The great thing about PFF grading every player, on every play, in every game, is that we can recognize the undervalued and overvalued fairly easily through our advanced database. With that said, we give you our list of the 10 highest-graded rookies following Week 3, which includes a quarterback that is far outplaying any other rookie at his position.
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10. WR Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins – 71.3
Not only has undrafted free agent Preston Williams been one of the top rookies through three weeks of play, but he’s been the best Dolphin in their offense overall. Moreover, no other receiver has been targeted more in Miami’s lackluster offense than Williams with 22 targets. With being responsible for five explosive plays, Williams seems to be the only member of the Dolphins to generate anything positive. A vast majority of Williams’ targets have come in tight separation situations, and he has thrived in those with the 15th-highest receiving grade (among 100 qualifying receivers) at 76.7.
9. DI Shy Tuttle, New Orleans Saints – 73.9
His alma mater Tennessee may be underperforming this season, but interior defensive lineman Shy Tuttle is far overperforming as an undrafted rookie. Tuttle has been a role player on this New Orleans Saints defensive line that can plug-in at heads-up nose tackle or the classic three-technique. On his 31 pass-rush snaps, Tuttle has generated three pressures.
8. S Darnell Savage, Green Bay Packers – 76.2
There may not be a more exciting rookie defensive back to watch than Green Bay’s own Darnell Savage. Savage has collected three combined pass breakups and interceptions and allowed just a 16.7 passer rating. Not to mention, he also demonstrated a veteran move on his forced fumble in Week 2 with his perfect Charles Tillman Peanut Punch.
Savage’s 77.6 coverage grade ranks eighth among all safeties and he also has the most pressures with four. He has been lights out in nearly every facet – if he just cleans up his tackling just a smidge (three missed tackles), he can be amongst the league’s best safeties.