The 2023 NFL season is racing to its conclusion, with just four weeks to go, and has seen several under the radar draft prospects turn in impressive rookie seasons.
Whether it is immediately gaining a quarterback's trust, rising up a depth chart thanks to key injuries and playing like an instant-star, or simply exceeding pre-draft expectations, several teams have benefited from strong performances from less heralded rookies.
Here's a look at the 10 most impressive rookie surprises of the 2023 NFL season.
1. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams hoped that Puka Nacua could be Cooper Kupp's eventual heir apparent, and found out almost immediately this season that the former University of Washington standout is already a star. Not only did Nacua surpass 119 receiving yards in three of his first four games, but the fifth-round pick has a very real chance of setting the single-season record for receiving yards by a rookie. With four weeks remaining, Nacua has caught 82 passes for 1,113 yards and four touchdowns, is just 360 yards shy from Bill Groman's mark, set in 1960.
2. De'Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane has had one of the more explosive rookie seasons of any NFL running back, that still has an element of wondering what might have been. Achane rushed for 203 yards in his second NFL appearance and has surpassed 100 rushing yards three times, all while in a bit of a timeshare situation with veteran Raheem Mostert. However, Achane missed four games due to a knee injury that seems to have limited since returning. The dynamic Dolphins' back has rushed for 581 yards and seven touchdowns through his first seven games.
3. Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
It didn't take Tank Dell long to become one of fellow rookie C.J. Stroud's favorite targets. Dell quickly developed into a versatile and game-altering weapon from the slot, where he caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns through the first 10 games, before fracturing his fibula, which ended his season. Even though Dell's rookie campaign is over, the fact that Stroud had a 115.2 passer rating on his 74 targets, offers plenty of optimism for the future for this young duo in Houston.
4. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
As the season has gone along, Joey Porter Jr. continues to ascend as a favorite to win Defensive Rookie of The Year, and has quickly developed into a stalwart on the back end of the Steelers' defense. Porter is playing like a true lockdown cornerback, allowing just 6.3 yards per target while holding opposing quarterbacks to a meager 61.8 passer rating, according to Pro Football Focus. Pittsburgh seems to have found a building block from this year's draft.
5. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
A physically imposing ballhawk, Witherspoon has stepped in and become an immediate difference-maker in the Seahawks' secondary. Witherspoon has intercepted three passes, with 65 total tackles. So far this season, quarterbacks are only completing 55 percent of passes thrown Witherspoon's away, underscoring his dominance. As the Seahawks continue building a young roster they hope can ultimately challenge the San Francisco 49ers in coming years, Witherspoon seems to be a keystone.
6. Tommy DeVito, QB, New York Giants
The ultimate Jersey Cinderella Story is playing out in East Rutherford, as third-string rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito is executing the Giants' offense to near perfection right now. In his four starts, DeVito has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 681 yards with seven touchdowns to just one interception, while leading the Giants to a 2-2 record in those contests. If nothing else, the former undrafted free agent has been a steadying force for the Giants, and his future might even be more substantial than that, if his strong play continues.
7. Ji'Ayir Brown, S, San Francisco 49ers
When Talanoa Hufanga was injured, Ji'Ayir Brown stepped in, and the San Francisco 49ers' secondary hasn't skipped a beat. Rather, the former Penn State star appears to be one of the biggest bargains from April's draft, based on his strong early play. Brown's overall grade from Pro Football Focus this season is an elite 86.9, his run-defense great an even more impressive 89.1, and far from a liability in coverage, Brown already has two interceptions and quarterbacks have a 47.2 passer rating when targeting him. It's early, but Brown looks plenty capable of becoming the next in a long line of historically elite 49ers safeties.
8. Brandon Aubrey, K, Dallas Cowboys
Brandon Aubrey's winding road from college soccer sensation, to software engineer turned professional kicker in the USFL was wild enough. His storybook rookie season for the Cowboys could fill a Hollywood script. Aubrey has become a real weapon for Dallas, starting 30-for-30 on field goal tries, including hitting three kicks beyond 50 yards against the Eagles. Kicker doesn't seem to be a concern for the Cowboys, any longer.
9. Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
Tuli Tuipulotu has proven as a rookie that he belongs alongside Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The second-round pick has produced four sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, so far this season. Tuipulotu had one of the strongest performances of the season, posting 10 quarterback pressures against the Minnesota Vikings.
10. Dawand Jones, OT, Cleveland Browns
After sliding all the way into the fourth round of last spring's draft, Dawand Jones has rapidly become a high-end starting caliber offensive tackle for the Browns. Jones stepped into the starting lineup in Week 2, allowing just three sacks in his maiden NFL voyage. Unfortunately for Jones and the Browns, the Ohio State product's season comes to an end, after suffering a knee injury that will require surgery.
