NFL Week 3: 3 Incredible Rookie Performances

With Week 3 in the books, it's time to look back at some of the exceptional performances by up-and-coming talent across the NFL. These three rookies announced themselves as potential superstars with spectacular displays in just their third games as pros.

Defensive Back Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans

No player in the league stuffed the stat sheet quite like defensive back Jalen Pitre did in Week 3. The 37th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft was everywhere for the Houston Texans, notching a sack, two tackles for loss, and two interceptions in the team's 23-20 loss to the Chicago Bears. It was an incredible effort overall for the Texans pass defense: they notched five total sacks and held Bears quarterback Justin Fields to 82 net passing yards on 22 dropbacks.

Photo Credit: © Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have had a troubling couple of weeks on offense, but a silver lining emerged for the team in Week 3. Their 2022 first-round pick Chris Olave broke out against the Carolina Panthers, hauling in nine of his 13 targets for an impressive 147 yards in a 22-14 defeat at Charlotte. Should Olave be able to stack more games like that as the season progresses, he could combine with Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry to form one of the better wide receiver trios in the league for the Saints.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars followed a spectacular 24-0 dismantling of the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 with a 38-10 blowout of the Los Angeles Chargers this past Sunday. Rookie linebacker Devin Lloyd played a huge part in Week 3's triumph, tallying seven total tackles, three passed defended, and an interception. The 27th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft has proven shockingly adept in coverage this year, even leading the league in passes defended through three weeks. If the Jaguars can continue their trend of defensive dominance, they could be a surprise contender this year in the AFC.