NFL rookie report card: Grading every 1st-round pick's debut month

Rookies don't get a second chance to make a first impression in the NFL. Here, we evaluate the overall performance of every 2021 first-round pick from the opening month of the season.

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars

Best game: at Bengals (Week 4)
Worst game: vs. Broncos (Week 2)

Lawrence was expected to take the NFL by storm, despite joining a team at the beginning of its rebuild. But the former Clemson star has struggled far more than predicted over the season's first month, with only fellow rookie Zach Wilson throwing more interceptions (eight) than his seven. The Jaguars' offensive line has been a mess, and their weapons haven't played up to their talent, but Lawrence's accuracy issues (57% completions) and inconsistencies in reading coverages have been glaring. Still, he's shown flashes of his dominant play from college, and the young passer had by far his best performance in the Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Grade: C-

2. Zach Wilson, QB, Jets Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: vs. Titans (Week 4)
Worst game: at Patriots (Week 2)

It's hard to evaluate any Jets quarterback properly given the lack of infrastructure around him - look at how Sam Darnold is flourishing in Carolina - but surely New York expected better. Wilson has twice as many interceptions as touchdowns, and his splash plays have been few and far between. Wilson looked better in Week 4 when the Jets finally protected him, but the BYU product has a long way to go.

Grade: D+

3. Trey Lance, QB, 49ers

Best game: N/A
Worst game: N/A

Lance was billed as having the rawest talent of the five first-round quarterbacks. The 49ers treated him as such prior to Week 4, keeping Jimmy Garoppolo as their starter and using Lance primarily in the occasional red-zone package. But with Garoppolo potentially sidelined due to a calf injury, we'll finally get to see Lance as an every-down player and with a game plan tailored to him. It could be a roller-coaster ride, though. Lance looked panicked at times after replacing the veteran last Sunday while also sprinkling in several dynamic plays that highlighted his sky-high ceiling. We need a greater sample before assigning him a grade.

Grade: N/A

4. Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons

Best game: at Buccaneers (Week 2)
Worst game: vs. Washington (Week 4)

Rookie tight ends rarely make a splash, but Pitts - the most-hyped prospect at the position in recent memory - was supposed to be the exception. However, the Falcons' offense has disappointed as a whole, and Pitts has failed to match his hype, with just 15 catches for 189 yards and zero touchdowns. He received his most targets in Week 4 and made four catches for 50 yards. A poor start doesn't erase Pitts' elite potential, but it again raises the question of why Atlanta took him considering the state of its team.

Grade: C-

5. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals

Best game: vs. Vikings (Week 1)
Worst game: at Bears (Week 2)

Chase has been dynamite for the Bengals after seemingly forgetting how to catch during the preseason. He scored a touchdown of at least 30 yards in each of the first three games and leads rookie receivers in yardage after one month. His playmaking skills down the field have opened space for Tyler Boyd and others to operate in the shallow-to-intermediate areas of the gridiron, and he's dropped only one ball in a game that counted.

Grade: A

6. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins

Best game: at Patriots (Week 1)
Worst game: vs. Colts (Week 4)

Waddle hasn't made any noise down the field since hauling in a 36-yard reception in Week 1. His 200 total yards look nice on paper, but the Dolphins drafted him to be a dynamic weapon who could stretch the field vertically and horizontally. Instead, he's been an extreme possession receiver, averaging eight yards per catch, which is one of the lowest figures in the NFL.

Grade: B-

7. Penei Sewell, OT, Lions Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: vs. 49ers (Week 1)
Worst game: at Bears (Week 4)

The athletic upside is still there, but Sewell has to iron out the technical flaws that make him susceptible to speed rushes and inside counter moves. In fairness, Sewell was supposed to begin his rookie campaign at right tackle before an injury to Taylor Decker forced him to move to the left side just days before the season opener. Still, Sewell is on pace to surpass the 29 pressures Decker gave up last year by Week 8.

Grade: C

8. Jaycee Horn, CB, Panthers

Best game: vs. Saints (Week 2)
Worst game: at Texans (Week 3)

Horn held his own on the perimeter before going down with a broken foot in Week 3. Prior to the injury, the South Carolina product earned a starting role in training camp, recorded his first interception against the Saints in Week 2, and allowed only two catches on 71 coverage snaps.

Grade: B+

9. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos

Best game: at Jaguars (Week 2)
Worst game: vs. Ravens (Week 4)

Surtain was among the best rookie performers through the first three weeks as part of a strong Broncos defense. Unfortunately, the cornerback had his worst performance in Week 4, giving up seven catches against the Ravens before exiting with an injury. Still, Surtain's overall work has been impressive. He has played fast and looks comfortable in all the different coverage types Vic Fangio likes to run.

Grade: A-

10. DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles

Best game: vs. Chiefs (Week 4)
Worst game: vs. 49ers (Week 2)

Smith enjoyed a strong debut before coming down to earth in Weeks 2 and 3, catching just five of 13 targets for 44 yards. But the wide receiver bounced back in a big way in Week 4, exceeding 100 yards for the first time. His day could've been even better, but he had a touchdown called back. Although Smith's season might continue to be up and down as he learns to play at the NFL level with his small frame, he looks set to become a cornerstone for the Eagles.

Grade: B

11. Justin Fields, QB, Bears

Best game: vs. Lions (Week 4)
Worst game: at Browns (Week 3)

Fields bounced back from a disastrous first career start with a much better performance in Week 4. He's shown playmaking abilities and keeps his eyes downfield as well as anyone, but he has to get rid of the ball quicker, especially when facing pressure. Overall, Fields has been a mixed bag, which is what you expect from a first-year signal-caller.

Grade: B-

12. Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: at Chargers (Week 2)
Worst game: vs. Panthers (Week 4)

Outside of the quarterbacks, arguably no rookie has been asked to take on a more challenging transition to the NFL than Parsons. He debuted at middle linebacker before being moved to defensive end due to injuries at the position. The 22-year-old - used as a pass-rusher at times by Penn State - looked like a natural on the edge. He had 12 pressures and 1.5 sacks across Weeks 2 and 3 before moving back into more of a hybrid role in Week 4.

Grade: A

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers

Best game: at Washington (Week 1)
Worst game: vs. Cowboys (Week 2)

The Chargers have found their franchise quarterback and left tackle in back-to-back drafts. Slater dazzled in his NFL debut, shutting down Chase Young and the rest of the vaunted Washington front four. He needs to improve as a run-blocker, but it's hugely impressive to see how Slater has transitioned seamlessly to the pros despite lacking the prototypical size or length of a top-tier left tackle.

Grade: A

14. Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, Jets

Best game: vs. Titans (Week 4)
Worst game: at Panthers (Week 1)

Vera-Tucker's pass protection has been problematic, but at least he's giving the Jets something in the run game. Vera-Tucker easily had his best performance in Week 4, holding up in both departments for the first time. The Jets hope his latest showing is a sign of things to come.

Grade: C+

15. Mac Jones, QB, Patriots

Best game: vs. Buccaneers (Week 4)
Worst game: vs. Saints (Week 3)

The last quarterback chosen in the first round, Jones has probably been the best of the bunch thus far. His excellence against the blitz is a promising sign, though the Patriots need him to create some explosive plays to unlock their choppy offense. Outside of a three-pick clunker versus the Saints, Jones has been solid.

Grade: B

16. Zaven Collins, LB, Cardinals

Best game: at Jaguars (Week 3)
Worst game: vs. Vikings (Week 2)

Jordan Hicks and Isaiah Simmons lead the Cardinals' linebackers in snaps, but Collins has been a useful role player this season, registering six total tackles and two pass defenses. The uber-athletic rookie was always going to need some time to adjust to the NFL, and he's shown his raw instincts in both run defense and coverage.

Grade: C

17. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Raiders Ethan Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: vs. Dolphins (Week 3)
Worst game: at Steelers (Week 2)

Speed rushers have victimized Leatherwood, which was always the fear with him coming out of Alabama. He's already conceded 18 pressures, giving him one of the highest totals in the league. He also has multiple penalties in three of four games. His run blocking is adequate, but the Chargers schematically exploited Leatherwood in pass protection in Week 4, and other teams will follow suit.

Grade: D

18. Jaelen Phillips, DE, Dolphins

Best game: vs. Colts (Week 4)
Worst game: at Patriots (Week 1)

Billed as the most polished and athletic pass-rusher in the draft, Phillips has mostly disappointed with just 0.5 sacks through four contests. Phillips had his best showing in Week 4 against the Colts, though he went against tackle Eric Fisher, who is still working his way back from an Achilles injury.

Grade: C

19. Jamin Davis, LB, Washington

Best game: vs. Giants (Week 2)
Worst game: vs. Chargers (Week 1)

Davis is effective when he sprints directly at a ball carrier. The rest of his game is a work-in-progress, which is why coach Ron Rivera has refrained from assigning him an every-down role. Washington has seen glimpses but is waiting to get a breakout game from Davis.

Grade: B-

20. Kadarius Toney, WR, Giants

Best game: at Saints (Week 4)
Worst game: at Washington (Week 2)

Toney finally came to life in Week 4, catching six balls for 78 yards in the Giants' first win of the year. He was invisible for the first three weeks, producing four receptions for 14 yards combined. New York needs to get Toney more involved, but that requires offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to be creative.

Grade: D

21. Kwity Paye, DE, Colts

Best game: vs. Seahawks (Week 1)
Worst game: vs. Rams (Week 2)

Indy drafted Paye to rejuvenate the team's pass rush, but he was mostly anonymous before going down with an injury in Week 3, registering zero sacks and two pressures. He was always expected to be somewhat of a project, and a positive is Paye has looked stout against the run when healthy.

Grade: C-

22. Caleb Farley, CB, Titans Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: N/A
Worst game: N/A

Farley, whose injury history in college hurt his draft stock, has been out of the lineup since Week 1 due to a shoulder problem. His only eight snaps of the year came in garbage time during the opener.

Grade: N/A

23. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Vikings

Best game: N/A
Worst game: N/A

The Vikings expected Darrisaw to slide into the starting lineup at left tackle, but a nagging groin injury has kept the Virginia Tech product sidelined. His lone rep came on special teams.

Grade: N/A

24. Najee Harris, RB, Steelers

Best game: at Packers (Week 4)
Worst game: at Bills (Week 1)

The Steelers fooled themselves into thinking a running back could solve their woes in the trenches when the problem all along was their offensive line. The line is worse now than it was in 2020, and Harris is averaging 3.4 yards per carry as a result. He recorded 14 receptions in Week 3, displaying the pass-catching skills that made him an intriguing prospect, but ultimately he hasn't revitalized Pittsburgh's ground attack.

Grade: C

25. Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars

Best game: N/A
Worst game: N/A

Etienne went down with a season-ending foot injury in the preseason, delaying his NFL debut until 2022. The Jaguars were experimenting with him as a wide receiver-running back hybrid.

Grade: N/A

26. Greg Newsome, CB, Browns

Best game: at Chiefs (Week 1)
Worst game: vs. Bears (Week 3)

Opposing offenses have avoided challenging Newsome, who has seen just seven balls come his way and allowed only four catches for 24 yards across three appearances as a starter. The cornerback missed Week 4 with a calf injury, but he should be a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year if he returns quickly.

Grade: A-

27. Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: N/A
Worst game: N/A

Bateman enjoyed a promising camp, but he's spent the opening part of the season on injured reserve. The Ravens are hoping he can debut in Week 5.

Grade: N/A

28. Payton Turner, DE, Saints

Best game: at Panthers (Week 2)
Worst game: at Patriots (Week 3)

Turner has acted as a situational pass-rusher behind Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, and Tanoh Kpassagnon after sitting out a portion of training camp, the preseason, and Week 1. However, he's enjoyed a solid first three games despite the missed time, recording nine pressures and one sack. The rookie's role could expand as the Saints try to stay in the NFC South race.

Grade: B-

29. Eric Stokes, CB, Packers

Best game: at 49ers (Week 3)
Worst game: vs. Steelers (Week 4)

Stokes has provided an immediate upgrade over Kevin King, quieting critics who believed the Packers reached by drafting him in the first round. He's allowed a 60.3 passer rating when targeted, a better mark than Jaire Alexander's. Stokes has had some hiccups like any rookie corner, but Green Bay couldn't have expected much more than what he's shown early.

Grade: A-

30. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Bills

Best game: at Dolphins (Week 2)
Worst game: vs. Steelers (Week 1)

Rousseau's two sacks - both of which came during a standout performance in Buffalo's Week 2 shutout of the Dolphins - are tied for the most by a Bills player. The young pass-rusher has work to do as a run defender, but his quick emergence has helped Buffalo's defense come storming out of the gate.

Grade: B

31. Odafe Oweh, DE, Ravens

Best game: vs. Chiefs (Week 2)
Worst game: at Broncos (Week 4)

Though Oweh was thought to possess tantalizing potential before the draft thanks to his otherworldly athleticism, he wasn't expected to play a major role as a rookie after failing to record a sack in his final season at Penn State. But the pass-rusher has arguably been the best rookie at his position so far this campaign, racking up two sacks, three tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits.

Grade: A-

32. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, DE, Buccaneers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Best game: at Patriots (Week 4)
Worst game: vs. Cowboys (Week 1)

Tryon-Shoyinka played limited snaps in the first two weeks before an injury to Jason Pierre-Paul thrust him into a starting role. The occasional tackling issue aside, the pass-rusher has stepped up to the plate for the Buccaneers. Tryon-Shoyinka recorded three pressures in Week 3 against the Rams and notched the first two sacks of his career in a prime-time matchup versus the Patriots.

Grade: B

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