical shots. He’ll be a fun skill set to follow in DeMeco Ryans’ defense.



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