https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-the-biggest-surprises-of-the-nfl-season-so-far
AUSTIN BLYTHE, G, LOS ANGELES RAMS
Overall grade: 76.9
At the moment, the Los Angeles Rams arguably possess one of the best offensive lines in the entire NFL, and the rise of Austin Blythe is a big reason why. Ranking every offensive lineman across the league by grade, Blythe was second with an 83.2 overall grade going into Week 4. The third-year lineman has improved every season since entering the league, and his Week 3 pass blocking grade of 88.2 against the Chargers was his career-best thus far. Adding in Thursday night’s game against the Vikings, Blythe has allowed only five total pressures in 151 pass block snaps and is yet to allow a sack.
JOSEY JEWELL, LB, DENVER BRONCOS
Overall grade: 89.9
Josey Jewell is another rookie making noise for the Broncos early this season. A fourth-round selection out of Iowa, Jewell has improved his overall PFF grade in each game to start the year. Jewell’s game against the Ravens in Week 3 was by far his best, and that performance earned an elite-level grade of 91.0 and a spot on PFF’s NFL Team of the Week. The rookie has been impressive against the run, but it’s his coverage skills that have jumped out as a surprise. Jewell’s coverage grade of 88.3 ranks third among linebackers going into Week 4.
GEORGE KITTLE, TE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Overall grade: 87.0
The injury to Jimmy Garoppolo might hurt his statistical production, but George Kittle has emerged as a high-level target at tight end to begin the 2018 season. Kittle has been outstanding as a pass-catcher with a receiving grade of 90.2 this season, second-best at the position. His play against the Chiefs in Week 3 was the best among tight ends, and from his five receptions, he forced five missed tackles, showcasing his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands.
AUSTIN BLYTHE, G, LOS ANGELES RAMS
Overall grade: 76.9
At the moment, the Los Angeles Rams arguably possess one of the best offensive lines in the entire NFL, and the rise of Austin Blythe is a big reason why. Ranking every offensive lineman across the league by grade, Blythe was second with an 83.2 overall grade going into Week 4. The third-year lineman has improved every season since entering the league, and his Week 3 pass blocking grade of 88.2 against the Chargers was his career-best thus far. Adding in Thursday night’s game against the Vikings, Blythe has allowed only five total pressures in 151 pass block snaps and is yet to allow a sack.
JOSEY JEWELL, LB, DENVER BRONCOS
Overall grade: 89.9
Josey Jewell is another rookie making noise for the Broncos early this season. A fourth-round selection out of Iowa, Jewell has improved his overall PFF grade in each game to start the year. Jewell’s game against the Ravens in Week 3 was by far his best, and that performance earned an elite-level grade of 91.0 and a spot on PFF’s NFL Team of the Week. The rookie has been impressive against the run, but it’s his coverage skills that have jumped out as a surprise. Jewell’s coverage grade of 88.3 ranks third among linebackers going into Week 4.
GEORGE KITTLE, TE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Overall grade: 87.0
The injury to Jimmy Garoppolo might hurt his statistical production, but George Kittle has emerged as a high-level target at tight end to begin the 2018 season. Kittle has been outstanding as a pass-catcher with a receiving grade of 90.2 this season, second-best at the position. His play against the Chiefs in Week 3 was the best among tight ends, and from his five receptions, he forced five missed tackles, showcasing his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands.
