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 5? 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 5 of the 2020 NFL season.

AFC DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

LB Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens suffocated the Bengals’ offense on Sunday, limiting Cincinnati to just three points and 205 total yards. They forced three turnovers, collected seven sacks, and scored a defensive touchdown. Rookie linebacker Patrick Queen stuffed the stat sheet in what was his best performance to date.

While the outing was highlighted by his 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown, Queen led the Ravens with nine tackles while registering a sack, tackle for loss, quarterback hit, forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. His presence and ability to produce big plays was felt heavily as he and the Baltimore defense shut down his former LSU teammate, Joe Burrow. Queen’s athletic ability and urgency was on full display as he was always around the football and produced splash plays.

NFC DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

S Jordan Fuller, Los Angeles Rams

The fact that Jordan Fuller is a starter for the Rams is impressive. In 2019, Los Angeles selected Taylor Rapp in the second round of the draft and he went on to play in 15 games, starting 10 and participating in 74% of the Rams’ defensive snaps as a rookie. A sixth-round pick in 2020, Fuller beat out Rapp in training camp and has started every game for the Rams so far this season and is playing well. His best outing of the season came on Sunday in Los Angeles’ 30-10 win over Washington.

Los Angeles’ defense was dominant against Washington, limiting them to just 10 points and 108 total yards. Washington averaged just 2.1 yards per play and converted only two of 13 third-down attempts. A big reason why the Rams were so successful on defense was the play of Fuller, who logged four tackles and broke up two passes. Washington challenged him in coverage on three occasions and Fuller swatted away two passes and conceded just one completion for eight yards. He was consistent in coverage, taking away throwing windows for Washington while effectively playing downhill. Fuller is exceeding expectations as a rookie and has the makings of being a fixture in the Rams secondary for years to come.