NFL preseason Week 1 grades for first-ro

[seestyle]

What kind Randall Cunningham Jersey of analyst would I be if I didn't grade first-round rookies after their first preseason game? A disappointing one. And I'm not here to disappoint but to give you, the reader, what you want. Now, of course, don't read into these scores too much. We are only one exhibition outing into these players' profe sional careers -- or in the case of the and , two contests in.But now that there's legitimate film to watch, grades are to be handed out, meaningle s game or not.These are preseason grades for first-round rookies. Before I begin, if a rookie isn't listed, it's either because he did not play in his respective team's opening game or, due to a variety of reasons, wasn't able to make much of an impact at all, bad or good.1. , EDGE/DL, JaguarsGrade: A- JAC LB #44 Most of Walker's rushes have been stymied immediately, but he's been a sturdy edge-setter against the run, forced a fumble against the when he crashed down from the backside, and drew a holding call on Cleveland's starting left tackle . His sack in the Hall of Fame game was more due to attempting to scramble right past him than an individual win from Walker. He had another hit on Stidham on an outside speed rush that was more impre sive. Altogether, for a raw but freaky athletic specimen, the Jaguars should be decently happy with the early returns on Walker to date this preseason. 2. , EDGE, Grade: B DET DE #97 Hutchinson had two tackles on 10 snaps in his preseason debut for the Lions, one being a tackle for lo s. No pre sures though. Hopefully we get to see a little more of the No. 2 overall pick before the regular season kicks off.5. , EDGE, Grade: B NYG LB #5 Thibodeaux wasn't credited with an official pre sure in the preseason opener against the but was damn close on a few occasions. His first snap was a push-pull on New England's right tackle that brought the blocker to the turf. Thibodeaux didn't erupt out of the gates but hardly looked out of place against profe sional talent.6. , OT, Grade: A- CAR OT #79 Primarily squaring off against and -- two super-long, athletic rushers -- Ekwonu was stout at the point of attack, winning all but one of Patrick Johnson Jersey his reps in pa s protection. He got up and under those defenders in the run game on most occasions, too. Solid start for the first offensive tackle off the board. 7. , OT, GiantsGrade: C+ NYG OT #73 Neal's debut could've gone better. Depth rusher got the best of him with a variety of moves in a few one-on-one matchups. The former Alabama star was caught off balance on those reps. For the run and screen game, Neal was spry and under control, executing what appeared to be his a signment.9. , OT, Grade: A- SEA OT #67 The silky-smooth pa s sets that made Cro s a top-10 selection were on Brandon Brooks Jersey full display against the over the weekend. Sure, he didn't see screaming around the corner, but he was sudden and powerful in his snaps mostly against Derrek Tuszka, not allowing a pre sure, although a few were close.10. , WR, Grade: B+ NYJ WR #17 TAR0REC2REC YDs25REC TD0FL0 Wilson was urgent in beating pre s and generating separation relatively early in his routes in the preseason opener against the . He caught two pa ses for 25 yards. Nothing concerning about his debut. 13. , DT, EaglesGrade: C PHI DT #90 Davis played how I expected him to -- flashed a bit against the run, pushing back the Jets center on one play and swimming past him on another, but was a non-factor as a pa s rusher. I will say, though, his size alone does draw plenty of attention on the inside of the opposition's offensive line.14. , S, Grade: C+ BAL SAF #14 I'll start with the bad -- Hamilton mi sed three diving tackle attempts against the . Otherwise, he showcased dynamic deep coverage ability, often erasing throwing lanes as they were materializing due to his fluid footwork at his intimidating size. If the diving attempts morph into clean, under-control closeouts, Hamilton will be fine. Pick Six Newsletter Crafted By The Best NFL Experts Get the day's big stories + fun stuff you love like mock drafts, picks and power rankings. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. By pre sing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the . Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error proce sing your subscription. 17. , OG, Grade: A- LAC OG #77 Out of the gate, Johnson looked like a seasoned vet, mostly because the Chargers were running frequently, and Johnson Reggie White Jersey 's awesomely low center of gravity and natural power are often put on full display to pave lanes for the ground game. His anchor was sturdy in pa s pro except for one overzealous whiff late in the first quarter and a bull rush that started to overwhelm him late in the play. Overall, a positive start for the rookie right guard. 19. , OT, Grade: D+ NO OT #70 In the preseason opener against the , Penning got hit with the harsh reality that he's not blocking against FCS outside rushers anymore. He surrendered five pre sures on just 27 pa s-blocking snaps and mostly looked out of sorts against any type of defender utilizing any type of rush. Consolation: he moved people in the run game.20. , QB, SteelersGrade: B PIT QB #8 CMP%86.7YDs95TD2INT0YD/Att6.33 I saw a tweet that the Steelers turned their offense into the 2021 offense once Pickett entered the contest, and upon watching the film, that's e sentially true. From half-rolls with first reads in the flat, to quick check downs, to wide receiver screens, the Steelers didn't ask their first-round pick to do much in his preseason debut. That doesn't mean it was a flop of a performance from the rookie. He was decisive and Jason Croom Jersey accurate with the ball and did connect on one impre sive intermediate throw near the sideline early in the fourth quarter.23. , CB, Grade: B- BUF CB #24 It was a clean debut in Orchard Park for the rookie corner, beyond a pa s interference when he got caught peeking into the backfield on a pa s play. Other than that, Elam's coverage was sticky, and he had a pa s breakup. For a mostly man corner playing in a zone-heavy scheme, Elam was smooth but unspectacular. 24. , OG, Grade: A- DAL OT #73 After extensively watching Tulsa fi