• Tyree Wilson puts up his best game yet: He notched his first career sack and also beat Larry Borom outside for a hit on Tyson Bagent that forced an incompletion.
• Dalton Kincaid flashes receiving prowess: He racked up a game-high eight receptions for 75 yards. One of those catches was a crucial fourth-down conversion that set up Buffalo’s late go-ahead touchdown.
• It's never too early to gear up for the 2024 NFL Draft: PFF has you covered throughout the college football season. Click here for our 2024 big board.
Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
Several big-name rookies were out due to byes in Week 7, but there were still some standout performances.
We’ll continue to track their progress and principal opponents as the 2023 NFL season progresses.
Pick No. 1: Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young
Overall Rookie Grade: 51.0 (Rank: 3/3)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Carolina was on a bye this week.
Pick No. 2: Houston Texans: QB C.J. Stroud
Overall Rookie Grade: 72.4 (Rank: 1/3)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Houston was on a bye this week.
Pick No. 3: Houston Texans: Edge Will Anderson Jr.
Overall Rookie Grade: 80.3 (Rank: 1/13)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Houston was on a bye this week.
Pick No. 4: Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson
Overall Rookie Grade: 52.2 (Rank: 2/3)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Richardson suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5 and is out for the season.
Pick No. 5: Seattle Seahawks: CB Devon Witherspoon
Overall Rookie Grade: 88.5 (Rank: 1/17)
Principal Opponent: Marquise Brown
Week 7 Snaps: 66
Week 7 Grade: 83.3
Witherspoon was primarily at outside cornerback this week and turned in another strong performance. He was terrific in coverage, not allowing a catch on two targets. Witherspoon’s 88.5 overall grade leads all NFL cornerbacks. Jalen Carter has been a strong frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year so far, but Witherspoon could make it a fascinating race moving forward.
Pick No. 6: Arizona Cardinals: OT Paris Johnson Jr.
Overall Rookie Grade: 53.5 (Rank: 6/6)
Principal Opponent: Boye Mafe
Week 7 Snaps: 66
Week 7 Grade: 55.8
Johnson had another mediocre day in Week 7, which is in line with most of the work he’s done this year. He allowed three pressures, including a sack, and lost three other pass-rush reps as he struggled again with inside moves. He was also bull rushed on multiple occasions by Boye Mafe and committed a holding penalty, as well.
Pick No. 7: Las Vegas Raiders: Edge Tyree Wilson
Overall Rookie Grade: 42.3 (Rank: 13/13)
Principal Opponent: Larry Borom
Week 7 Snaps: 28
Week 7 Grade: 82.9
Despite his team’s shortcomings against Chicago, Wilson had, by far, his best day as a pro. His strip sack at the end of the first half was his first career sack. He also beat Larry Borom outside for a hit on Tyson Bagent that forced an incompletion. His work in run support late in the game was admirable against a rugged Bears team that was playing from ahead. This was easily Wilson’s most encouraging week.
Highest-Graded Rookie EDGEs | Week 7
Pick No. 8: Atlanta Falcons: RB Bijan Robinson
Overall Rookie Grade: 72.4 (Rank: 4/7)
Principal Opponent: Devin White
Week 7 Snaps: 11
Week 7 Grade: 56.7
Fantasy football players were left in the dark as Robinson mysteriously played only 11 snaps. He ended the day with just one carry for three yards. After the game in Tampa Bay, it was revealed that Robinson was suffering from headache issues. His status will be monitored going forward, but Atlanta will surely need its most explosive playmaker at 100% for a potential playoff run.
Pick No. 9: Philadelphia Eagles: DI Jalen Carter
Overall Rookie Grade: 91.3 (Rank: 1/14)
Principal Opponent: Lester Cotton
Week 7 Snaps: 19
Week 7 Grade: 61.3
Carter played a limited role this week, but he is already proving himself as one the the league’s premier interior rushers. He produced four more pressures, terrorizing Miami’s offensive line in the process. His 87.3 pass-rush grade ranked third this week among defensive tackles through Sunday. His season-long work is in the company of elite players such as Aaron Donald and Chris Jones. He needs to improve in the run game, but that’s ancillary compared to his pass-rush prowess.
Pick No. 10: Chicago Bears: OT Darnell Wright
Overall Rookie Grade: 65.0 (Rank: 2/6)
Principal Opponent: Maxx Crosby
Week 7 Snaps: 66
Week 7 Grade: 45.0
Wright drew the unenviable task of blocking Maxx Crosby, and it went about how you would expect. He allowed a sack and three hurries while also being beaten by Crosby three other times in pass protection. That all adds up to a 29.8 pass-blocking grade — the worst of any right tackle through Sunday. Better days are ahead for Wright with Crosby and the Raiders out of the way.
Pick No. 11: Tennessee Titans: G Peter Skoronski
Overall Rookie Grade: 68.2 (Rank: 1/11)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Tennessee was on a bye this week.
Pick No. 12: Detroit Lions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Overall Rookie Grade: 65.0 (Rank: 7/7)
Principal Opponent: Patrick Queen
Week 7 Snaps: 65
Week 7 Grade: 67.4
Back in good health after two weeks off, Gibbs racked up 126 total yards on 20 touches. He also scored Detroit’s lone touchdown against Baltimore in a blowout loss. Gibbs is patient when running inside and explosive on the outside. His team would greatly benefit from using him as an Alvin Kamara-esque playmaker. Despite the loss, the performance should go a long way toward proving Gibbs’ potential.
Pick No. 13: Green Bay Packers: EDGE Lukas Van Ness
Overall Rookie Grade: 62.1 (Rank: 7/13)
Principal Opponent: Garett Bolles
Week 7 Snaps: 16
Week 7 Grade: 59.6
Van Ness was featured in a rotational role this week, playing his fewest snaps since Week 4. He did collect a hit on Russell Wilson as he scrambled from the pocket. Otherwise, Van Ness was quiet, remaining the backup to Preston Smith on the edge.
Lukas Van Ness Weekly Grades | 2023
Pick No. 14: Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Broderick Jones
Overall Rookie Grade: 66.5 (Rank: 1/6)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Jones did not play any snaps this week as Dan Moore Jr. returned from injury and started at left tackle.
Pick No. 15: New York Jets: Edge Will McDonald IV
Overall Rookie Grade: 59.9 (Rank: N/A)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
New York was on a bye this week.
Pick No. 16: Washington Commanders: CB Emmanuel Forbes
Overall Rookie Grade: 37.8 (Rank: 17/17)
Principal Opponent: Saquon Barkley
Week 7 Snaps: 5
Week 7 Grade: 63.4
Forbes has been relegated to the bench over the past couple of weeks. He did have tight coverage on Saquon Barkley on his lone target, but the pass was broken up before it got to the catch point. Forbes will likely continue to slowly earn his coaches’ trust back before he is reinserted into the starting lineup.
Pick No. 17: New England Patriots: CB Christian Gonzalez
Overall Rookie Grade: 80.8 (Rank: 2/17)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum in Week 4 and is likely out for the season.
Pick No. 18: Detroit Lions: LB Jack Campbell
Overall Rookie Grade: 44.3 (Rank: 3/5)
Principal Opponent: Mark Andrews
Week 7 Snaps: 54
Week 7 Grade: 36.5
Campbell returned to a hybrid role against Baltimore but struggled mightily. He allowed catches on all four of his targets for 44 yards and a touchdown. Campbell was repeatedly attacked when he lined up on the edge. Detroit’s linebackers are currently the weakest part of the team's defense, and they need to see improvement from their first-rounder to be more productive moving forward.
Pick No. 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DI Calijah Kancey
Overall Rookie Grade: 41.6 (Rank: 13/14)
Principal Opponent: Matthew Bergeron
Week 7 Snaps: 40
Week 7 Grade: 38.4
There may not be an NFL player with a more polarizing skill set than Calijah Kancey. He’s clearly a solid pass-rusher, racking up eight pressures in the past two weeks. However, his 28.8 run-defense grade is the lowest of any defensive tackle. His lack of size is an issue, and it showed in Week 7 as Atlanta racked up 156 rushing yards.
Pick No. 20: Seattle Seahawks: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Overall Rookie Grade: 57.6 (Rank: 11/13)
Principal Opponent: Budda Baker
Week 7 Snaps: 38
Week 7 Grade: 63.9
With D.K. Metcalf out due to injury, Seattle leaned on rookie receivers. And it paid off. Smith-Njigba enjoyed his best day as a pro, with a team-leading four catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. His grade is lower than expected due to two drops, albeit in reasonably tight coverage. Regardless, Smith-Njigba showcased his ability to get open downfield and should get more looks despite Metcalf’s inevitable return.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Weekly Grades | 2023
Pick No. 21: Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnston
Overall Rookie Grade: 56.2 (Rank: N/A)
Principal Opponent: Jaylen Watson
Week 7 Snaps: 34
Week 7 Grade: 58.5
Johnston made his best play of the season with a nice back-shoulder catch against Jaylen Watson in Week 7. Unfortunately, that was his only catch on the day, as Justin Herbert overthrew him the one other time he looked in Johnston's direction. Despite his size, Johnston continues to see press coverage on the vast majority of his snaps and struggles to separate from it.
Pick No. 22: Baltimore Ravens: WR Zay Flowers
Overall Rookie Grade: 71.1 (Rank: 6/13)
Principal Opponent: Will Harris
Week 7 Snaps: 43
Week 7 Grade: 62.1
Another week, another solid outing for Flowers. Despite a drop dragging down his grade, Flowers finished the day with four catches for 75 yards. He had a huge 46-yard gain on an in route on the Ravens’ third play of the game. Flowers’ ability to run the full route tree has made him a vital part of Baltimore’s offense and a key reason that Lamar Jackson is carrying a career-high passing grade.
Pick No. 23: Minnesota Vikings: WR Jordan Addison
Overall Rookie Grade: 69.6 (7/13)
Principal Opponent: Charvarius Ward
Week 7 Snaps: 52
Week 7 Grade: 84.9
Addison shined in the spotlight of Monday Night Football to the tune of seven catches for 123 yards and two scores. Two of the grabs were contested — including a pass wrestled away from Charvarius Ward that Addison took to the house.
Pick No. 24: New York Giants: CB Deonte Banks
Overall Rookie Grade: 56.2 (Rank: 11/17)
Principal Opponent: Terry McLaurin
Week 7 Snaps: 63
Week 7 Grade: 58.2
Banks certainly isn’t the best cornerback in football, but he may be the most fun to watch. He was terrific in the first half against Washington, allowing just one catch for eight yards and reeling in a terrific interception where he baited a pass into his deep-third coverage. There were struggles later in the game as Washington featured Terry McLaurin more, but Banks continues to fight through tough assignments every week.
Pick No. 25: Buffalo Bills: TE Dalton Kincaid
Overall Rookie Grade: 62.4 (Rank: 2/4)
Principal Opponent: Ja’Whaun Bentley
Week 7 Snaps: 43
Week 7 Grade: 77.9
On a day when Stefon Diggs was mostly held in check, Kincaid finally broke out as the receiving threat he was advertised to be. He racked up a game-high eight receptions for 75 yards. One of those catches was a crucial fourth-down conversion that set up Buffalo’s late go-ahead touchdown. Kincaid is deceptively quick and can line up anywhere. He even made one of his catches after lining up in the backfield. With Dawson Knox out indefinitely due to wrist surgery, Kincaid should be able to shine in a lead role.
Pick No. 26: Dallas Cowboys: DI Mazi Smith
Overall Rookie Grade: 48.2 (Rank: 9/14)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Dallas was on a bye this week.
Pick No. 27: Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Anton Harrison
Overall Rookie Grade: 56.7 (Rank: 4/6)
Principal Opponent: Cameron Jordan
Week 7 Snaps: 56
Week 7 Grade: 54.4
Harrison finished Week 7 as Jacksonville’s lowest-graded lineman, but he also drew arguably the toughest assignment in Cameron Jordan. He allowed just one hurry on the night, though Jordan beat him in pass protection three other times. Harrison certainly benefits from Trevor Lawrence’s lightning-quick release. He’s had his good moments, though, and should continue to improve.
Pick No. 28: Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Myles Murphy
Overall Rookie Grade: 54.6 (Rank: N/A)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 0
Week 7 Grade: N/A
Cincinnati was on a bye this week.
Pick No. 29: New Orleans Saints: DI Bryan Bresee
Overall Rookie Grade: 47.1 (Rank: 10/14)
Principal Opponent: Tyler Shatley
Week 7 Snaps: 26
Week 7 Grade: 63.1
Bresee was decent in Week 7, collecting two pressures, another pass-rush win and a nice batted pass as he chased Trevor Lawrence toward the sideline. The Saints have begun to use him as primarily a pass-rusher, but he still managed to pick up a negative grade on one of just four run-defense snaps. Bresee is a work in progress, but his pass-rush contributions will keep him on the field.
Highest-Graded Rookie DIs | 2023
Pick No. 30: Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Nolan Smith
Overall Rookie Grade: 52.2 (Rank: N/A)
Principal Opponent: Kendall Lamm
Week 7 Snaps: 4
Week 7 Grade: 71.2
Smith played just four snaps but did manage to pick up his first career sack. Though he was unblocked due to a protection breakdown, Smith will take advantage of any opportunity he gets to earn more playing time.
Pick No. 31: Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Overall Rookie Grade: 60.0 (Rank: 9/13)
Principal Opponent: Rashawn Slater
Week 7 Snaps: 10
Week 7 Grade: 59.0
Anudike-Uzomah continues to see a light role. He did make a couple of nice plays in run defense, shedding Rashawn Slater inside to close the B-gap. More contributions in the run game could lead to Anudike-Uzomah regaining some playing time. Until then, his chances seem to be few and far between.
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