IDP Rookie Review: Week Eight

Dwight Peebles

The Defensive Rookie of the Year is basically locked up unless an injury bites the youngest Bosa brother, plus several linebackers returned to the field after a bye, bolstering the rookie IDP week eight  Outlook. There are still a few highly-touted players who haven’t realized their full potential and the class as a whole has been much quieter than I expected.

Defensive Linemen

Nick Bosa, DE SF

41 (60%) snaps 4 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception

Against the Panthers, Bosa formally tossed his name in the ring for Defensive Player of the Year and likely locked up the rookie award. He tallied three sacks and had an amazing interception which he nearly returned for a touchdown. Bosa is seeing single lineman attempting to block him due to the defensive line in San Francisco being so strong and is proving he is nearly unblockable one-on-one consistently.

Quinnen Williams, DT NYJ

45 (61%) snaps 2 solo tackle, 1 assist. ½ sack

The third overall pick finally made it to the quarterback in week eight but he will need a lot more return on the investment to justify his draft spot. I am one of the biggest believers in Williams and believe it’s only a matter of time. With the trade of Leonard Williams on Monday, it leaves the interior of the Jets’ line with only Quinnen as the anchor and hopefully, the production follows.

Ed Oliver, DT BUF

37 (51%) snaps 3 solo tackle, 2 assist

The big tackle from the University of Houston had a solid showing versus Philadelphia, showcasing what I expect to be more of his floor game in the future – a tackle who can create pressure and still chip in a few tackles to aid in his IDP scoring when the sacks aren’t there. Oliver has a great matchup in week nine versus Washington and I expect another strong showing, indicative of his bright future in the league.

Josh Allen, DE JAX

26 (45%) snaps 2 solo tackles, 2 sacks

Allen is also making a push for DROY. He brought his yearly tally to seven sacks after dropping Sam Darnold twice in week eight. He had three quarterback hits total and his pass rush presence was felt in the limited time he spent on the field. The Jaguars have to feel good about their defense and will likely Yannick Ngakoue leave due to the emergence of the rookie. Allen should see more playing time and be more than a pass rusher at some point as well.

Linebackers

Devin Bush, LB PIT

60 (100%) snaps 6 solo tackles, 1 assist

Miami came to town and Bush had a quieter day but still produced a solid stat line. He wasn’t all over the field but didn’t need to be, the Steelers had the game well in hand after Miami started quick. Bush is a fun player to watch – coming from a Michigan State fan with a special place in me reserved the former Wolverine, it’s tough to admit – he is going to be a fixture in the Steel City for a very long time.

Blake Cashman, LB NYJ

72 (97%) snaps 4 solo tackles, 2 assists

Week eight in Jacksonville brought another solid game for the Jets’ inside linebacker, but he was bitten by the injury bug which is decimating the New York linebacker corps. Cashman will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum, presenting a buy-low opportunity – get this talented young linebacker. He has a bright future in New York alongside C.J. Mosley.

Devin White, LB TBB

50 (85%) snaps 4 solo tackles, 2 assists

White had another week to heal from his early-season injury. The talented rookie raked in six total tackles versus the Titans in week eight, showcasing what will likely be the floor but also not flashing what many think the LSU product is capable of. White is a three-down linebacker and has the opportunity to be the unquestioned leader in Tampa Bay and a linebacker who puts up the stats of a true LB1. I am waiting for a big arrival type of game, a game in which he puts up a dozen tackles and forces a turnover, the game we expect from a linebacker with his draft pedigree and situation.

Cole Holcomb, LB WAS

49 (68%) snaps 3 solo tackles. 3 assists, 1 forced fumble

Holcomb’s playing time had been slowing declining but in week eight, it took a jump back up to nearly 70% and once again. He was a serviceable starting option if you had to start him. Six total tackles and a forced fumble is a solid LB2 line but he still shows his limitations – he has good instincts and a nose for the ball but has limited range and is a liability on passing downs.

Defensive Backs

Taylor Rapp, S LAR

80 (100%) snaps 9 solo tackles, 3 assists

Against the hapless Bengals, Rapp had himself a good game, making plays all over the field and reigning in 12 total tackles. He is learning from one of the best at the position, Eric Weddle, and the future is bright for the former Washington Huskie. Rapp and John Johnson III give the Rams a duo who will be around the league for a long time and two versatile young safeties.

Juan Thornhill, S KC

66 (99%) snaps 3 solo tackles, 2 assists

Thornhill played nearly all the defensive snaps versus Green Bay in week eight but still only mustered five total tackles. He profiled as a strong safety coming out of college and landed in a great situation. The playing time has been there all season but production has been sparse. Thornhill is a DB3/4 spot start at this point, a player to hold for the future though.

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