There were some great performances this week from our rookie target list. There were also some duds. I’ll be reviewing some of the notable performances and flops from week 1.
Studs
Jayden Daniels, Commanders
NPS Grade: 8.84 (Rookie QB3)
The former other former Heisman winner displayed his running abilities in the loss to the Bucs, rushing for 88 yards and two scores. He also took care of the ball and had a 70% completion percentage. While his team didn’t win, Daniels showed why he was drafted so high and is giving those fantasy drafters a happy first week. Add some throwing scores in and we’re still looking at a great floor with QB1 upside.
Bucky Irving, Buccaneers
NPS Grade: 7.90 (Rookie RB2)
Irving was efficient when he had the ball, averaging 6.9 yards per rush while adding 2 receptions for 14 yards. He only saw the field on 31% of the snaps, but made the most of them. With the efficiency woes of Rachaad White and the performance Bucky put down, expect this to get closer to an even split as the season goes along.
Xavier Worthy, Chiefs
NPS Grade: 9.02 (Rookie WR4)
Our determination of best opportunity in this draft was correct. The projection was similar usage to Kadarius Toney, just more effective (aka. catching the ball). He only saw 3 targets and had 1 rush, but scored on 2 separate occasions. Rice and Kelce seem to be the primary target hogs, with Worthy fitting in as a low target, high upside player. I wouldn’t expect this every week, but I’d be lying if I didn’t have this type of usage on my radar.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars
NPS Grade: 8.50
Thomas gave us a toe tapping touchdown in his debut. He played just 71% of the snaps and saw just 4 targets, saving his fantasy day with that touchdown. He looks to have good report with Trevor Lawrence, and like I said, if this continues, he’s the prototypical size and speed to be an impact player in the NFL.
Duds
Caleb Williams, Bears
NPS Grade: 9.14 (Rookie QB1)
Williams only passed for 93 yards in his debut but got the win for the Bears. He didn’t light the world on fire, but neither did CJ Stroud in his first game last season. Williams also didn’t commit any turnovers, showing he can take care of the ball even while under duress. He will look to bounce back in week two against the aforementioned CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans stingy defense. He has a ways to go to get to that QB1 territory, but the potential is still there.
Bo Nix, Broncos
NPS Grade: 8.64 (Rookie QB4)
That comparison to Deshaun Watson seems too accurate. Nix struggled all day with the Seahawks fierce defense, throwing 2 interceptions while completing 61% of his passes. He also added 35 rushing yards and a score. It was a tough environment to get your first NFL start, and just like with Caleb Williams, one game does not define your career. I believe there will be continued growing pains for Nix, but as long as Sean Payton stick with him, he will grow into a good NFL quarterback.
Blake Corum, Rams
NPS Grade: 7.83 (Rookie RB4)
After much speculation over the past few months Corum didn’t touch the field for the Rams in week one. He strictly a long shot handcuff to Kyren Williams. McVay may ease him into the offense as the season goes along, but not seeing one snap doesn’t bode well.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals
NPS Grade: 9.24 (Rookie WR2)
One reception for 4 yards. I’ll say that again, one reception for 4 yards. He was only targeted 3 times and there’s a viral video making rounds of him being wide open for a game tying touchdown late in the game. While this was a dud, MHJ is too great a talent to let one game derail his potential. The Cardinals will recognize this and work to get him more involved.