Experience is the best teacher, especially in the NFL.
Repetition makes anyone improve at their position, and the lessons learned will help make a better judgment in every snap.
However, some rookies don’t need much seasoning to dish out what they can bring to the table.
They let their raw talent shine in dominating the opponent.
The rookies on this list deserve credit for playing like battle-hardened warriors.
For them, being new in the pros does not hinder their success
Instead, these young NFL players let their game do the talking.
It just so happened that they’re all on defense.
3. Gregory Rousseau
Gregory Rousseau felt at home against the Miami Dolphins because he played for the University of Miami Hurricanes before jumping to the pros.
He was a significant factor in the Buffalo Bills’ 35-0 domination of their division rivals.
Rousseau constantly got through the Dolphins offensive line regularly, and his success bothered Tua Tagovailoa.
Gregory Rosseau to #Bills at no. 30 pic.twitter.com/egEpbOLPyd
— Real Take: No Holds Barred Sports (@RealTakeNHB) April 30, 2021
Eventually, his efforts may have led to Tagovailoa’s abrupt departure from the game.
He finished with five tackles and two sacks, but his impact was way more than the numbers reflect.
Sitting out the 2020 season at Miami due to COVID-19 made this performance more impressive.
This coming out party from Rousseau makes the Bills defensive unit as scary as their offense.
2. Micah Parsons
Yes, you’ve read that right.
Micah Parsons took over from DeMarcus Lawrence at defensive end in their game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
He had much left to learn after his NFL debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, it looked like he was comfortable playing as a pass rusher.
Parsons kept on dialing up the pass rush to maintain the pressure on Justin Herbert.
That’s Micah Parsons’ first NFL sack, folks! 💪 pic.twitter.com/weFhVZdONl
— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 19, 2021
He eventually sacked the Chargers starting quarterback and added four hits on the former Oregon play-caller.
Even if he only had two tackles, keeping himself within striking distance of Herbert all game long allowed the Dallas Cowboys to score their first victory this year.
With defensive coordinator Dan Quinn seeing what Parsons can do, perhaps he will retain the former Penn State stalwart at the defensive line.
1. Patrick Surtain II
It’s like father like son for the Surtains.
Patrick Surtain II must have been getting great tips from his father when he was still young.
However, the former Alabama defensive back is starting to make a name for himself even if he’s carrying his father’s namesake.
Then and now, the younger Surtain is a menacing shut-down corner who can paralyze one part of the field.
He and Justin Simmons are major factors in Denver’s undefeated streak after two games.
Patrick Surtain II with his first NFL interception pic.twitter.com/9hoWtlGTVr
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) September 19, 2021
Furthermore, their ability to cover the receivers and track the ball enabled the Broncos to limit their opponents to 13 points per game.
Surtain II had four tackles, one interception, and a pass deflection in their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Opposing quarterbacks now know what he can do on the field, and they will not dare attempt a pass in his direction.
He and the Broncos will try to extend their winning ways in Week 3 against the New York Jets.
Zach Wilson is in trouble if Surtain II keeps his production up.
NEXT: Vikings Fans Continue To Be Tortured With Another Brutal Loss