One of the best parts of the NFL Week 1 schedule and subsequent results? Seeing which rookies step up from the jump.
This year, the attention was on a trio of first-year quarterbacks in Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, along with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Zach Charbonnet among others.
Yet while all eyes were on the perceived stars of the rookie class, there were surprises around the league with less-heralded players stepping to the fore. Here’s what our stock watch looked like before Week 1, and here’s how it looks as we hurdle toward Week 2.
Rising
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
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Last Week: Holding steady
Richardson was solid in his first regular-season game. The No. 4 pick threw for 223 yards and a touchdown with an interception, while rushing for an additional 40 yards and another score.
While there were teaching moments for coach Shane Steichen, he has to be thrilled with the poise and athleticism shown by Richardson, who had the Colts on the brink of an upset against the Jaguars.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
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Last Week: Not rated
A fifth-round pick out of BYU, Nacua has risen up the depth chart with star receiver Cooper Kupp sidelined with a hamstring injury. The youngster then surprised even his biggest fans by catching a game-high 10 balls for 119 yards on 15 targets.
If the Rams are going to be productive without Kupp, they desperately need some unsung heroes on the perimeter. Nacua certainly fit the proverbial bill on Sunday in Seattle.
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
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Last Week: Not rated
Historically, it has been difficult to project Ravens receivers considering the scheme is more run-heavy than most. That may be changing under new coordinator Todd Monken, and Flowers is a beneficiary.
Flowers caught nine passes for 78 yards, both team highs in a 25–6 win over the Texans. With veteran running back J.K. Dobbins out for the season with a torn Achilles, Flowers’s development is more important than ever for Baltimore.
Brian Branch, DB, Detroit Lions
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Last Week: Rising
Branch was the talk of Detroit’s training camp, and he didn’t disappoint under the lights at Arrowhead Stadium. Branch recorded a pick-six of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, catching a tipped ball and running 50 yards for the score.
Furthermore, Branch played 44 defensive snaps (68 percent) while fulfilling a litany of roles in coordinator Aaron Glenn’s versatile scheme. It was an impressive start for the former Alabama star.
Will Anderson Jr., edge, Houston Texans
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Last Week: Not rated
It was a tough weekend for the Texans, but not for the No. 3 pick in the first round. Anderson racked up six tackles to finish tied for third on the team.
Most importantly, Anderson registered one of Houston’s four sacks, giving him the first of his career. Under new coach and former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, look for Anderson to be deployed all over the front.
Falling
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
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Last Week: Falling
Young had a brutal start to his NFL career in a 24–10 loss to the Falcons. Despite having good support in the run game, Young couldn’t get going against Atlanta’s defense, throwing for 3.8 yards per attempt with two interceptions.
For Young, he needs to be accurate to succeed at the NFL level considering his limitations with size and arm strength. Going 20-of-38 isn’t going to work.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Last Week: Not rated
Many speculated throughout the summer that Kenneth Walker III and Charbonnet would make for a nasty tandem in the Seattle backfield. It didn’t materialize in Week 1, with the Seahawks giving Charbonnet only three carries for 11 yards, and no targets in the passing game.
Of course, it’s early. Charbonnet could have a huge workload next week if different circumstances present themselves. But against the Rams, he was nothing more than a bit player.
Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns
Last Week: Not rated
A third-round pick out of Tennessee, Tillman was expected to be a nice piece for the Browns attack early on. While Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones are the top targets, the depth chart is unsettled beyond them.
However, Tillman wasn’t able to generate a single target in the Browns’ 24–3 win over the Bengals, despite quarterback Deshaun Watson throwing to nine different receivers.
Holding steady
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
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Last Week: Holding steady
It was tough to grade Stroud. Houston’s offensive line was a mess, allowing five sacks and 10 quarterback hits. He also had no help from the Texans’ ground game, which amassed only 72 yards on 23 carries.
Stroud went 28-of-44 for 242 yards (5.5 YPA) and failed to reach the end zone. It was a decent start all things considered, but Stroud certainly hopes to improve next week against the Colts.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
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Last Week: Rising
Robinson deserves praise for his debut. The Falcons’ first-round running back rushed for 56 yards on 10 carries, while catching six passes for 27 yards and a touchdown.
So why isn’t his stock rising? It’s not enough usage for being taken in the top 10. Atlanta still favored Tyler Allgeier as the lead back, and he was excellent with 75 rushing yards and two scores on 15 attempts.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
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Last Week: Not rated
Similar to Robinson, we saw the undeniable talent from Gibbs, but he just didn’t see the ball enough. Gibbs only got nine touches (seven carries, two catches) and totaled 60 yards in the Lions’ 21–20 victory over the Chiefs.
Gibbs’s quick-twitch skill set was on full display Thursday night, and should be taken full advantage of by coordinator Ben Johnson as the season progresses.
