Top 10 rookies of preseason Week 2

Here’s a look at our top 10 graded rookies from Week 2 of the preseason. Keep in mind that these grades don’t take into account what level of competition each player faced – but they do provide us with a very good idea of which rookies stood out in the preseason’s second week.

1. Nick Easton, C, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens center was a dominant run-blocker with a +4.3 grade, and was solid overall with a +3.9 overall mark in his 73 snaps.

2. Trevor Roach, ILB, Cincinnati Bengals

Roach made the most of his 19 snaps with four tackles and a +3.9 overall mark. His four run stops came on only 15 run snaps.

3. Ladarius Gunter, CB, Green Bay Packers

His +3.8 overall grade led all corners this week.  He was thrown at four times and broke up three passes. The only completion he allowed only went for six yards.

4. Kaleb Johnson, G, Baltimore Ravens

Johnson was equally effective in the running game and the passing game (zero pressures allowed). His +3.6 overall mark was a result of a +1.7 effort in the run game and +1.7 in the passing game.

5. Leonard Williams, 3-4 DE, New York Jets

His +3.4 overall mark came on the strength of two sacks, a hit, and four run stops.  His three quarterback pressures came on only eight rush snaps.

6. Paul Dawson, 4-3 OLB, Cincinnati Bengals

Dawson put his run-stopping skills on display with four stops and five tackles in only 17 total snaps. His +3.4 grade led all rookie outside linebackers.

7. Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB, New Orleans Saints

The Saints’ defense received a boost from Kikaha both rushing the passer and in the run game. His +3.3 grade included a +2.0 mark rushing the passer. He totaled one hit and two hurries to go with four tackles and three stops in the run game.

8. Shane Ray, 3-4 OLB, Denver Broncos

Ray’s +3.2 overall grade was very well balanced, with a +1.8 mark rushing the passer (3 hurries, 1 sack, and 1 batted pass) and a +1.8 mark against the run.

9. David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals could use a boost at running back, and Johnson provided just that in Week 2. He totaled 63 yards on 12 carries, forced nine missed tackles, and finished at +3.1 overall.

10. Vic Beasley, DE, Atlanta Falcons

Beasley needed only 19 snaps to do some serious damage. He racked up a hurry, a hit, and a batted pass and to finish at +2.3 overall.