The ranking from my 2019 NFL Draft Big Board is listed in parenthesis.

 

Josh Allen, Jaguars DE (1)

Last week (@ HOU)

4 tackles

Season stats

6 tackles

Allen drew his second start in a row last week with Yannick Ngakoue (hamstring) out, but an overall stout defensive effort (the Jaguars held Houston to just 13 points) didn’t include any sacks from the defensive line, which was disappointing considering the matchup. Still, it’s easy to see the rookie’s potential, and Jacksonville shouldn’t be counted out in the AFC South. The Thursday Night Football win over the Titans—Allen’s best game to date—will be discussed in next week’s rookie report.

 

Christian Wilkins, Dolphins DL (3)

Last week (v NE)

3 tackles

Season stats

7 tackles

With Minkah Fitzpatrick now in Pittsburgh, the Dolphins have one less building block on the roster, but if Wilkins reaches his potential and the team hits on their draft picks over the next two years, things could get turned around defensively quicker than people might think. Also, while three of them haven’t lived up to their potential, Miami now has four first-rounders on the defensive line (Wilkins and Robert Nkemdiche on the interior; Charles Harris and Taco Charlton on the edge). We’ll see if they can stop Ezekiel Elliott in Week 3.

 

Deandre Baker, Giants CB (6)

Last week (v BUF)

3 tackles

Season stats

5 tackles

As stated last week, New York looks completely lost on the backend, and it’s been disappointing to see Baker used in heavy zone coverage after being a dominant, press-man corner at Georgia. It’s way too early to hit the panic button, though, as even Tre’Davious White (2017) and Jaire Alexander (2018) were beat in their first year, so Baker just needs to stay confident and have a short memory. He will probably face Chris Godwin this weekend with Janoris Jenkins on Mike Evans.

 

Dexter Lawrence, Giants DL (7)

Last week (v BUF)

4 tackles

Season stats

5 tackles

Lawrence saw his snap count increase to 50% against the Bills, and he helped lead the way up front for a quality effort against Frank Gore (3.6 YPC). The rookie also flashed his ability as a pass rusher by getting immediate inside pressure on Josh Allen to make him escape the pocket and run for a few yards. This week, Lawrence will need to stop Peyton Barber, who rushed 18 times for 106 yards and a touchdown last season against New York.

 

A.J. Brown, Titans WR (9)

Last week (v IND)

3 receptions, 25 yards

Season stats

6 receptions, 125 yards

He didn’t turn into a full-time player last week despite a 100-yard game in his pro debut, but Brown was in for key situations, including as the target on Tennessee’s fourth-and-two play—an incomplete pass in Colts territory—on the final possession. The numbers are going to be inconsistent in a run-first offense, but Brown looks even bigger than he did in college, and I hope the Titans eventually make him the No. 1 guy.

 

Brian Burns, Panthers OLB (10)

Last week (v TB)

3 tackles, 1.0 sack

Season stats

5 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 tackle for loss

It was an effort sack that happened because Jameis Winston held onto the ball too long, but it was good to see Burns get on the board for his first career takedown of the quarterback, and he should have many more for the Panthers over the next four or five years. Burns will look to get after Kyler Murray this week, and if the No. 1 overall pick is used more as a runner, Carolina’s first-rounder has the athleticism to spy him.

 

Daniel Jones, Giants QB (18)

Last week (v BUF)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

3/4 (75%), 17 yards /// 1 attempt, 5 yards

The Daniel Jones era will begin this weekend for the Giants, as head coach Pat Shurmur made the decision to go with the rookie over two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning following an 0-2 start. Jones obviously has big shoes to fill, but for 2019, he just needs to be himself and make plays (including as a scrambler/runner) for an offense that lacks weapons. There will be some difficult games on the schedule, but at least September will finish with some beatable secondaries (Tampa Bay and Washington).

 

Justin Layne, Steelers CB (19)

Last week (v SEA)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

No statistics recorded

I thought Layne may have been active last week, but he remains a healthy scratch for the 0-2 Steelers. However, not being on the gameday roster may have to do with his lack of special teams value more than anything else, and the Steelers should have plenty of upside if/when Layne eventually has a role alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joe Haden, Terrell Edmunds, and Mike Hilton.

 

Jaquan Johnson, Bills S (23)

Last week (@ NYG)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

No statistics recorded

Johnson was also a healthy scratch again last week, but with Taron Johnson (hamstring) looking doubtful for this week, he could be active for the first time as Buffalo looks to improve to 3-0.

 

Chase Winovich, Patriots DE (32)

Last week (@ MIA)

2 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss

Season stats

3 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss

Winovich has made an instant impact for New England to begin his career, and he may be a legitimate candidate to record double-digit sacks as a rookie because of how much the Patriots will be leading (and in turn, getting after the passer). After his first career sack in Week 2, the good times should keep rolling on Sunday against Luke Falk and the Jets.