Welcome to the rookie report series. This will be a recurring series that highlights fantasy relevant rookies, how they performed in the prior weeks, and what that means for the future—all done with fun categories! Let’s dive in!
Rookie of the Week:
Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Despite being the forgotten first-round-pick rookie, Jahan Dotson is the rookie of the week for week 1. Dotson caught 3 of his 5 targets and racked up 40 yards while finding pay dirt twice. His final touchdown winded up as the game-winning touchdown for the Commanders. If they weren’t before, people will now pay attention to the young stud.
Other Impressive Rookies:
Kyle Phillips, WR, Titans
Kyle Phillips was targeted 9 times by Tannehill and pulled down 6 receptions for 66 yards. The fifth-round rookie out of UCLA outperformed the Titans first-round-pick receiver Treylon Burks who had 3 receptions for 55 yards. Phillips was not on many people's radar before this week but gained Tannehill’s immediate trust and is certainly a name to watch going forward.
Drake London, WR, Falcons
Drake London was the first wide receiver drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft and he looked worthy in his first NFL game. London racked up 5 receptions for 74 yards on 7 targets despite battling through the injury he sustained in the preseason. He will continue to be targeted heavily, which will make the players that drafted him very happy.
Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets
Playing against a really strong Ravens defense, Garrett Wilson quietly had a good game for the Jets. He put up 4 receptions for 52 yards playing with a backup quarterback. Wilson also had impressive runs after the catch. Wilson looked smooth on the field and can quickly become a problem for opposing defenses.
Disappointing Rookie of the Week:
Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans
It only took one week for Dameon Pierce and his insane ADP to be the disappointing rookie of the week. There were other candidates for this, some of which will be in honorable mentions, but, everyone's darling, Dameon Pierce, disappointed massively this week. Pierce was given less opportunity share than Rex Burkhead and was out-produced by Burkhead in both the running game and receiving game. Burkhead received 33.84% opportunity share, while Pierce was at 18.46%. Pierce averaged a measly 3 yards per carry on his 11 rushing attempts. A time-share RB on the Texans isn’t your ideal starter, to say the least.
Honorable Mentions: Breece Hall - RB, Jets, Christian Watson - WR, Packers, Skyy Moore - WR, Chiefs
Keep An Eye On This Rookie:
Kyle Phillips, WR, Titans
Phillips is on only 4%of rosters on the sleeper platform. If he continues to be one of Tannehill's favorite targets, he can be a great addition to your lineup. Ryan Tannehill, dubbed the True Throw Value King by Broto, has a very valuable throw, so Phillips is worth a shot.
On The Decline:
George Pickens, WR, Steelers
George Pickens was making a lot of headlines in the preseason for some of the plays he was making and his ADP shot up past Chase Claypool’s as a result. In his first NFL game, Pickens was only able to record 1 reception for 3 yards. He was clearly not one of Trubisky’s first reads in a game that the Steelers mostly led. A Pickens early-season breakout doesn’t look likely.
Yikes of the Week:
James Cook, RB, Bills
On his first snap in the NFL, James Cook lost a fumble. Cook was not really used again and already had touch competition with Singletary and Moss also in the backfield. Yikes.
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By: Gianluca Martini
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.