Life in the NFL is hard, as rookies everywhere are finding out after their first taste of action. While in your typical year rookies have the preseason to be phased into the realm of professional football, the rookie class of 2020 has to endure a baptism by fire. We're playing for keeps right out of the gate.

Which rookie performers were able to make the most of the pro action in Week 3? We, along with our partners at Panini, are recognizing the best of the best each week. Here are the Defensive Rookies of the Week from each conference for Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season.

AFC DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

LB Logan Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals

After years of lacking speed, range, and coverage ability on the second level of the defense, the Cincinnati Bengals overhauled its linebacker corps this offseason. After securing Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins to spark the offense with their first two picks, Cincinnati made Logan Wilson the 65th pick in the draft.

While Wilson has yet to become a full time starter for the Bengals, he did log a career-high 29 defensive snaps against the Eagles in Week 3 and Wilson made the most of it. Primarily used on passing downs, Wilson was a key chess piece for the Bengals against an Eagles offense that is very creative in how offensive personnel is used, often resulting in mismatches. Wilson delivered as a neutralizer right away in the game, securing his first career interception on the Eagles’ opening drive in the contest. Wilson broke up another pass in the game while also logging five solo tackles.

With performances like Sunday, Wilson will continue to earn a greater role for the Cincinnati defense and finally provide the Bengals with a reliable coverage linebacker.

NFC DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

DT Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule earned his first NFL victory on Sunday, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers by a 21-16 margin and his first ever draft pick was a big reason why. After some struggles in his first two games, Derrick Brown showcased the promise of a top-10 pick against the Chargers as he owned the line of scrimmage and made plays. For the game, Brown logged five tackles, including two tackles for loss.

Brown was dominant against the run and his presence on passing downs helped awaken a Panthers pass-rush that has been a complete non-factor in the previous two games. Brown is the centerpiece of Carolina’s new-look defense and performances like he had on Sunday are why he was such a high draft pick.