Travis Hunter finally gets his breakout game: The No. 2 overall pick reeled in a team-leading eight receptions while recording the first 100-yard day and touchdown of his career.
Mason Graham takes advantage of a struggling Dolphins defense: He earned five positive grades in run defense as the Dolphins struggled to contain his lateral quickness. He also recorded a pressure and batted a pass down for an incompletion.
Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
Several first-round rookies continue to make their impact, particularly for potential postseason contenders. As such, we continue to track their progress, PFF grades and principal opponents each week throughout the season.
Pick No. 1: Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward
Overall Rookie Grade: 56.1 (Rank: 2/3)
Principal Opponent: N/A
Week 7 Snaps: 53
Week 7 Grade: 60.8
Ward got off to a hot start against the Patriots, making two big-time throws in the first quarter, including a gorgeous deep touchdown to fellow rookie Chimere Dike. Unfortunately, his final three quarters of action featured an inaccurate pass that led to an interception and an unforced fumble that led to a Patriots touchdown. Ward’s inconsistent performance is representative of the Titans’ overall offensive output this season.
Pick No. 2: Jacksonville Jaguars: WR/CB Travis Hunter
Overall Rookie Grade (Offense): 62.2 (Rank: 7/10)
Principal Opponent (Offense): Quentin Lake
Week 7 Offense Snaps: 67
Week 7 Offense Grade: 72.7
Overall Rookie Grade (Defense): 73.2 (Rank: 2/13)
Principal Opponent (Defense): Davante Adams
Week 7 Defense Snaps: 14
Week 7 Defense Grade: 82.6
Hunter caught fire at wide receiver in the second half of Jacksonville’s blowout loss to the Rams in London. He reeled in a team-leading eight receptions while recording the first 100-yard day and touchdown of his career. Three of those eight catches came on passes thrown at least 10 yards downfield, which hopefully portends further vertical usage. Hunter was targeted once in his sparse action at cornerback and broke up a deep pass headed toward Davante Adams.