The path to opportunity is not the same for every rookie in the NFL. For some, it is entitlement as a first-round pick. For others, it might be born of necessity. For most, it is the culmination of hard work and preparation. The league has seen several rookies make an impact this season but the players below are giving teams the highest rate of return on their investment.
There are a few parameters set for for this topic: 1.) the players could not be taken in the first or second rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft and 2.) it is limited to players that were drafted. For example, Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. was excluded because he was an undrafted free agent.
Stats: 39 carries for 461 yards and 5 touchdowns; 10 receptions for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns
Achane has been limited to five games thus far but his impact has been unmatched by any other rookie. The third-round selection is averaging 10.58 yards on 49 touches this season. His seven touchdowns are the most by any rookie despite being available in only half of his team’s contests. His Olympic caliber track speed allows head coach Mike McDaniel to stress defenses both vertically and horizontally.
2. Puka Nacua, WR, Rams: Round 5, No. 177 overall
Stats: 69 receptions for 897 yards and 3 touchdowns
The Nacua conversation is difficult because of the tear that he went on prior to Cooper Kupp’s return from injury, and his dip in production since. In the first four games of the season, Nacua had 39 receptions for 501 yards on 52 targets. Over the past six games, he has 30 receptions for 396 yards on 51 targets. It does not take a mathematician to see what is happening. However, his record pace has given way to a productive complimentary role and there is no shame in that result. Nacua has 16 receptions more than the next rookie.
Cleveland did not anticipate Jones seeing the field as early as he did, but an injury to veteran right tackle Jack Conklin left them with little choice. The Ohio State product has been beaten on 3.3% of pass blocking snaps this season, which is No. 102 in the NFL, according to TruMedia. He has allowed 2 sacks and 14 pressures for a team that has started three quarterbacks this season.
4. Tank Dell, WR, Texans: Round 3, No. 69 overall
Stats: 42 receptions for 659 yards and 6 touchdowns
Dell is averaging 15.7 yards per reception this season, which is the 14th-highest in the league, according to TruMedia. He…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CBSSports.com Headlines…