It seems to be the year of the rookie, with so many making their debut in Week 1 of the NFL. Quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson started for the teams that selected them in the top four of the 2023 NFL Draft.
At running back, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs were two players to watch. Wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Zay Flowers along with safety Ji'Ayir Brown and cornerback Christian Gonzalez were other rookies who impressed in preseason and looked to continue to progress as the regular season begins.
There are a lot of rookies to keep up with, so here's a look at the ones who made the biggest splash in Week 1.
Stroud's highly anticipated first attempt ended up being rather unique. His pass was batted down and he ended up catching his own toss. While it was not a reception for a first down or a significant play, it could have been a lot worse if Stroud was not there to catch his own pass.
CJ STROUD’S FIRST COMPLETION IS TO HIMSELF! pic.twitter.com/1SB4bppjxj
— Mr Matthew CFB (@TheMrMatthewCFB) September 10, 2023
Jalen Carter was selected by the Eagles with the No. 9 pick and is making quarterback Mac Jones' day difficult.
NFL teams let Jalen Carter fall to the Eagles pic.twitter.com/hv1DnSTgRP
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) September 10, 2023
Packers' first-round pick Lukas Van Ness recorded his first career sack against quarterback Justin Fields on second-and-goal. The sack helped prevent a touchdown and forced the Bears to kick a field goal.
Lukas Van Ness, Packers’ first round draft pick, with a sack on Justin Fields. pic.twitter.com/jWhRDskm3B
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) September 10, 2023
Bijan Robinson can cross "score a touchdown in the NFL" off his checklist.
Welcome to the @NFL, @Bijan5Robinson!
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 10, 2023
📺: FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/yHKxx8fed4
Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs was breaking tackles during his NFL debut.
#Lions rookie Jahmyr Gibbs had 6 broken tackles rushing the football per PFF on just 7 carries for a yards after contact average of 4.86 yards 👀
— Logan Lamorandier (@LLamorandier) September 8, 2023
For reference, Swift had a total of 24 forced missed tackles and Williams had 30 all of last season. pic.twitter.com/YScw07EcJw
Here is a look at his carries in Thursday's big win:
Every touch #Lions Jahmyr Gibbs got in his NFL debut: pic.twitter.com/fKdzH6zHrw
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) September 8, 2023
Zay Flowers had nine receptions for 78 yards along with two carries for 9 yards and is not easy to catch.
Zay Flowers is SHIFTY. Filthy work here. pic.twitter.com/PU2indhMfM
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 10, 2023
The Patriots may not have won, but they did see some solid moments from cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The first-year player got his first ever sack in the NFL, taking down defending NFC Champion quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Gonzo off the edge!@chrisgonzo28 | #ForeverNE
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 10, 2023
📺: #PHIvsNE on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/mwH7JtaJYM
Luke Musgrave was right where Jordan Love needed him to be, right when he needed it, to save a play that could've easily gone bad for the Packers.
Jordan Love fumbles the snap and passes to a wide open Luke Musgrave.#NFL #NFLNews #PackersvsBears pic.twitter.com/RHJyY3vZOX
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) September 10, 2023