Standout rookies from Week Four
Dameon Pierce – RB, Houston Texans
Stats: 131 rushing yards, 1 TD
The running back has been a real bright spot for the Texans so far this year. His performance against the Chargers made some waves around the league, especially with fantasy football players. His biggest play of the day was a 75-yard touchdown where he showed speed, vision and elusiveness.
Pierce was a fourth round pick and is already outperforming star running backs around the league. His name is one to keep an eye out for throughout the season.
George Pickens – WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stats: 6 receptions, 102 receiving yards
Pickens lived up to his hype against the Jets. He was a consistent target for fellow rookie Kenny Pickett and made some impressive catches. He was also showing his physicality in the run game and made some big hits on defensive players.
With Pickett being the starter going forward, he may have a favourite target in Pickens and the two can blossom together.
Jack Jones – CB, New England Patriots
Stats: 1 pick-6, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Aaron Rodgers rarely throws interceptions, and him throwing a pick-6 is even less common. But the rookie for the Patriots was able to pick Rodgers off and return it for a touchdown.
This all happened in Jones’ first start, he will demand more snaps going forward and become a big part of the defence. For a 4th round pick, this was an admirable debut.
Jamaree Salyer – OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Stats: 41 pass blocking snaps, 0 sacks allowed, 0 pressures allowed
Salyer stepped in for his first start due to injuries on the Chargers’ O-line. His performance may have cemented his position as a starter for the future. He kept Justin Herbert clean in the pocket for the entire game.
The most impressive part was that Salyer is not a natural offensive tackle. His position is normally offensive guard and played as a makeshift tackle. He may have found his calling in the NFL at a new position.
Sauce Gardner – CB, New York Jets
Stats: 7 targets, 2 receptions allowed, 9 yards allowed
Gardner has shown exactly why he was such a highly rated prospect these past few games. He was a complete lockdown cornerback in the win over the Steelers.
Gardner got the best of Pickens too (who also had a big game) with an impressive pass breakup.
He’s now featured on this weekly list on multiple occasions. If the rookie CB keeps up this level of play he will be recognised as one of the premier defenders in the league soon.
