As the NFL heads into Week 4 of the season, there are handfuls of rookies on both sides of the ball that have made significant impacts. Here are the top three offensive and defensive rookie of the year candidates through three weeks.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
3. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua has been putting up astronomical numbers for the Rams through three weeks. He has been making history with more targets and receptions than any other rookie through his first three games. He has 30 receptions for 338 yards and hasn’t even had a touchdown yet.
2. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson had two dominant games to start the season before seeing a setback in Week 3. Through the three games, he has run for 213 yards on 39 attempts. He has also caught 14 passes for 102 yards and one touchdown. He should continue to get better as the season goes on and his utility becomes necessary.
1. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
The former Ohio State quarterback struggled in Week 1 with just 242 yards passing and no touchdowns. However, he bounced back in the last two weeks to finish as the No. 3 quarterback in history in passing yards through three games by a rookie. He has 906 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
3. Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez has been dominant this season for the Patriots. He has matched up against A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Garrett Wilson, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle in three weeks. Week 4 won’t get any easier with CeeDee Lamb. Against the receivers mentioned above, he has allowed 102 yards on 78 routes run against elite receivers. He also has 13 tackles, a sack and an interception.
2. Will Anderson, DE, Houston Texans
Stats do not adequately show the impact that Will Anderson has had on the Texans line. He has been a disruptive force with the third-most pass rush wins in the NFL through three weeks with 16. He is tied with Javon Hargrave and seven behind Micah Parsons. Anderson has a PFF grade of 75.0.
1. Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
Talking about disruptive forces, the former Georgia Bulldog is everything we thought he would be and more. He has 15 total pressures from the tackle spot this season, which is one ahead of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. Carter has been double teamed 68.8 percent of the time, which includes 16 pass rushes last week against the Buccaneers. He has 1.5 sacks, five tackles, two for a loss. He also has two quarterback hits and two forced fumbles.
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