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Darrisaw among PFF’s highest-graded rookies since Week 12

Christian Darrisaw’s NFL debut was delayed by injury, but he’s thus far shown why Minnesota grabbed him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Analytics site Pro Football Focus ranked the highest-graded rookies since Week 12, and Darrisaw came in at No. 5 on the list with an overall grade of 82.9. Ahead of him from 1-4, respectively, was Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (88.9), Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell (85.9), Cowboys LB Micah Parsons (84.7) and Chiefs C Creed Humphrey (83.8).

PFF’s Michael Renner wrote the following:

Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell jumps off the page with the second-highest PFF grade over the last five weeks. Since Week 12, he’s allowed only 12 receptions on 23 targets for 101 yards, recording two picks and three pass breakups in the process. That stretch of play is already more impressive than anything former top-10 pick C.J. Henderson offered last season.

On the flip side of the ball, Christian Darrisaw has planted his flag firmly as a legit starter at left tackle for the Vikings. Since Week 12, he’s allowed only four pressures on 101 pass-blocking snaps — much-needed competency for an offensive line that’s been a problem in recent years.

The final player who deserves some love for turning things around is linebacker Nick Bolton, who has fueled the Chiefs’ nearly improbable turnaround from defensive doormat to dominant outfit. You won’t find many linebackers quicker to diagnose than Bolton. While that showed in the run game early on, it’s been evident in coverage down the stretch, as well. He’s allowed only seven of nine targets to be completed for 45 yards, with two pass breakups in his last four games.