The 2021-2022 NFL season is officially underway. CBS Sports will be tracking rookie performers each week of the season and identifying those that stood out. In Week 1, the first-round selections did not disappoint and fans learned that preseason football matters very little.
Without further ado, the cumulative regular season rookie rankings as we head into Week 2:
There was a lengthy list of players who fell short, most notably Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence will almost assuredly be on this list by season’s end. Several players showed flashes of great play, but it was inconsistent. Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was effective as a blocker. Rams cornerback Robert Rochell looked good but is not seeing a lot of playing time right now. Browns wide receiver Anthony Schwartz made some big plays in Week 1 while showing that his game is more than just speed. Dolphins safety Jevon Holland made some big plays in space. Buccaneers edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has natural movement skills that bubble to the surface.
It is difficult to take a player with a smaller sample size of reps each game over another getting the lion’s share because it is easier to play with energy in a rotational role. The list is sure to be very fluid week-to-week.
2021 NFL jerseys now available
The new NFL season is here! Win or lose, you can shop jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more to support your favorite team. Shop here and show your colors.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Excited for the biggest NFL schedule in history? Follow along on the CBS Sports app and get the latest insights from our team of NFL insiders, plus news from our team of experts, as well as data insights on every player. If you already have the CBS Sports app, make sure to favorite the your favorite team so you don’t miss a thing!