NFL Week 8 Rookie Rankings: Surveying Rookie Class, Post-Week 7

The seventh week of the NFL season is in the books, leaving us about one-third of the way through the 17-week schedule. Rookies are gaining traction and establishing roles. Our weekly rookie rankings have undergone some changes after seeing these first-year players several times.

What is happening in the midst of their first season is still a potential indicator of how the next half-decade or so will play out. Players who impact their teams right away generally stick around and continue their positive influence. That shouldn’t take away from those who need more time to develop into a solid player, though.

The season's first seven weeks have featured peaks and valleys for this rookie class. Regardless of draft position, we’ve seen impactful play around the league. Teams already benefiting from their draft class must be brimming with excitement.

For this week’s rankings, we take a look at which players have performed the best to this point. Consideration has been given to where each rookie stands on his team’s depth chart, but the rankings aim to reflect how each player has performed thus far compared to what the expectations are.

Our rankings from even last week are now outdated, as Week 7 featured several eye-popping performances. The NFL's volatile nature must be considered as well. The players listed in the following slides, nonetheless, stood out the most during the first seven weeks of football.

Top 50 Overall

Denis Poroy/Associated Press

As the season progresses, we will track which players are moving up or down the board after having good or bad games. For this week, the listed movement may be somewhat significant, based on playing time given to each rookie. The few rookies who really stood out will rise higher on the top-50 overall list.

Some high draft picks have yet to make their presence felt, which is holding them out of the top 50. Conversely, some late-round picks and even undrafted rookies stood out enough this week to be among the top first-year players. The ebb and flow of an NFL rookie season can be as dramatic as any in all of professional sports.

With bye weeks creeping in, some of our rookies who didn’t play in Week 7 will stand pat. But there was some movement at the top. Leonard Williams' quiet performance against the New England Patriots opened the door for his competition to maneuver.

Top 50 Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Leonard Williams	DE	Jets	1.6	1	Same
2	Amari Cooper	WR	Raiders	1.4	2	Same
3	Jameis Winston	QB	Buccaneers	1.1	8	Up
4	Henry Anderson	DE	Colts	3.29	3	Down
5	Todd Gurley	RB	Rams	1.10	5	Same
6	Marcus Peters	CB	Chiefs	1.18	6	Same
7	Vic Beasley	DE	Falcons	1.8	7	Same
8	Ronald Darby	CB	Bills	2.18	4	Down
9	Marcus Mariota	QB	Titans	1.2	7	Down
10	Jordan Hicks	LB	Eagles	3.20	45	Up
11	Damarious Randall	CB	Packers	1.30	11	Same
12	Shaq Thompson	LB	Panthers	1.25	37	Up
13	David Parry	DT	Seahawks	5.15	17	Up
14	T.J. Yeldon	RB	Jaguars	2.4	14	Same
15	Kevin Johnson	CB	Texans	1.16	10	Down
16	Hau'oli Kikaha	LB	Saints	2.12	12	Down
17	Duke Johnson	RB	Browns	3.13	42	Down
18	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	18	Same
19	Eddie Goldman	DT	Bears	2.7	19	Same
20	Stefon Diggs	WR	Chargers	1.15	20	Same
21	Tyler Lockett	WR	Seahawks	3.5	22	Up
22	Ali Marpet	OG	Buccaneers	2.29	25	Up
23	Stephone Anthony	LB	Saints	1.31	44	Up
24	Frank Clark	DE	Seahawks	2.31	35	Up
25	Jamison Crowder	WR	Redskins	4.6	34	Up
26	Adrian Amos	SAF	Bears	5.6	26	Same
27	Tre' Jackson	OG	Patriots	4.12	27	Same
28	T.J. Clemmings	OT	Vikings	4.11	15	Down
29	Karlos Williams	RB	Bills	5.29	29	Same
30	David Johnson	RB	Cardinals	3.22	30	Same
31	Preston Smith	LB	Redskins	2.6	31	Same
32	Rob Havenstein	OT	Rams	2.25	35	Up
33	Brandon Scherff	OG	Redskins	1.5	21	Down
34	Eric Kendricks	LB	Vikings	2.13	16	Down
35	Kyshoen Jarrett	SAF	Redskins	6.5	23	Down
36	Jamon Brown	OG	Dolphins	1.14	36	Same
37	Bobby Richardson	DE	Saints	UDFA	32	Down
38	Matt Jones	RB	Redskins	3.31	38	Same
39	James Sample	SAF	Jaguars	5.4	39	Same
40	Maxx Williams	WR	Ravens	2.23	48	Up
41	Byron Jones	SAF	Cowboys	1.27	41	Same
42	Thomas Rawls	RB	Seahawks	UDFA	13	Down
43	Ryan Delaire	DE	Panthers	UDFA	43	Same
44	Dorial Green-Beckham	WR	Titans	2.8	47	Up
45	Melvin Gordon	RB	Chargers	1.18	20	Down
46	Michael Bennett	DT	Jaguars	6.4	46	Same
47	DeVante Parker	WR	Dolphins	1.14	36	Down
48	Jaquiski Tartt	SAF	49ers	2.14	48	Same
49	Phillip Dorsett	WR	Colts	1.29	34	Down
50	Landon Collins	SAF	Giants	2.1	50	Same

Quarterbacks

Mark Tenally/Associated Press

The Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota debate has gone back and forth this season. After another solid outing from Winston, it’s time for him to reclaim the top rookie quarterback spot. While Winston has been trending upward the last two weeks, Mariota has struggled.

Winston dominated the Washington Redskins to the tune of 297 yards and zero touchdowns. It was the second straight week where he was able to limit the bad throws and lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense to a respectable performance. His uneven play is starting to feature less errant plays.

Marcus Mariota has struggled as defenses have adjusted to his play style. The Tennessee Titans lack great playmakers, which is certainly a factor. So is the knee injury Mariota suffered in Week 6 against Miami.

Mariota shouldn’t rush back from his injury. The Titans are en route to a high draft pick once again, and his long-term health is most important. But his missed time and injury do contribute to a drop to the second quarterback overall.

Quarterback Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Jameis Winston	QB	Buccaneers	1.1	2	Up
2	Marcus Mariota	QB	Titans	1.2	1	Down
3	Brett Hundley	QB	Packers	5.11	3	Same
4	Garrett Grayson	QB	Saints	3.11	4	Same
5	Bryce Petty	QB	Jets	4.4	5	Same

Running Backs

Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

After a quiet Week 6, the rookie running back class exploded this past week. Led by stud backs Todd Gurley, Duke Johnson and T.J. Yeldon, Week 7 was highly productive. This week’s rankings have that group represented well.

Gurley’s 128-yard performance continues to prove he was the best back in the 2015 class. His blend of power, explosiveness and size is so unique. Second-level defenders have little chance of bringing him down without great technique or leverage.

Yeldon has been making the most of his opportunities. The Jaguars don’t have the best offensive line or a consistent passing attack, but Yeldon still produces. He tallied an impressive 115 yards against a very good Buffalo Bills defense.

The next most impressive back was Duke Johnson. Instead of producing a huge rushing total, Johnson dominated as a receiver. He caught seven passes for 73 yards. His ability to impact games as a receiver out of the backfield is a tremendous boost for the Cleveland Browns.

Running Back Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Todd Gurley	RB	Rams	1.10	1	Same
2	T.J. Yeldon	RB	Jaguars	2.4	2	Same
3	Duke Johnson	RB	Browns	3.13	5	Up
4	Karlos Williams	RB	Bills	5.19	4	Same
5	Thomas Rawls	RB	Seahawks	UDFA	3	Down

Wide Receivers

Peter Aiken/Getty Images

After shaking up the receiver rankings quite a bit last week, we still have some movement in the top five. Several mid-round picks have emerged as legitimate threats within their offenses. On the other hand, some highly drafted receivers have struggled breaking into lineups due to injuries or deeper rosters.

The one area where this rookie group is dominating as a whole is yards after catch. Amari Cooper has 302 of his 519 yards after the catch. Jamison Crowder has 135 of 292 yards after the catch. These are special players with the ball in their hands.

Our new entrant to the group is Chiefs receiver Chris Conley. The third-round pick is a freaky athlete who has emerged in Kansas City. He has 154 yards on the season.

Wide Receiver Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Amari Cooper	WR	Raiders	1.4	1	Same
2	Stefon Diggs	WR	Vikings	5.10	2	Same
3	Jamison Crowder	WR	Redskins	4.6	4	Up
4	Tyler Lockett	WR	Seahawks	3.5	3	Down
5	Ty Montgomery	WR	Packers	3.30	5	Same

Tight Ends

Don Wright/Associated Press

The tight end unit is one of the least impressive rookie groups from the 2015 class. There’s just one tight end with 100 yards total receiving in the first six games. That is a ghastly figure for a prominent position league-wide.

There’s just one place where there's minimal movement from last week. With such little production separating each player, there is room for major movement every week. The most interesting part of this list is where some of the players were found compared to others.

The long-term outlook for several of these tight ends is still promising. Tight ends have historically taken a few seasons to hit their stride. Tyler Eifert is just the latest example of this.

Tight End Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Maxx Williams	TE	Ravens	2.23	1	Same
2	James O'Shaughnessy	TE	Chiefs	5.37	2	Same
3	Clive Walford	TE	Raiders	3.4	3	Same
4	Blake Bell	TE	49ers	4.18	4	Same
5	Tyler Kroft	TE	Bengals	3.21	5	Same

Offensive Tackles

Norm Hall/Getty Images

The rookie offensive tackle class has had a tough time adjusting to the NFL. The first six weeks haven’t been consistent at all. The same can be said for this ranking, where Houston’s Kendall Lamm was entrenched for weeks, despite not playing. But that is really more of a statement about his peers than Lamm.

The undrafted free agent drops off our board this week in favor of a rookie who is actually playing. Ereck Flowers replaced Lamm since he’s at least playing every week. Week 7 was another poor showing for the class, in general.

Of the top six tackles who have received consistent playing time thus far, two are probably playing at an acceptable level. Those happen to be our top two once again this week. It’s just been a down year for teams starting rookie tackles.

Offensive Tackle Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Rob Havenstein	OT	Rams	2.25	1	Same
2	T.J. Clemmings	OT	Vikings	4.11	2	Same
3	Ereck Flowers	OT	Giants	1.9	N/A	Up
4	Ty Sambrailo	OT	Broncos	2.27	4	Same
5	Donovan Smith	OT	Buccaneers	2.2	5	Same

Offensive Guards

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

We saw some big-time performances from the rookie guard group in Week 7. In a prime-time matchup against New York Jets star rookie Leonard Williams, Patriots right guard Tre’ Jackson played very well. He played so well that he leaps into second place overall.

Jackson’s ability to pass-protect was evident in college, but his instant impact in the NFL is somewhat surprising. Many rookies struggle with the strength and speed difference, but Jackson has legitimately been an asset to New England. It’s not often rookie linemen can say that.

The best rookie guard has been Laken Tomlinson. Tomlinson started the season as a backup, but once he was inserted into the lineup, he laid claim to the job. He’s been a solid pass- and run-blocker. He has easily transitioned his combination of power and technique into the NFL.

Offensive Guard Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Laken Tomlinson	G	Lions	1.28	1	Same
2	Tre' Jackson	G	Patriots	4.12	5	Up
3	Jamon Brown	G	Rams	3.8	2	Down
4	Ali Marpet	G	Buccaneers	2.29	3	Down
5	Brandon Scherff	G	Redskins	1.5	4	Down

Centers

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

One of the NFL's more nondescript positions is offensive center. Rarely do centers have to do the brunt work a guard or tackle does, but the center is usually the unit's brain. Centers must identify blitzers and the "Mike" linebacker. They’re incredibly important.

But the NFL has a lot of quality centers, and the rookie pool suggests that not many starters were needed. There are three starting rookie centers across the league. The two drafted ones, Mitch Morse and Hroniss Grasu, have been the best of the three.

At least so far, none of the rookies have been anything to be too impressed with. Morse is the most athletic and effective. But like the tight end position, this group lacks a blue-chipper.

Center Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Mitch Morse	OC	Chiefs	2.17	1	Same
2	David Andrews	OC	Patriots	UDFA	2	Same
3	Hroniss Grasu	OC	Bears	3.7	3	Same
4	Andy Gallik	OC	Titans	6.32	4	Same
5	Kristjan Sokoli	OC	Seahawks	6.38	5	Same

Defensive Ends

Brad Penner/Associated Press

Defensive end is arguably the rookie class' most talented and deepest position. Whether playing in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive front, you can find the top ends right here. The difficult part is actually ranking this talented group.

After moving Leonard Williams into first after Week 6, he had a disappointing showing against the New England Patriots. He and rookie Tre’ Jackson had a great battle. But Williams has still been the best end over the course of the season, even though he had just one tackle in Week 7.

If the draft were redone tomorrow, you can be sure Henry Anderson and Vic Beasley would be top-10 picks. Beasley went eighth overall and has been a solid speed pass-rusher. Anderson has been a disruptive end with his power and great hands.

Defensive End Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Leonard Williams	DE	Jets	1.6	1	Same
2	Henry Anderson	DE	Colts	3.29	2	Same
3	Vic Beasley	DE	Falcons	1.8	3	Same
4	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	4	Same
5	Frank Clark	DE	Seahawks	2.31	5	Same

Defensive Tackles

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Not much has changed for the rookie defensive tackle class. We haven’t seen much overall production from any of the rookies in terms of stats. But several players' film has been encouraging as far as long-term roles.

The impact and stat sheet don’t always align at the tackle spot. Clarifying roles can only be done through film, but playing well on film isn’t quantifiable with ease. This is especially the case for two-gapping tackles.

Although tough to measure, it is clear that rookies David Parry and Eddie Goldman have been very good. Goldman has been more disruptive, vaulting him into the top spot. Both Parry and Gunter have been solid as space-eaters.

Defensive Tackle Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Eddie Goldman	DT	Bears	2.7	2	Up
2	David Parry	DT	Colts	5.15	1	Down
3	Rodney Gunter	DT	Cardinals	4.17	3	Same
4	Danny Shelton	DT	Browns	1.12	4	Same
5	Michael Bennett	DT	Jaguars	6.4	5	Same

Linebackers

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Whether you’re looking for a 3-4 or 4-3 outside linebacker, you’ll find the top five right here. Luckily for this group, three 4-3 outside linebackers played significant snaps, while four 3-4 rush linebackers often saw the field. Teams that needed impactful play from these rookies continue to wait, though.

It’s hard to find linebackers who can impact the game in all three phases of a drive. But we’ve consistently seen Jordan Hicks, Shaq Thompson and Eric Kendricks show this ability. Each can play the run, can blitz and can drop into coverage.

Dropping again this week is Hau’oli Kikaha of the New Orleans Saints. He’s been playing a ton of snaps, and his numbers look decent. But the film is not overly good. Kikaha is too often stonewalled at the point of attack as a pass-rusher and run defender.

Linebacker Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Jordan Hicks	LB	Eagles	3.20	1	Same
2	Shaq Thompson	LB	Panthers	1.25	2	Same
3	Eric Kendricks	LB	Vikings	2.13	4	Up
4	Hau'oli Kikaha	LB	Saints	2.12	3	Down
5	Stephone Anthony	LB	Saints	1.31	5	Same

Cornerbacks

Jim Mone/Associated Press

This rookie cornerback group is a lot of fun to watch. It’s hard to find quality rookie cornerbacks because of the position's sheer difficulty, but we have a few standouts thus far. Their early success should have teams kicking themselves for passing over instant starters at such a valuable spot.

We have a change this week in our rookie rankings. Chiefs dynamo Marcus Peters moves back into first as he’s continued to be excellent in coverage. Ronald Darby has been impressive, but he's starting to be a little more exposed without a great pass rush. He’s still been a great rookie, though.

The amount of talent at this position is really something special. Our top three corners could legitimately claim they’re top-10 players in this class. They wouldn’t be wrong.

Cornerback Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Marcus Peters	CB	Chiefs	1.18	2	Up
2	Ronald Darby	CB	Bills	2.18	1	Down
3	Damarious Randall	CB	Packers	1.30	3	Same
4	Kevin Johnson	CB	Texans	1.16	4	Same
5	Eric Rowe	CB	Eagles	2.15	5	Same

Safeties

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Our top five safeties stay the same this week. With Kyshoen Jarrett and Adrian Amos clearly the best two safeties right now, this is a group showing some upside at the top. The bottom of the top five has consistently struggled, though.  

The rest of the safety class continues to be mediocre, at best. Without impact pass defenders at the position, the rookie safeties have just been treading water. That’s not to say one of these young defenders won’t break out, but the early returns haven’t been notable.

There’s no other position like safety in the NFL. The disparity between bad starters and even starter-quality is steep, making the elites even that much more obvious. Unfortunately for this rookie class, every safety simply struggled to make any type of impact.  

Safety Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Kyshoen Jarrett	SAF	Redskins	6.5	1	Same
2	Adrian Amos	SAF	Bears	5.6	2	Same
3	Landon Collins	SAF	Giants	2.1	4	Up
4	James Sample	SAF	Jaguars	4.5	3	Down
5	Byron Jones	SAF	Cowboys	1.27	5	Same

Specialists

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Our specialists rankings feature four return men and one punter. The number of running backs who are getting offensive snaps is down, but they’re making an impact on special teams.

Although players such as David Johnson and Ameer Abdullah have shown some offensive promise, they’ve been primarily playing special teams. That earns a ranking here. Those two have flashed special abilities with the ball in their hands.

Marcus Murphy has a knack for making big plays. Once again this past week, we heard his name from announcers as he is always around the ball, or making plays with it. It’s surprising the Saints haven’t started using him on offense.  

The lone punter now on the list is Miami’s Matt Darr. He leads all rookie punters in net yards and average punt distance. His consistency has been notable, and he’s locked down that spot in Miami for the foreseeable future. 

Specialist Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Marcus Murphy	KR	Saints	7.13	1	Same
2	David Johnson	KR	Cardinals	3.22	2	Same
3	Ameer Abdullah	KR	Lions	2.22	3	Same
4	Corey Grant	P	Jaguars	UDFA	4	Same
5	Matt Darr	KR	Dolphins	UDFA	5	Same

All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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