The Week 7 NFL Rookie Report Card is back with a heavy heart, as one of the list’s favorite names will miss the rest of the season. However, a new name makes their presence felt in a big way in his first start at left tackle. As one door closes, another opens, as they say.
We also saw a highly regarded draft pick flash for the first time in weeks after being given a different role on the team. Some surprising names are making significant impacts on their teams. The Seattle Seahawks draft looks like a gem, and the New York Jets rookies are helping them look like contenders.
NFL Rookie Report Cards
Remember, there are no half-measures here. We do not cheat with pluses and minuses –complete letter grades only.
Jets CB Sauce Gardner: A
It’s becoming difficult to come up with new things to say about Sauce Gardner. He’s been outstanding as a rookie. If Gardner remains on this pace, he will be well-established as a top-10 cornerback in the entire league. The NFL moves quickly. Some would have considered J.C. Jackson the best cornerback in the NFL just seven weeks ago.
There’s no time to dilly-dally with the narrative here. If Gardner continues to virtually shut down an entire side of the field with his mental prowess and extraordinary length, he’ll be in the same conversation as the top cover guys. In Week 7, he allowed four catches on 10 targets for just 16 yards. He also broke up three passes and made nine solo tackles.
Patriots QB Bailey Zappe: D
Bailey Zappe probably should have started against the Chicago Bears. The “ZAPPE, ZAPPE, ZAPPE” chants from the crowd started early and lasted until Bill Belichick benched Mac Jones after a bad interception.
Zappe came out of the gates hot. New England scored touchdowns on two straight possessions, but it was all downhill from there. The two Patriots possessions in the third quarter were three-and-outs, and the next two resulted in Zappe interceptions.
I wanted to see Zappe in a negative script, and I got to see it. It’ll be interesting to see what direction Belichick goes as the starter against the Jets next week.
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III: A
Kenneth Walker III has amassed 353 yards over the past three games and is averaging 6.8 yards per carry in that time. While 143 of those yards have come on just two carries, Walker has an undeniable knack for creating explosive plays in the run game. His eight 15-plus-yard rushes rank him tied for third, behind just Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley.
MORE: Kenneth Walker III Is the Week 7 Breakthrough Player of the Week
Walker gained 168 yards on 23 carries against the Chargers and scored two touchdowns along the way. His vision running zone is outstanding, and his 5-foot-9, 215-pound frame makes him difficult to bring down on first contact.
Jets RB Breece Hall: F
Breece Hall receives a failing grade because of the season-ending ACL injury. Hall seemed poised to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. On Sunday, he scored the Jets one touchdown, a 62-yard scamper down the left sideline.
I’m gonna miss watching Hall. He was such a loose and natural runner, and he fit incredibly well in Mike LaFleur’s offense. Hopefully, Hall can get back on track and be 100% by the start of next season.
Packers OT Zach Tom: B
Zach Tom’s versatility was his calling card coming out of Wake Forest. He’d started double-digit games at center and left tackle in his career there. He’s now played 30 snaps at left guard and 54 at left tackle early in his NFL career.
Tom got the start at LT and didn’t allow a single pressure in Green Bay’s 23-21 loss to the Washington Commanders. Tom isn’t necessarily a people mover in the run game, but his most important role is to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside, which he did admirably.
Rapid-Fire Week 7 NFL Rookie Report Card Grades
It’s time for some quick hitters.
Cowboys OT Tyler Smith: C
Tyler Smith has been a road grader in the run game, and that persists. However, he struggled a few times against Detroit in pass protection, with one play leading directly to a missed touchdown opportunity.
Patriots CB Jack Jones: A
The Patriots cycle through cornerbacks like I recycle Nespresso pods, yet always seem to stumble on a stud. Jones has been that so far for the Patriots as a rookie.
Cowboys DE Sam Williams: A
The Micah Parsons doppelganger had himself a Parsons-like day on the stat sheet against Detroit. He finished with two sacks, three stops, and a forced fumble that practically sealed Detroit’s fate.
Bears OT Braxton Jones: B
The Bears’ offensive line has collectively had a rough go of things in 2022, but Jones and the rest of that unit stepped up in a big way against the Patriots on Monday Night Football. Jones allowed two pressures but no sacks in the game.
Falcons WR Drake London: F
It boggles my mind how Drake London and Kyle Pitts can combine for just five targets and under 20 combined receiving yards against Cincinnati in a game they’re trying to climb out of a big hole in. London caught his only target in the Falcons’ loss.