Every week, Withthefirstpick.com will be selecting a weekly All-Rookie team, featuring the stars of the previous weekends games. In addition to the Weekly All-Rookie team, keep an eye out for the Mid-season All-Rookie team and the regular season All-Rookie team later in the year.
Week one was a productive one for a number of players making their NFL debuts. A pair of Rookie quarterbacks from the AFC East made solid first impressions upon their respected teams and fanbases, but only one came out with a victory. The were some very strong debuts for some rookie lineman on both sides of the ball, but which first round pick got the better of the reigning defensive player of the year? The majority of the week 1 All-Rookie team features first round draft picks, with three second round picks, and two 3rd round picks. The offensive and defensive player pictured are the top rookie performers of the week.
Offense
Geno Smith – Quarterback, New York Jets
Had a solid day and threw for over 250 yards and in the Jets home opener, displayed excellent composure and showed that he has the tools to lead the Jets into the future.
Eddie Lacy – Running Back, Green Bay Packers
An ugly day at the office for Lacy, but a solid one. 14 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, Lacy also added a 31 yard reception to his box score.
Kenny Stills – Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
Has quietly emerged as the Saints 3rd receiver, hauled in a 67 yard catch and could have had a later touchdown but was under-thrown by quarterback Drew Brees. Stills is drawing similarities to Chris Givens for his deep speed and impact in the New Orleans receiving corps.
DeAndre Hopkins – Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
Showed no ill effects from a pre-season concussion, hauling 5 catches for 66 yards in Houston’s Monday night victory.
Tavon Austin – Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams
Austin underwhelmed with 6 catches for 41 yards, but he drew a 38 yard pass interference penalty and flashed the open field elusiveness that made him the 8th overall selection in the draft.
Tyler Eifert – Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals
Another weapon in quarterback Andy Dalton’s arsenal, Eifert caught 5 passes for 47 yards in Sunday’s game against the Bears.
DJ Fluker – Right Tackle, San Diego Chargers
After raising eyebrows by claiming “he’s not intimidated by J.J. Watt“, Fluker held the usually dominant Texans defensive end to just 3 tackles and no sacks. Very strong debut.
Chance Warmack – Right Guard, Tennessee Titans
Helped the Titans rush for over 100 yards and only allow one sack on Jake Locker in the Titans victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Travis Frederick – Center, Dallas Cowboys
Protected Tony Romo and opened up running lanes for DeMarco Murray to rush for over 4 yards per carry in the Cowboys Sunday night win against the Giants.
Kyle Long – Right Guard, Chicago Bears
Helped keep quarterback Jay Cutler upright while holding the talented Cincinnati interior lineman in check. The Bears did not allow a sack on Cutler all day.
Lane Johnson – Right Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Displayed the athlecism and tenacity that made him a perfect fit on Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles. More than held his own against Redskins edge rusher Ryan Kerrigan.
Defense
Dion Jordan – Defensive End, Miami Dolphins
Had a fairly quiet day, but was able to provide late pressure and notch a sack on Brandon Weeden in the Dolphins 23-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Star Lotulelei – Defensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers
Had 4 solo tackles and was a load to handle inside helping the Panthers defense hold a very good Seattle rush offense to 2.6 yards per carry on 26 attempts.
Sheldon Richardson – Defensive Tackle, New York Jets
Very active and disruptive on his way to 7 tackles and a .5 sack. Helped the Jets defense hold Doug Martin to 65 yards on 24 carries.
Ezekial Ansah – Defensive End, Detroit Lions
Despite giving up a 78 yards touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage, Ansah and the Lions defense held Adrian Peterson in check the rest of the way allowing just 25 yards on 17 carries. Ansah also recorded a .5 sack.
Alec Ogletree – Outside Linebacker, St. Louis Rams
7 solo tackles to lead the team as the St. Louis Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-24.
Kiki Alonso – Inside Linebacker, Buffalo Bills
The tackling machine forced and recovered a fumble and was all over the field for the Buffalo Bills. His 9 tackles tied for the lead among the Buffalo defenders.
Jarvis Jones – Outside Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
Working in a rotation behind Jason Worilds and Lamarr Woodley, Jones made his presence felt on the field while disrupting the Titans offense and getting had two tackles for loss.
Xavier Rhodes – Cornerback, Minnesota Vikings
Was largely responsible for limiting Detroit’s Calvin Johnson to just 4 catches for 37 yards. His physicality was a good match for the imposing Johnson.
Tyrann Mathieu – Free Safety, Arizona Cardinals
Mathieu continued to fly around the field and further illustrate his playmaking prowess. Mathieu made one of the weeks top plays when he chased down Rams tight end Jared Cook and forced a goal line fumble from behind to save a touchdown.
Kenny Vaccaro – Safety, New Orleans Saints
Vaccaro made 5 tackles and was constantly around the ball while causing the game saving interception in the Saints upset victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints used him in a variety of roles and was one of 3 Saints players to play every defensive snap of the game. The Saints have high hopes for Vaccaro in 2013.
D.J. Hayden – Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
While Hayden had an underwhelming debut, the fact that he was even on the field is a miracle. HIs ability to overcome a life altering injury and work his way back for opening day is one of the most inspiring stories in the NFL this season.