
It's time for our weekly rookie check-in, and we have four new names to highlight after NFL Week 4. Let's check out the best rookie performances from Sunday's slate.
The Minnesota Vikings failed to score a single touchdown in Week 4, and Rodriguez was a big reason why. The Texas Tech product recorded a whopping 18 total tackles for the Dolphins, giving him 46 on the young season. Denver Broncos LB Alex Singleton (47) is the only player in the NFL with more total tackles than Rodriguez through four weeks.
As of this writing, Rodriguez is the +200 favorite (DraftKings) to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Welcome to the Tate coming-out party. Drinks and snacks are in the back. Make yourself comfortable.
After recording a combined 13 catches for 123 yards in the first three games of his career, Tate exploded for 145 receiving yards on nine catches against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. He worked himself open with shifty route running, secured tough catches in traffic and made plays with the ball in his hands all day.
Cam Ward and Carnell Tate make some magic happen on 4th down! TENvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+ Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/ewObA7nlFj
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2026
If Cam Ward can get Tate the ball more consistently, we should see more of these performances going forward.
Let's go from Tate right to his college teammate. They sure do know how to develop talent in Columbus, huh?
Reese is doing it all for the Giants this year, and he just had his best performance of the season against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. The Ohio State product finished the game with nine total tackles, one tackle for loss, three passes defended and an interception.
Reese's ability to rotate between linebacker and EDGE is uber impressive for his age. Wherever the rookie lines up on the field, he's finding ways to make an impact.
Bell woke up on Sunday morning and learned he was going to start at right tackle with Lane Johnson ruled out late for personal reasons. That's not an easy situation for a third-round rookie, but he performed admirably in his first NFL start.
The Los Angeles Rams attacked Bell with stunts and blitzes all game, and he held up for the most part. The Miami product made some mistakes in pass protection, but that should've been expected for a raw talent being thrown into the fire.
Bell has a bright future in Philadelphia if he continues to develop.
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