NFL Reveals Rookies of the Month

The NFL announced its Rookies of the Month for September Thursday morning, and they feature a pair of first-round picks who have quickly delivered in the pros.
On offense, wide receiver Chris Olave wins for his 268 receiving yards, the most among all rookies through three weeks. Olave's role in the Saints offense has expanded in every week of the season so far; the wide receiver tallied 41 yards in Week 1 and 80 yards in Week 2 before exploding for 147 yards in Week 3. Unfortunately, as Olave's targets have increased, the offense has regressed. After a spectacular 27-26 comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, the Saints scored 10 points in defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 14 points in an upset loss to the previously winless Carolina Panthers. Still, if Olave continues to develop, and if fellow wide receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry can stay healthy, the Saints have the makings of a deadly trio of pass catchers.

Photo Credit: © Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
On defense, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd takes the honors for his contributions to a defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest points in the league this season. Lloyd has quickly proven himself the rare young linebacker who excels in pass coverage, nabbing two interceptions and a league-leading six passes defended to go along with his 24 total tackles in three games. The analytics community looks favorably on Lloyd as well; the linebacker sports a strong 78.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Coming off consecutive dominant wins against the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers, the Jaguars' standing in the league should improve as Lloyd's star continues to rise.
 
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