Typically, the best rookie quarterback or receiver gets the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Over the past 15 years, it’s gone to a signal-caller or wideout on 11 occasions.
However, there might be a change to that pattern this year. The Dolphins took a chance on Texas A&M running back De’Von Achane in the third round, and he’s on pace to produce one of the greatest rookie seasons ever.
As for the defense, there are ample standouts, including Seahawks corner Devon Witherspoon, Lions safety Brian Branch and myriad others. However, nobody is dominating like defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who has proved to be an instant star with the Eagles.
So who else is rising and falling from this 2023 NFL draft class? Let’s take a look.
Rising
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
Last Week: Rising
Achane is a rising star this season so far. Entering last weekend, the rookie back had 11.4 yards per rush. Somehow, that number increased against the Giants, with Achane gaining 151 yards and a score on just 11 carries. One could argue nobody is enjoying a better last month. However, Achane did suffer a knee injury Sunday and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Last Week: Not rated
Flowers has led the Ravens in receiving yardage in three of their five games, helping Baltimore after injuries to Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. Flowers had another five receptions for 73 yards in Pittsburgh, albeit in a game where every Ravens receiver took turns dropping passes.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK
Last Week: Not rated
It’s tough not to love LaPorta as a second option in Detroit’s offense behind star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. In Week 5, LaPorta caught two touchdowns in a blowout win over the Panthers. All told, the second-round pick has 25 catches, 289 yards and three scores so far.
Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
Last Week: Not rated
Carter fell in the draft for understandable reasons, but he’s become a steal to this point for the Eagles. The former Georgia star notched two sacks Sunday against the Rams, giving him 3.5 for the season. Carter also has four tackles for loss, continuing to be destructive on the interior.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Last Week: Not rated
Downs has been a nice find for the Colts, who are desperately trying to secure some perimeter help opposite Michael Pittman Jr. On Sunday, Downs caught all six of his targets for 97 yards, giving him the best day of his young career. Look for his usage to only increase.
Holding steady
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Last Week: Rising
Nacua is now sharing targets with former All-Pro Cooper Kupp, but it mattered little Sunday. The fifth-rounder from BYU caught another seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, continuing one of the most torrid starts we’ve ever seen from a wideout. For the season, Nacua has 46 receptions for 572 yards and two scores.
Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports
Last Week: Not rated
Rice hasn’t been dominant, but he’s getting an increased workload as the Chiefs try to find consistency at receiver. A second-rounder from SMU, Rice caught a touchdown against the Vikings, bringing his yearly total to 17 receptions for 173 yards and two scores.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Last Week: Rising
Stroud has been in the rising category most of the season, and he did little wrong in Atlanta on Sunday. However, it’s tough to keep rising considering how terrific Stroud has been, and throwing for 247 yards on 7.1 yards per attempt puts him in the steady category.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Last Week: Holding steady
Richardson is a physical marvel with excellent pocket presence and big-play ability. The problem is consistency and staying healthy, as Richardson has completed only two of his four starts, while missing all of Week 3. The Colts are a surprising 3–2, and if Richardson can keep improving, they can be a factor in the playoff race.
Falling
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
Last Week: Holding steady
Kincaid entered the league with ample hype as a tight end who could immediately make plays. Entering Week 5, Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has played Kincaid 61% of the snaps, but the production has been light. To date, Kincaid has 17 catches for only 118 yards.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Last Week: Rising
Robinson has been terrific, but he fell this week after being bottled up by the Texans and DeMeco Ryans’s defense. Robinson is averaging 5.4 yards per carry, but was limited to 46 rushing yards and 3.3 YPC in a win over Houston. Robinson has been brilliant overall, though, so expect a bounce-back in Week 6 against the Commanders.
