It was a weird week in the NFL. There were tons of less than exciting games, a handful of blowouts, and some true disappointers. Through Week 2 it looks like the 2019 NFL season will be defined by QB healthy or the lack thereof.  As for the rookies of Week 2, it wasn’t nearly as explosive or exciting as Week 1. None of the pass catchers topped 100 yards after a record number of them did last week. Still, it was many of the same names who produced and there were few massive moves in this week’s rookie power rankings. Here’s to hoping Week 3 is more exciting, especially now that it’s Daniel Jones’ show in New York.

Rookie of the Week

Greedy Williams, CB, Cleveland Browns

  • It’s been a long and windy road for Greedy Williams, but he’s finally in the NFL and looking like the prospect many believed he could be when he was at LSU. Williams always had the physical tools to be a first-round player, but his lack of physicality and inconsistent play led to him falling to the Browns in the second-round. Now Williams is starting as a rookie and through two weeks he looks terrific. Against the Jets, in Week 2 Williams erased his side of the field. Although it was against Trevor Siemian/Luke Falk and a not terrific WR corps, he shut it down. The Jets QBs only targeted him once and he didn’t give up a completion. Another huge plus for Williams is his improvements as a tackler, he looks willing and physical. It wasn’t a flashy performance, but Greedy brought the goods against the Jets.

Previous Rookies of the Week

Week 1- Hollywood Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Week 2 Rookie Power Rankings

  1. Hollywood Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens (Last Week- 1)

  • It wasn’t the same dominant performance for Hollywood Brown in Week 2 as it was in Week 1, but he proved once again he’s the Ravens , go-to guy. Brown finished with 8 receptions for 86 yards on 13 targets and its clear Baltimore wants the ball in his hands. Greg Roman schemed Brown touches through screens this week and he was bottled up at times, but the explosiveness is so clear. When the Ravens needed a big play late to seal the game, Lamar Jackson looked to Brown. Jackson trusted him to win deep and he did on a wonderful 41-yard gain. Baltimore has one of the most exciting offenses in football and Hollywood is a key ingredient.

  1. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington (3)

  • Similarly, to Hollywood Brown, Week 2 wasn’t as dynamic for Terry McLaurin as Week 1 was, but he still showed he’s the star of the Washington offense. The passing game ran through him in their loss to the Cowboys. He once again showed an ability to win downfield with his explosiveness, but even more so this week proved he’s more than just athleticism. McLaurin was winning at the line of scrimmage and showed great body control on an adjustment for a touchdown. He finished with 5 receptions for 62 yards and a score on 9 targets. If Case Keenum were more consistent on the deep ball, McLaurin would have put up even better numbers.

  1. Darnell Savage, S, Green Bay Packers (6)

  • Currently, the Packers look like the best team in the NFC North. They’re no longer being carried by Aaron Rodgers either, this is a defensive football team. All of their offseason acquisitions look like they’re paying off especially first-round pick Darnell Savage. Savage has quickly become an integral part of this defense and his versatility and instincts made a huge difference vs. the Vikings. He was all over the field in coverage and gave up nothing to Kirk Cousins. His biggest play came when he read Cousins eyes and made a play on the ball coming away with a  PBU that led to a Preston Smith INT. Savage was the missing piece to this young and talented secondary.

  1. Nick Bosa, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers (5)

  • Through the first two weeks of the NFL season second overall pick Nick Bosa has been battling an ankle injury. He’s played in both 49ers games despite it and has had an immediate impact as a pass rusher. Against the Bengals this week Bosa helped the defensive line smother Andy Dalton. He didn’t get home with a sack, but he was creating pressure. Bosa managed to four pressures on Dalton in just 30 snaps. As he gets healthier and his workload increases his stats will begin to follow. Bosa is clearly NFL-ready consistently beating offensive tackles with elite hand use. It’s trending in the direction of being the Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite.

  1. Erik McCoy, C, New Orleans Saints (4)

  • It was a much quieter week for the Saints offense with the Drew Brees injury killing them against the Rams. Even with losing their franchise QB, rookie center Erik McCoy continued to look like a perfect fit against the Rams. He has stepped in and played like a top 10 center through two weeks and against the Rams, he was their best interior pass blocker. McCoy had no trouble giving up no pressure, he even held his own against Aaron Donald. He struggled more in the run game where Donald and Michael Brockers were stout, but overall it was an impressive showing for McCoy.

  1. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks (10)

  • Russell Wilson and the Seahawks passing attack gave the Steelers hell in Week 2. They were efficient on short to intermediate throws and winning downfield. DK Metcalf had a huge impact with their downfield game. The Seahawks understand how the physically imposing Metcalf wins with athleticism and size and they take advantage of it. His biggest play of the day came on a go route in the fourth quarter where he easily beat Terrell Edmunds with his explosiveness for a TD that put the game away. Metcalf finished with 3 receptions for 61 yards and a TD. One negative is he needs to cut down on penalties, he’s committed four through two games.

  1. Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders (9)

  • Even in a losing effort to the Chiefs Josh Jacobs was the Raiders bell cow. He looks like exactly what Jon Gruden wants in his backfield and has been one of the best backs in the league so far this season. Jacobs had very little running room against the Chiefs but managed a graceful 51-yard scamper where he exploded through a hole, showed off some great contact balance, and then finished the run by slamming into a couple of defenders at full speed. What really stood out though was his ability to hold up in pass protection. Jacobs is a three-down RB who can help the Raiders as a pass catcher or protector. He finished with 99 yards on just 12 carries.

  1. Greedy Williams, CB, Cleveland Browns (27)

  • Nobody made a bigger leap in the rookie power rankings than Greedy Williams. After a solid debut against the Titans where he gave up just one reception, Williams was a stud against the Jets. Again, the circumstances favored Williams with poor QB play and lack of talent at WR, but it just looked easy for him. He was natural in press and did a terrific job mirroring WRs. The best part of the day was his tackling and involvement as a run defender. Williams had two run stops against the Jets and looks like he’ll be the clear CB2 opposite Denzel Ward this season.

  1. Brian Burns, EDGE, Carolina Panthers (14)

  • In an ugly 20-14, Thursday night loss to the Buccaneers the Panthers defense carried them. For the second straight week, Brian Burns made splash plays as a pass rusher and injected athleticism into the Carolina defensive line. He was an issue for the Bucs OTs and his explosive first step was creating problems. Burns picked up his first career sack, although it had more to do with Jameis Winston holding the ball too long than Burns dominating. He picked up four pressures total in the game and took some shots on Winston. For the second straight week, he was used on a rotational basis, but his chances to rush the passer should increase over the next few weeks.

  1. Ed Oliver, IDL, Buffalo Bills (13)

  • The Bills are 2-0 in large part due to their defensive performances. It looks like they’ve found their studs on the interior of their defensive line with Harrison Phillips and Ed Oliver. Oliver again this week brought energy and relentless play to the Bills front seven. His stats weren’t anything special, but the Giants O-line had a difficult time stopping him. His biggest play came on great anticipation of a throw where he came away with a PBU that led to a Trent Murphy interception. Oliver added two pressures along with the PBU and his role is becoming clear as the pass rusher in the middle.

  1. Gardner Minshew, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars (11)

  • Gardner Minshew mustache magic almost continued in Week 2. The Jaguars fell 13-12 to the Texans, but despite leading the potential game-winning drive Minshew was not given the opportunity to win the game on a 2-point attempt. Instead, they ran Leonard Fournette straight into a wall of defenders and lost. Even with Doug Marrone’s foolish decision, Minshew was surprisingly impressive again. This week he leaned on his mobility against the stout Texans front. He wiggled his way out of sacks and helped keep drives alive with his legs running for 56 yards. As a passer, it was a lot of short throws on quick reads, but he’s clearly competent. Minshew finished with 213 passing yards and a touchdown while completing 69% of his throws on 6.5 YPA.

  1. TJ Hockenson, TE, Detroit Lions (2)

  • It might be a frustrating year for TJ Hockenson fantasy owners. After his dominant debut where he put up 131 yards on 6 receptions and saw 9 targets, he was scarcely used against the Chargers. Matthew Stafford looked to him just once and he caught his lone target for a seven-yard gain. The only effect Hockenson had in the win over the Chargers was his ability as a run blocker. For the Lions passing attack to reach its peak they need to get Hock involved consistently. Play-action corners and posts are going to be their bread and butter with him, but they went away from the intermediate to deep passing attack this week.

  1. Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills (17)

  • The Bills need to get out of their own way when it comes to figuring out their running back situation. Frank Gore still has some left in the tank but should be their closer. Devin Singletary is clearly the man for this backfield. Once again on a limited basis this week Singletary made explosive plays. He broke off a 20-yard run and had another big one called back. On just 6 carries Singletary managed 57 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he hurt his hamstring late in the game and isn’t expected to play in Week 3.  Upon his return expect an even larger role.

  1. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers (N/A)

  • It was a quiet Week 1 for 49ers second-round pick Deebo Samuel. He had just 3 receptions for 17 yards but in Week 2 against the Bengals he was a massive part of the game plan. Kyle Shanahan clearly wanted Samuel involved and schemed him the ball in space with play-action dump-offs so he could put his elite YAC skills to work. In an offense that lacks a true top WR, Samuel is a perfect fit. He was winning with his quickness and route running, but also having Shann willing to have plays run through him is ideal. Samuel caught 5 of 6 targets for 87 yards and a score. He’s going to be Jimmy G’s safety net.

  1. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals (15)

  • The first overall pick had an impressive showing against the Ravens in a loss. If not for Kliff Kingsbury’s wild decision to kick three field goals inside the 4-yard line, the Cardinals might have even won. Murray looked extremely comfortable running the offense. He was making quick decisions and getting the ball out fast while peppering in some deep shots. Right now, it’s difficult for consistent big plays to be created behind this offensive line, but Murray has flashed his elite deep ball placement. Murray completed 62% of his passes for 349 passing yards on 8.7 YPA, Andrew Luck’s rooking passing yards’ record could be broken.

  1. Taylor Rapp, S, Los Angeles Rams (21)

  • The best way to get the most out of a rookie is to put them at their best position and let them grow. The Rams are doing that with second-rounder Taylor Rapp. Rapp isn’t a full-time starter, but he’s in their defensive rotation playing both as a dime linebacker and a nickel corner. They’re doing a great job taking advantage of his physicality and instincts against the run and pass. His size creates mismatches with slots and his athleticism is perfect for keeping glued to athletic tight ends. Against the Saints, he was targeted eight times giving up just 4 receptions for 46 yards and had a perfect PBU. Having his size and consistent tackling at nickel has been a huge boost too, he picked up three run stops against New Orleans.

  1. AJ Brown, WR, Tennessee Titans (7)

  • It’s likely going to be an inconsistent season for rookie AJ Brown due to the Titans poor passing attack. After a big Week 1 where Brown had 100 yards, he had just 3 receptions for 25 yards on 5 targets in Week 2. The Colts did a good job taking him out of the game and not allowing his YAC ability to break off anything major. Brown’s inconsistencies as a route runner will hurt him in games the Titans struggle to get the ball to him in space. He’s a nice fit in a quick short passing attack, but he needs to be able to create for himself when teams key in on him.

  1. Byron Murphy, CB, Arizona Cardinals (24)

  • With the first pick of the second-round the Cardinals made Byron Murphy the second cornerback off the board and with Patrick Peterson suspended Murphy is already a starter. With an up and down Week 1 against the Lions, Murphy had a huge game in Week 2 against the Ravens. His instincts and ball skills helped him come away with two big PBUs. On five targets Murphy only gave up 1 reception and proved he’s the guy not to target in the Cardinals CB corps. As a run defender, Murphy was heavily involved with two run stops. When Peterson returns it looks like Murphy will be the guy starting across from him.

  1. Dre Greenlaw, LB, San Francisco 49ers (22)

  • Every year there’s rookie linebackers who sort of pop out of nowhere and make an impact. This year Dre Greenlaw is one of those guys. Greenlaw locked down a starting position for the 49ers after a strong preseason. Through two games for the 49ers, Greenlaw has made an impact on defense and special teams and fits nicely at SAM with Kown Alexander and Fred Warner. His athleticism in coverage has been a factor and he’s eaten up everything in front of him. Against the run, he’s made an impact with his range and aggressive play. Greenlaw probably won’t get much hype this season, but it looks like the 49ers have found a solid starter.

  1. Dalton Risner, OG, Denver Broncos (8)

  • It’s going to be a long season for the Broncos offensive line. Luckily for them, Dalton Risner looks like a major draft hit. Unlucky for him, he has to play next to Garrett Bolles. After a dominating Week 1 performance, Risner came back to earth somewhat against the Bears and rightfully so, their front seven might be the best in football. After giving up no pressures in Week 1, Risner struggled in pass pro in Week 2 giving up four. He’s going to need to clean up his footwork and get quicker with his hands to be more consistent. His impact came in the run game where once again he was the Broncos best run blocker. Overall Risner looks very promising for Mike Munchak.

  1. Juan Thornhill, S, Kansas City Chiefs (18)

  2. Khari Willis, S, Indianapolis Colts (N/A)

  3. Mecole Hardman, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (N/A)

  4. Devin Bush, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers (12)

  5. Dexter Lawrence, IDL, New York Giants (39)

  6. Anthony Nelson, DL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (N/A)

  7. Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Oakland Raiders (29)

  8. Cole Holcomb, LB, Washington (16)

  9. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars (20)

  10. Charles Omenihu, DL, Houston Texans (N/A)

  11. Blake Cashman, LB, New York Jets (N/A)

  12. Jimmy Moreland, CB, Washington (40)

  13. Garrett Bradbury, C, Minnesota Vikings (25)

  14. Preston Williams, WR, Dolphins (33)

  15. Jahlani Tavai, LB, Detroit Lions (38)

  16. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Indianapolis Colts (45)

  17. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (30)

  18. Montez Sweat, EDGE, Washington (36)

  19. Zach Allen, DL, Arizona Cardinals (46)

  20. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Oakland Raiders (48)

  21. Jamie Gillan, P, Cleveland Browns (50)

  22. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars (N/A)

  23. Chase Winovich, EDGE, New England Patriots (N/A)

  24. Michael Deiter, OG, Miami Dolphins (23)

  25. Ryan Connelly, LB, New York Giants (N/A)

  26. KeeSean Johnson, WR, Arizona Cardinals (31)

  27. Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Oakland Raiders (32)

  28. Quincy Williams, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars (N/A)

  29. Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens (35)

  30. Christian Wilkins, IDL, Miami Dolphins (37)

Start the Rook

Elgton Jenkins, OG, Green Bay Packers

  • Despite only playing 18 snaps in Week 2 against the Vikings, rookie guard Elgton Jenkins made his presence felt upfront for the Packers. He handled business against Linval Joseph in the run game and was a massive upgrade in pass pro from what Green Bay has had from their guards. Jenkins has the tools to plug-and-play right now at left guard and will be a major upgrade over Lane Taylor. His power at the point of attack and nastiness through the whistle will help the Packers inside run game. He brings attitude to this offensive line and has the anchor and violent hands to hold up as a pass protector. Green Bay took him in the second-round for a reason and they shouldn’t delay starting him any longer.

Previous Start the Rooks

Week 1- Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Author Details
Rob Paul
Vice President of Media | The Armchair All-Americans, LLC
I’m Canadian as can be, other than the fact that I don’t care about hockey. I love football. The NFL is my life. I consider myself a football guy and I’d rather watch tape than anything else. I’m the Armchair NFL Draft analyst here. You can read my Armchair Scout columns and call me out for my draft misses. I’m also part of two podcasts at Armchair. Our NFL Draft podcast, 7 Rounds in Heaven, and the main NFL pod, Resting the Starters. I cheer for the Steelers, Raptors, Blue Jays, Oregon, and I guess the Leafs.
https://armchairallamericans.com/los-angeles-rams/
[email protected]
×
Rob Paul
Vice President of Media | The Armchair All-Americans, LLC
I’m Canadian as can be, other than the fact that I don’t care about hockey. I love football. The NFL is my life. I consider myself a football guy and I’d rather watch tape than anything else. I’m the Armchair NFL Draft analyst here. You can read my Armchair Scout columns and call me out for my draft misses. I’m also part of two podcasts at Armchair. Our NFL Draft podcast, 7 Rounds in Heaven, and the main NFL pod, Resting the Starters. I cheer for the Steelers, Raptors, Blue Jays, Oregon, and I guess the Leafs.
https://armchairallamericans.com/los-angeles-rams/
[email protected]
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