Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon ColemanTimothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
OG Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49ers: Puni has been bouncing back and forth from being on the list to falling off it depending on his performance. The offensive tackle convert stacked three strong games together only to falter a little against the Kansas City Chiefs. He is right on the fringe of these rankings and could easily become entrenched by another strong stretch of games.
RB Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Irving needed just 45 rushing yards during Monday Night Football to surpass Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels as the rookie rushing leader. He managed just 23 at 2.6 yards per carry against the Baltimore Ravens. Instead, Rachaad White proved to be the more effective option this week.
WR Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills: Amari Cooper provided significant juice during his first appearance with the Bills. Not only did he catch for passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, but his presence also created a ripple effect throughout Buffalo’s passing game. Coleman benefited by posting 125 receiving yards. In truth, quarterback Josh Allen has been looking more and more toward the rookie over the last few weeks.
CB Beanie Bishop Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers: When a young defensive back dreams of the NFL, he can only fantasize about his first interception and which quarterback he picks. In Bishop’s case, his first two interceptions came at the expense of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. He earned his spot as the Steelers nickel corner despite being an undrafted free agent. He continues to shine despite being overlooked.
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers: In what already looks like a lost season where the Panthers basically moved on from the 2023 No. 1 overall pick a year-and-a-half after making the selection, the organization is looking for potential building blocks. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders appears to be a keeper. He set career highs in back-to-back weeks, including six catches for 61 yards Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
OG Mason McCormick, Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers invested heavily in their offensive line during April’s draft. First-rounder Troy Fautanu has played in only one game because of injury. The organization chose center Zach Frazier in the second round, and he’s excelled. McCormick joined the class as a fourth-round pick and became a starter due to injury. He already looks like a long-term solution at right guard. His play isn’t perfect, but his physicality, energy and solid pass-blocking more than make up for other shortcomings.
OC Beaux Limmer, Los Angeles Rams: Limmer is quietly improving after being thrust into the Rams’ lineup due to injuries. Even when Limmer is healthy, he could stick as the starter since he’s a natural center. The Rams had experimented with Steven Avila and Jonah Jackson playing the position previously. Both are natural guards. The sixth rounder may be exactly what the Rams need for the entire unit to eventually gel.
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