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Two Bolts Make PFWA All-Rookie Team

Originally posted on FanNation Charger Report
By Eva Geitheim | Last updated 1/25/24

While your Los Angeles Chargers had a far from ideal 2023 season, two of their rookies stood out enough to make the Professional Football Writer's Association's (PFWA) All-Rookie Team.

The Bolts may not have had the best rookie class -- and are still waiting to see more from first-round pick Quentin Johnston -- but they are one of a handful of teams to have multiple rookies selected to this team.

Both outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu and punt returner Derius Davis were the Chargers named to the All-Rookie team, via Greg Auman of Fox Sports.

The @PFWAwriters All-Rookie team is out, and Falcons RB Bijan Robinson is the only NFC South player honored. pic.twitter.com/mJVYZp8TPh
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 23, 2024

Tuipulotu was one of the bright spots for the Chargers on defense, helping add another pass rusher to the team. He started 11 games while recording 53 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles during his rookie year. Prior to his rookie season, Tuipulotu was a second-round draft pick who played college football at USC, where he was a Unanimous All-American and the Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Chargers wide receiver and punt returner Derius Davis also made the team. While the 5-foot-8 receiver had limited contributions on offense, he made a difference as a returner. During his rookie campaign, Davis returned 24 punts for 384 yards and one return touchdown. He also returned 17 kickoffs for 374 yards, with a long of a 46 yard return. On top of making the All-Rookie team, Davis was named a second-team All-Pro for his rookie season.

The fourth-round pick was known for his special teams work coming out college. The former TCU Horned Frog was the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year in 2022 and a former winner of the Jet Award, which goes to the top return specialist in college football.

This article first appeared on FanNation Charger Report and was syndicated with permission.

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