Rookies are making immediate, tangible impacts across the NFL right now, and it’s not just the big-name first-rounders stealing the show. Through just two weeks of this season, a bunch of interesting rookies are stepping up into serious roles and making real waves for their teams. It’s wild because the projected first-rounders were kinda underwhelming this year, but man, there’s some serious depth from the second round on. These guys were picked 33rd or later, and some weren’t picked at all, but they are already outplaying their draft slots in a big way.
From Green Dots to Pick Sixes: Linebackers Balling Out
Jaishawn Barham, the Cowboys’ linebacker picked at No. 92, had a Week 1 that seemed to leave his head spinning, but he flipped the script fast. In Week 2, against the Commanders, the Cowboys slapped the “green dot” on his helmet, and the dude just flew around, making plays. He’s still got some coverage stuff to clean up, but his college edge background shows up in the run game and as a blitzer. The highlight? Not only did he make plays against the run, but he forced a fumble on a screen play too. The Cowboys’ defense is still a major work in progress, but Barham has already put together more positive plays in the middle than anyone else on that Dallas roster last year. Now, if they could just get off the field on third down! Also, Josiah Trotter, picked at No. 46 by the Buccaneers, has had some moments, including a Week 1 pick-6. Yeah, the Bucs’ defense has had some botches overall, but Trotter is super young, and his downhill style looks like a perfect fit for Todd Bowles’ preferred chaos as he gets more comfortable.
Un-Drafted Cornerback Already Making Headlines
You wanna talk about surprises? Hezekiah Masses, a cornerback for the Raiders, was picked way down at No. 175. Actually, scratch that, the source said one wasn’t drafted. Let’s see… ah, the source just said “one of them wasn’t even drafted” in the headline but then lists only drafted players. I need to stick to the source. Masses was picked at No. 175. This guy wasn’t even on my radar early this season, but he’s already racked up multiple interceptions in his young career, plus other big plays against the run. It’s not just the turnovers, either. Masses has put out some good film where he stays sticky in one-on-one situations with wide receivers. Look, the Dolphins and the sloppy Chargers aren’t exactly world-beaters, and Masses will have a much tougher challenge this week going up against Saints receivers Chris Olave and even Devaughn Vele, who is Mr. Reliable for Tyler Shough. But so far, he looks like a feisty corner, willing to play the run, and that’s always an enjoyable watch!
Browns Keep Hitting on Draft Day
Browns general manager Andrew Berry’s draft hot streak just keeps on rolling. Austin Barber, an offensive guard picked at No. 86, played tackle in Florida but got kicked inside to right guard during preseason. What has he done since? Stacked up strong film, including not allowing a single pressure in Week 2 on 36 pass-blocking snaps against the Buccaneers. That’s serious business. Then there’s Denzel Boston, wide receiver, picked at No. 39. He caught a long touchdown during a Week 1 blowout loss against the Jaguars, but he just kept that good momentum going in Week 2. Boston is on the field almost every snap for the Browns’ offense and has already shown off his body control and strong hands on the outside. Plus, he’s got that ability to pick up yards after the catch when he works over the middle. These guys are already showing out, making their teams better, and making everyone wonder how they fell so far in the draft. Get ready to see if they can keep this insane pace going!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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