The 2023 NFL season is underway, and the new Texas Exes are already making headlines across the league. From touchdowns to tackles, offense to defense, healthy to injured, these Longhorn rookies have started to make their impact in just the first two weeks.
Bijan Robinson, Falcons (RB)
In just two weeks, Robinson has taken the NFL by storm, helping lead the Atlanta Falcons to their first 2-0 start since 2017. He has rushed for 180 yards on 29 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry after playing roughly 68% of snaps per game.
With 10 catches on 11 targets, Robinson is averaging 6.8 yards per catch and proving himself worthy in the passing attack, leading his team in receptions. He scored through the air in week one, working off a screen pass by quarterback Desmond Ridder against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie running back currently stands as the favorite for offensive rookie of the year as he looks to continue his campaign against the Lions on Sunday.
Roschon Johnson, Bears (RB)
In his first two weeks in the NFL, Johnson has proved himself as a solid option in the Bears’ backfield, taking the second string on the depth chart behind Khalil Herbert. In just two games, Johnson has 52 yards on just nine attempts, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He found the endzone late in the fourth quarter against the Packers in week one for his first career touchdown but failed to score the following week.
Johnson has also been lethal in the pass attack, grabbing eight catches on nine targets for 45 yards. Playing roughly 40% of the Bears’ snaps thus far, Johnson aims to work his way into getting the majority of the downs as the season progresses.
Keondre Coburn, Chiefs (DT)
Coburn, a 2022 All-Big 12 selection, has seen a quiet start to his career in Kansas City. He is currently listed third on the Chiefs defensive line depth chart behind the All-Pro Chris Jones and Tershawn Wharton. Coburn was called upon in week one against the Lions and was able to snag a tackle for loss on the stat sheet. In the preseason, Coburn was able to grab four total tackles in three games.
Moro Ojomo, Eagles (DT)
Ojomo, one of the honorable mentions for All-Big 12 last year, finds himself deep in the Eagles depth chart to start his career, listed as the fourth defensive tackle on the right side behind Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams and Kentavius Street. Ojomo saw some action in the preseason, recording six tackles and a quarterback pressure, bringing the QB to the ground. Ojomo has yet to play in the regular season for last year’s Super Bowl runner-ups.
D’Shawn Jamison, Panthers (CB)
After going undrafted, the cornerback found his way onto the Panthers depth chart, listed as the third corner to line up on the left side behind Donte Jackson and Jeremy Chinn. After being inactive in week one, Jamison saw action in the following week against the New Orleans Saints, recording a single tackle on eight snaps.
DeMarvion Overshown, Cowboys (LB)
Overshown, the former All-Big 12 first-team selection, showed promise for his highly anticipated first season in the NFL, hoping to fit in at starting linebacker for an already elite Cowboys defense. In his first two preseason games, Overshown grabbed nine tackles, three solo, including a big third down stop in the opening game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Unfortunately, he went down with an ACL tear in week two against the Seattle Seahawks. The injury will sideline Overshown for the remainder of the season as the rookie looks to make a comeback next year.
