Top rookie performers from NFL Week 9

We're nearly halfway through the 2026 NFL season, and we're starting to notice some top rookies going from first-year players to legitimate NFL stars. Let's break down the three best rookie performances we saw in Week 9.

New York Giants LB Arvell Reese

Reese has been a menace for the Giants all season, but his true breakout came in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles. In just his eighth NFL start, Reese recorded a season-high 10 solo tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble. The explosive linebacker made the play of the game in the second quarter when he blitzed off the right tackle and decked Joe Milton, causing a fumble and a turnover. 

Thanks to his monster performance against Philadelphia, Reese is now a -135 favorite to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award (FanDuel). The Ohio State product has 49 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks this year. He continues to showcase his abilities as a pass-rusher, run-stopper and coverage linebacker.

Cleveland Browns WRs Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion

We're grouping Cleveland's rookie wide receivers for this one because they both deserve some shine after Week 9. Boston and Concepcion combined for 10 catches, 183 yards and a touchdown in the Browns' 23-22 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Boston made an unbelievable catch deep down the field in the third quarter, and Concepcion made a game-changing play with his 64-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to give the Browns their first lead. Cleveland is in good hands with these two for at least the next few years.

New York Jets EDGE David Bailey

We're getting tired of typing Bailey's name in this column. We'd love to highlight more players, but Bailey keeps putting in dominant performances we can't ignore.