Analysis
11/24/21
5 min read
Week 11 Rookie Report: Nate Hobbs Was the Steal of the 2021 Draft
Whether they are high draft picks, late-round value picks or undrafted free agents, we’ll take a look each week of the NFL season at how NFL rookies are doing. Here’s this week’s report:
Stock Up Offensive Players
QB: Mac Jones - Jones put on a clean display of his talent on Thursday Night, further proving why he has been the best of the rookie QBs. He was 22 of 26 for 207 yards, 1TD and 1 INT with a 96.6 passer rating and a PFF grade of 70.4.
RB: Michael Carter - Carter got hurt in the second half and will likely be out for a few weeks but had been playing really well up to that point. He rushed just 9 times for 63 yards, good for 7 YPC, including one long run of 39 yards. He finished the day with a grade of 80.1.
WR: Elijah Moore - Moore has been spectacular in the last few weeks and a major bright spot for the Jets. On Sunday, he caught 8 passes for 141 yards and a TD, he also had a 15-yard rush. He finished with a grade of 91.9.
WR: Jaylen Waddle - Waddle was heavily involved in the Dolphins offense on Sunday, as he was a reliable target, catching 8 passes for 65 yards. He also had a rushing TD, finishing the day with a grade of 72.8.
OL: Brady Christensen - Christensen had his best career game to date, as he was very good in pass protection. He allowed no pressures in the whole game, finishing with a grade of 81.1.
OL: Penei Sewell - Sewell has also played very well in his last few games. He allowed no pressure in pass protection, finishing with a grade of 81.1.
Stock Down Offensive Players
QB: Trevor Lawrence - Similar to last week, Lawrence did not play badly but was just not able to do much to contribute to scoring. On Sunday, he was 16 of 25, 158 yards and 0 TDs with an 81.8 passer rating and a grade of 71.4
WR: Terrace Marshall - Marshall has yet to graduate from this part of this list. He has not been able to get involved in the offense. On Sunday, he had just one target and 0 catches, finishing with a grade of 52.3.
OL: Jimmy Morrissey - Morrissey made his second career on Sunday and did not play very well. He struggled in both the run and pass games, finishing with a grade of 43.2.
OL: Larry Borom - Borom has been a spot starter for the Bears and filled in duties during Week 11. He was not but did struggle a bit in pass protection, as he allowed 4 pressures, good for a grade of 47.6.
OL: Jalen Mayfield - Despite the solid week last week, Mayfield struggled against the Patriots' front seven. He allowed 7 pressures and a sack on Thursday, good for a grade of just 50.6.
Stock Up Defensive Players
DB: Nate Hobbs - Hobbs has been perhaps the best surprises to come out of the draft, and played well on Sunday once again. The lightning quick nickel corner had 4 tackles and allowed just 2 catches for 11 yards, good for a grade of 75.1.
DL: Kwity Paye - Paye has been a problem for opposing offenses as of late and continued that on Sunday. He had a sack and finished with a grade of 77.8.
LB: Micah Parsons - Parsons was all over the field on Sunday and has done so all season long. He has completely revitalized the Cowboys' defense, as he has 5.5 sacks in his last 3 games. On Sunday, he had 2 more, finishing with a grade of 90.7.
DB: Elijah Molden - Molden has been a bit up and down, but has had some pretty solid weeks, including Week 11. He allowed just 3 catches for 24 yards and had a pass breakup, good for a grade of 90.6.
DB: Talanoa Hufanga - Hufanaga has filled in the lineup nicely for the 49ers, especially recently. He had 3 tackles and was very good in both coverage and against the run, finishing with a grade of 88.4.
Stock Down Defensive Players
DL: Chauncey Golston - Golston was very good last week and has been pretty good all year, but struggled to generate any pressure on Sunday, finishing with a grade of just 29.6.
LB: Jamin Davis - Outside of a few good games, Davis has been largely underwhelming, and Sunday was no different. He did not play very well in the run and pass game, finishing with a grade of 27.9.
LB: Derek Barnes - Barnes has been pretty hit or miss this season, and fared more on the miss side this week. He was not very good against the run or pass, finishing with a grade of 29.7.
DB: Keith Taylor - Taylor has also been a surprise to many, as he has been highly capable in most games. On Sunday, he struggled across the board and finished with a grade of 28.6.
DB: Tre Norwood - Norwood has been pretty solid this season but struggled on SNF. He allowed 5 catches for 100 yards and a TD, finishing with a grade of 31.7.
Week 12 Matchups
Going into Week 12, there are some noteworthy matchups of rookies that will be worth keeping an eye on.
Jalean Phillips vs Brady Christensen - Phillips has been slowly putting it together, and despite a down week this week he still had a sack. He will look to get pressure against Christensen, who is coming off the best game of his career and hoping to keep that up.
Tre Norwood vs Ja’Marr Chase - Norwood is coming off a bad week but has been solid so far in his career, but will have a tough matchup with Chase. Chase has not been as explosive lately but is still likely in the OROY conversation, as he will be looking to get back on track.
