Rookie Report: Coleman, Shepard highlight standout rookie class

Each week, Rookie Report provides a running look at first-year standouts, surprises, and Rookie of the Year candidates.

Offense

Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns

Corey Coleman is quickly emerging as one of the faces of the Browns' new regime. Although the team is off to an 0-2 start, it's no fault of Coleman's, propelling the offense thus far. He caught five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns during the team's 25-20 loss to the Ravens.

Thus far, Coleman's been every bit as good as advertised.

Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants

In a lineup that features Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz, Sterling Shepard has become the most productive member of the Giants' three-headed monster at wide receiver. Shepard is currently leading the team in receiving yards, and posted an excellent eight-catch, 117-yard performance against the Saints.

The Giants are off to a 2-0 start in large part due to Shepard's efforts, and he's emerging as a top contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year early in the season.

Jacoby Brissett, QB, New England Patriots

Jacoby Brissett is expected to start Thursday's game against the Houston Texans, after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a sprained AC joint Sunday. Brissett completed 6-of-9 passes for 92 yards in his first professional game and will be handed the keys to the offense while Tom Brady serves his suspension. Selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Brissett was likely expected to remain on the sidelines during his rookie year, but will be thrust into action as the Patriots look to remain unbeaten during Brady's absence.

Defense

Darron Lee, LB, New York Jets

Lee is becoming a key component of the Jets' defense, recording a team-high five tackles against the Bills. The first-round pick is showing outstanding straight-line speed and is learning from one of the NFL's top defensive coaches in Todd Bowles. New York faces four consecutive teams that made the postseason last year, and Lee could emerge as a star against the highest caliber of opponents.

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Ngakoue is one of the lone bright spots on a Jaguars team that's slumped to an 0-2 mark. The 21-year-old recorded a sack and forced fumble in the team's 38-10 loss to the Chargers, and could gain more snaps as a result. It'll be compelling to see whether the third-round pick forces his way into the starting lineup if the team's starters continue to struggle throughout the first quarter of the year.

James Bradberry, CB, Carolina Panthers

There were concerns about the Panthers' secondary after the team allowed Josh Norman to enter free agency, but James Bradberry has alleviated any worries thus far. Bradberry graded out as the NFL's top corner in Week 2, according to Pro Football Focus, allowing one catch on seven targets. It's early, but Bradberry is making Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman look great at this juncture.

Your introduction to ...

Dwayne Washington, RB, Detroit Lions

Dwayne Washington punched in a 1-yard touchdown in his debut, then followed up with four carries for 31 yards, an impressive showing even in a small sample. Incumbent starter Ameer Abdullah underwent X-rays that proved to be negative, but Washington is likely to gain more carries in Week 3, due to his strong showing. Selected in the seventh round out of the draft, Washington is going to make several general managers regret passing on him.