Bleacher Report's Midseason NFL All-Rookie Team

It takes a truly unique talent to walk into the NFL and excel from day one. 

Expectations are usually unrealistic for most rookies. They're often asked to succeed early in their careers, yet rarely do. 

Years ago, an NFL scout imparted a bit of wisdom upon a fledgling writer, "It's amazing any of these young men succeed due to all of the mitigating factors at play." 

Talent evaluation is often more intuition-based than scientifically driven. After all, these are individuals adapting to new situations. 

Many questions need to be asked and answered.

Who is coaching these players? What system are they in? What are they being asked to do? Are they picking up the playbook? How are they adjusting to life off the field? How is their transition to a new city? How is their family doing? 

Usually, the answers have a direct correlation to a player's success on the field. 

It's nearly impossible to predict an individual's success when placed into a vacuum, but it's easier to do so when considering his overall situation. 

For example, 13 players named in Bleacher Report's Regular-Season NFL All-Rookie Team Predictions also appear in this year's midseason all-rookie team. 

Some players are simply placed in situations to succeed, while others are not. 

Bleacher Report's eight NFL writers identified which rookies had the best start to their careers at their respective positions through the first half of the 2015 season...

Quarterback

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Winner: Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans (5 votes)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Jameis Winston and Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota will be forever linked after being the respective first and second overall picks in the 2015 NFL draft. 

It will still be some time before either team is anointed the winner based on which quarterback it chose, because both rookie signal-callers have had their moments so far this year. 

However, Mariota's red-hot start to the season earns him the nod as the better quarterback through the first half. 

The Oregon product's performance in the season opener against the Buccaneers certainly provided a wonderful first impression for most NFL fans. 

The narrative during the draft process was that Mariota needed time to adjust to the NFL and a pro-style offense. The first-year quarterback immediately put those discussions to rest when he shredded the Buccaneers. In his first start, Mariota completed 13 of 14 passes for 209 yards and four touchdowns (all of the scoring passes came before halftime). 

Another knock on Mariota prior to the draft was his choirboy nature and understated personality. The quarterback might not be a demonstrative leader but has already established himself in the Titans locker room. 

Veteran cornerback Jason McCourty explained to ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky how Mariota is viewed among the players: 

"

He’s a leader, just by example and with his toughness. For us in this locker room whether he’s a captain or not, we look at him as one of our young leaders and a guy that we can count on to step up and make plays for this team and that we can rely on to be there. That’s important whether there is a C on your chest or not.

"

Mariota is currently completing a higher percentage compared to Winston. However, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is currently recovering from an MCL sprain he suffered in Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins. 

With Winston playing at a much higher level in recent weeks, it'll be interesting to see if Mariota retains top-rookie honors through the entire season. 

Others receiving votes: Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 votes)

Preseason pick: Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

Running Back

Billy Hurst/Associated Press

Winners: Todd Gurley, St. Louis Rams (8 votes); T.J. Yeldon, Jackson Jaguars (6 votes)

No one knew exactly what to expect of running back Todd Gurley this season. Some expected greatness from the moment he stepped onto the field. Others were concerned about his injury history. 

The former turned out to be absolutely correct in their assessments. 

The St. Louis Rams used the 10th overall pick to select Gurley, despite the fact that he was still recovering from major reconstructive knee surgery. Their faith in Gurley's talent certainly paid off in recent weeks. 

During his first four starts, Gurley's 566 rushing yards are the most by any player since the league's AFL-NFL merger.

He's already drawing comparisons to some of the game's greatest runners. 

"I remember two weeks ago I saw him hurdle a guy, and I never watched a lot of Gale Sayers, but I remember watching Gale Sayers do that once, and I thought, 'He looked a lot like Gale Sayers,'" Herschel Walker told ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner. "I thought, 'Man, that's pretty cool.'"

Despite sitting out the first two games and playing sparingly in the third, Gurley's 575 rushing yards rank fifth overall behind the Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman, Arizona Cardinals' Chris Johnson, Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin. 

While Gurley continues to set a new standard for all future rookie running backs, the Jacksonville Jaguars' T.J. Yeldon has been a steady performer all season, too. 

The Alabama product is currently second among rookies (behind Gurley, of course) with 406 rushing yards. In two of the last three weeks, Yeldon posted his first 100-yard games against the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. 

"Just studied T.J. Yeldon vs. Buffalo," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah tweeted. "Love the way he's running. Patient, pick/slide and then explode upfield. Pulls through contact a lot."

The Jaguars don't claim one of the NFL's more physical offensive fronts, but Yeldon continues to be a constant presence due to his vision and ability to get tough yards. 

Gurley has been a revelation, while Yeldon is a solid rookie who simply makes his team better. 

Others receiving votes: Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks (2 votes)

Preseason picks: Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions; Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers; Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons

Tight End

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Winners: Maxx Williams, Baltimore Ravens (6 votes); Nick Boyle, Baltimore Ravens (4 votes); 

This year's tight end position doesn't claim any rookie standouts, which has been a common theme in recent seasons. 

The last tight end to make a big splash came five years ago with the New Englands Patriots' Rob Gronkowski. He didn't even put up big yardage numbers during the 2010 campaign, but the Arizona product scored 10 touchdowns.

Thus, expectations should really be tempered at this particular position.

Now that the groundwork has been established, this year's tight end crop isn't exactly overwhelming.

Maxx Williams became the first tight end selected in this year's class. The Baltimore Ravens used the 55th overall pick in the second round on the Minnesota product. 

Williams currently leads all rookie tight ends with 12 catches for 108 yards. Sadly, he ranks 13th among all rookies in catches. In fact, five different first-year running backs have more catches so far this season. 

The Ravens also drafted Nick Boyle in the fifth round. The Delaware product might have been drafted three rounds after Williams but has been a more consistent performer this season. 

Boyle is a physical blocker but continues to grow as a target in the Ravens offense. He's currently eighth on the team with 11 receptions for 93 yards, but there seems to be a growing chemistry with quarterback Joe Flacco. 

"I think he has more confidence in me," Boyle told CSN Mid-Atlantic. "He thinks I’m a target out there, instead of just a decoy. I just hope it continues to grow. It’s cool to have the trust of your teammates and coaches to want to throw you the ball, and want you to make plays for the offense."

Despite the Ravens' relative success at the position, rookie tight ends haven't made much of an impact around the league this season. 

Others receiving votes: James O'Shaughnessy, Kansas City Chiefs (1 vote); Will Tye, New York Giants (1 vote)

Preseason picks: Maxx Williams, Baltimore Ravens; Clive Walford, Oakland Raiders

Wide Receiver

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Winners: Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders (8 votes); Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings (8 votes)

Amari Cooper is a perfect example of a young player living up to every expectation placed upon him at the onset of his career.

As a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, no wide receiver produced at a higher level than Cooper during the 2014 season. His route running was absolutely stellar. No college defensive backs could cover him one-on-one thanks to his ability to consistently create separation.

All of these were reasons why the Oakland Raiders spent the fourth overall pick on the wide receiver, and he's rewarded the franchise from the moment he stepped onto the field while wearing the black and silver.

The Raiders organization was so confident in Cooper that the team released last year's leading receiver, James Jones, five days after it selected him in the NFL draft. 

Since OTAs, Cooper responded and quickly developed into the team's No. 1 wide receiver. 

On a team where quarterback Derek Carr spreads the wealth between all of his receivers, the rookie leads the team with 565 receiving yards on 38 receptions. 

How good is Cooper even at this point in his burgeoning career? Just ask the game's premier cornerback, Darrelle Revis. With the Raiders set to play the New York Jets this week, Revis discussed the rookie, via NJ.com's Dom Cosentino. 

"He's awesome, man," Revis said. "It was fun watching him out there. They had a great game plan moving him, and a lot of places to give him the ball. Awesome. The sky is the limit for him. A special player, he is."

While Cooper leads all rookies in receptions and receiving yardage, the Minnesota Vikings' Stefon Diggs is quickly gaining ground. 

After being inserted into the lineup in Week 4, the former fifth-round pick is tearing up the league. 

Diggs quickly developed into Teddy Bridgewater's favorite target and made 25 receptions for 419 yards over the last four games. 

Even in this small sample size, Diggs appears to be the NFL's most explosive wide receiver. 

"Rookie Stefon Diggs leads the entire NFL in yards per route run at 3.27," Pro Football Focus tweeted. "That's 0.26 higher than the next-closest, Antonio Brown."

Since Brown led the NFL in receiving yardage last season, Diggs is keeping lofty company.

In total, 35 wide receivers were selected in the 2015 NFL draft. Cooper was the first, and 18 more were chosen before Diggs came off the board. Despite this difference in draft slotting, Cooper and Diggs are clearly the league's top rookie receivers. 

Others receiving votes: None

Preseason picks: Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders; Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive Tackle

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Winners: Rob Havenstein, St. Louis Rams (8 votes); T.J. Clemmings, Minnesota Vikings (5 votes)

Usually, left tackles warrant the most attention when honors are bestowed on offensive linemen. After all, left tackles are held to a higher standard and are paid far more handsomely because they protect the quarterback's blind side. 

But young left tackles don't always rise to the occasion. This year's voting is a perfect example of how the perception of the offensive tackle position can be slanted in a certain direction. 

Prior to the season, Bleacher Report's writers chose the New York Giants's Ereck Flowers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Donovan Smith as their preseason favorites for the All-Rookie team. Why? Because they were expected to start from day one at left tackle. Yet both struggled mightily at points this season. 

Instead, St. Louis Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein has been the most consistent rookie offensive tackle in the league through the halfway mark. 

During the draft process, Havenstein was never viewed as anything other than a right tackle. He had offensive tackle size but lacked the athleticism required to play on the left side. What was overlooked at the time was his stellar technique and how devastating he could be as a run-blocker. 

Well, it was overlooked by many, but not the Rams. General manager Les Snead used a second-round pick to select Havenstein to shore up the right side of the team's offensive line. 

Snead's decision proved to be quite brilliant, since the Wisconsin product is currently the highest-graded rookie offensive tackle in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. 

The Minnesota Vikings' T.J. Clemmings didn't grade as well through his team's first seven games but started every contest on a team considered to be one of the league's rising programs. 

Clemmings was actually considered a developmental prospect, which is why he fell into the fourth round to the Vikings, but he has tremendous natural athleticism. However, a season-ending injury to right tackle Phil Loadholt during the preseason forced Clemmings into the starting lineup. 

There have been flashes of dominance from the Pitt product, as FootballEducator.com's Brandon Thorn showed. 

Unfortunately, Clemmings suffered a shoulder injury Sunday against the Chicago Bears, but it doesn't appear he'll miss any time after dealing with a stinger. 

"I'm fine," Clemmings told TwinCities.com's Chris Tomasson. "It's part of the game. It happens every now and then. It's not a big deal."

Havenstein and Clemmings might not be the same type of player, but they're each getting the job done at right tackle for their respective teams. 

Others receiving votes: Ty Sambrailo, Denver Broncos (2 votes); Jeremiah Poutasi, Tennessee Titans (1 vote)

Preseason picks: Ereck Flowers, New York Giants; Donovan Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Guard

Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Winners: Tre' Jackson, New England Patriots (7 votes); La'el Collins, Dallas Cowboys (4 voters); Brandon Scherff (4 votes)

Neither the New England Patriots' Tre' Jackson nor the Dallas Cowboys' La'el Collins have been full-time starters this year, but their presence has certainly been felt on the field this season. 

Jackson has proved to be a valuable part of the Patriots' offensive line rotation. At the start of the season, New England rotated multiple linemen in and out of the game. As the team reaches the halfway point, though, injuries have recently forced it to suit up only six offensive linemen. 

This is a concern since Jackson suffered a knee injury during last Thursday's contest against the Miami Dolphins. Jackson doesn't require surgery, according to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, but the team hasn't established a timetable for his return. 

When on the field, Jackson is a strong run-blocker and hasn't surrendered a sack this season. 

Collins, meanwhile, was officially inserted into the Dallas Cowboys' starting lineup in Week 7, and the undrafted free agent only helped make Dallas' talented offensive line even better. 

The LSU product's draft-day free fall was well-documented, but so was his immense talent. If not for off-field concerns, Collins would have likely been a first-round draft choice. It didn't work out that way, and the Cowboys are now benefiting. 

Collins can be absolutely overwhelming at the point of attack, and his nasty attitude is constantly on display. 

The Dallas Morning News' Jon Machota provided an example of Collins absolutely obliterating a pair of Seattle Seahawks during Sunday's contest. 

"When I step between those lines, that's my mentality, that's how I like to play the game," the rookie said, via Machota. 

While Jackson and Collins had to work their way into their teams' lineups, the Washington Redskins inserted Brandon Scherff at right guard before the regular season started, and the rookie hasn't missed a single snap. 

When Scot McCloughan took over as the Redskins' new general manager, his goal was to make the team more physical. Scheff's selection with the fifth overall pick in May's NFL draft was a direct reflection of the team's new philosophy. 

"The right side of our line with Brandon and Morgan [Moses] has been excellent as far as their growth process is concerned," Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said, via the Washington Post's Liz Clarke. “I think we have a lot to build off of up front."

The Rams, Cowboys and Redskins all have a lot to build on with their rookie guards in place. 

Others receiving votes: John Miller, Buffalo Bills (1 vote)

Preseason picks: La'el Collins, Dallas Cowboys; Ali Marpet, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; John Miller, Buffalo Bills

Center

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Winner: Mitch Morse, Kansas City Chiefs (8 votes)

For two-and-a-half seasons, Morse started at either right or left tackle as a member of the Missouri Tigers. He hadn't played center since his redshirt sophomore campaign. However, the Kansas City Chiefs saw enough in him to use a second-round pick on the offensive lineman. 

His transition back to center has gone rather smoothly. 

"He kept studying, and that’s how it’s going to be when you’re young at the position," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said during the first month of the season, via the Kansas City Star's Blair Kerkhoff. "Not everything will be perfect, but he’s got a good attitude and a good way about him."

While Morse certainly experienced multiple rookie moments this season, he's currently graded as a top-10 center by Pro Football Talk. 

In fact, no rookie lineman has played more snaps this season, and Morse has done so while committing only one penalty. 

The reason the Missouri product could play left tackle for the Tigers and center for the Chiefs is due to his technique, athleticism and overall understanding of the game. Each of those traits translated to the professional ranks. 

Others receiving votes: None

Preseason picks: Mitch Morse, Kansas City Chiefs; Shaq Mason, New England Patriots

Defensive End

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Winners: Leonard Williams, New York Jets (6 votes); Vic Beasley, Atlanta Falcons (5 votes)

Here is a special case where Bleacher Report's amateur prognosticators got one absolutely correct. Prior to the season, both the New York Jets' Leonard Williams and Atlanta Falcons' Vic Beasley were selected as the best rookies at their respective positions. 

Eight weeks later, both are already playing at a high level for rapidly improving teams. 

Granted, it wasn't a difficult prediction, since Williams was considered the best defensive talent in the draft and selected sixth overall, while Beasley only fell two more picks before being chosen. 

At the time, Williams was viewed as a luxury pick, since the Jets already had Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson as their starting defensive ends. But things change quickly in the NFL, and the league suspended Richardson for the first four games for failing its substance abuse policy. 

As such, the USC product started those first four games and continues to do so.  

Since Williams plays defensive end in a three-man front, his stats won't impress anyone. The rookie only has 24 total tackles and a half-sack through his first seven games but does lead the team with five tackles for loss. 

While Williams now rotates with Richardson depending on what front the team is using, he's a physical presence who can stop the run and collapse the pocket. In fact, Pro Football Focus graded the rookie as the league's ninth-best 3-4 defensive end, just behind some of the league's best defenders. 

Beasley, on the other hand, is a completely different type of player compared to Williams. The Clemson product is a pure pass-rusher who wins with speed and athleticism. 

This year's sixth overall pick only has two sacks this season but still leads the team in the category and continually gets pressure off the edge. 

"Vic is an amazing player," Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and 2015 NFL draft classmate Jameis Winston told ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure. "He definitely puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback. You've got to be in good rhythm and get the ball out on time, or he'll get to you."

Williams and Beasley affect games in very different ways, but both are highly effective. 

Others receiving votes: Henry Anderson, Indianapolis Colts (4 votes); Ryan Delaire, Carolina Panthers (1 vote)

Preseason picks: Leonard Williams, New York Jets; Vic Beasley, Atlanta Falcons

Defensive Tackle

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Winners: Eddie Goldman, Chicago Bears (8 votes); Malcom Brown, New England Patriots (4 votes); Rodney Gunter, Arizona Cardinals (4 votes)

Defensive tackle certainly isn't a glamorous position. It's even less glamorous when the defensive tackle is asked to primarily serve as a run defender. Yet three strong run defenders were named to the midseason all-rookie team. 

Of the three, Goldman continues to outperform all his contemporaries. No rookie interior defender holds a higher grade from Pro Football Focus. 

Prior to Jeremiah Ratliff's departure from the team, the veteran provided some wisdom for the rookie, which Goldman obviously took to heart. 

"Just find out what you're good at and realize what type of player you are, and work on being that," Goldman told the Chicago Tribune's Rich Campbell. 

The Florida State product clearly settled into his role as the Chicago Bears' starting nose tackle in the team's new 3-4 scheme.  The first-year defender was simply built to be a two-gap defender. He's stout at the point of attack and is capable of collapsing the pocket on passing downs. 

The same could potentially be said of the Arizona Cardinals' Rodney Gunter. 

Expectations were minimal for the Delaware State product after being selected in the fourth round in this year's draft, but he clearly rose to the occasion when the Cardinals needed a nose tackle to step up after Corey Peter suffered a season-ending leg injury. 

"He is unbelievably talented," Cardinals defensive end Cory Redding said in preseason, via ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss. "He's strong. He just loves playing ball."

As a young player from an FCS program, Gunter should continue to grow and get continually better throughout his rookie campaign. 

After a poor start to the season, the New England Patriots' Malcom Brown has played very well over the last few weeks. 

"Malcom Brown has been a completely different player in the past month," the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe noted. "So much more reliable against the run. He's been good and improving."

When Brown was originally drafted, he was often seen as the heir apparent to Vince Wilfork. This was never the case, because they're two different individuals with different styles of play. Brown wasn't the massive or intimidating presence in the middle that Wilfork once was. Instead, the first-round pick won with technique and first-step quickness. He also presented versatility to play in multiple fronts. 

Now that Brown is more comfortable in what's expected of him, it's easy to see improvement, particularly against the run. 

All three of these interior defenders make their teams better simply by being on the field. None of them needs to make the spectacular play. Each simply needs to hold his ground and not lose the battle up front. 

Others receiving votes: None

Preseason picks: Danny Shelton, Cleveland Browns; Malcom Brown, New England Patriots

Outside Linebacker

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Winners: Hau'oli Kikaha, New Orleans Saints (6 votes); Markus Golden, Arizona Cardinals (4 votes)

In today's NFL, a linebacker's ability to get to the quarterback can be just as valuable as any other trait needed at the position. 

The midseason selections at outside linebacker are perfect examples of how the position has changed over the years. 

The New Orleans Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha and Arizona Cardinals' Markus Golden are pass-rushers first and linebackers second. 

In fact, Kikaha said in an interview with Bleacher Report prior to the draft, "I'm rushing the quarterback wherever you put me. I know that. I'm getting after him, and I can't wait. I'll rush the quarterback from wherever you want me to rush the quarterback."

It's not a coincidence that he's currently tied for the lead among rookies with four sacks. 

Kikaha certainly isn't a height-weight-speed phenom, but his technique, honed from judo and wrestling, as well as a tireless pursuit allow him to get to quarterbacks even at the NFL level. 

"A lot of times, football comes down to effort and conditioning," Saints nose tackle and fellow rookie Tyeler Davison told the New Orleans Advocate's Joel A. Erickson. "It’s tiring out there. You’re tired every play. And to be able to push past that and chase the ball, that’s a hard thing to do. Hau’s definitely doing that."

Like Kikaha, Golden didn't test nearly as well at this year's combine as he expected, but it hasn't stopped him from applying pressure on opposing signal-callers. 

The Missouri product is only a part-time player who contributes in the Cardinals' sub-packages. He still leads all rookies with 17 quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. 

"Golden’s non-stop motor and relentlessness in practice earned him the nickname 'Junkyard Dog' by insider linebackers coach Larry Foote this past summer," ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss reported. "In practice, it’s as if Golden is going 100 miles per hour, defensive tackle Calais Campbell said."

Persistence and technique are just as important for pass-rushers as the raw physical tools to beat offensive tackles. Kikaha and Golden might have been undervalued college edge-rushers but are now getting it done at the NFL level. 

Others receiving votes: Jordan Hicks, Philadelphia Eagles (3 votes); Preston Smith, Washington Redskins (2 votes); Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh Steelers (1 voter)

Preseason picks: Hau'oli Kikaha, New Orleans Saints; Kyle Emanuel, San Diego Chargers

Inside Linebacker

Tom Dahlin/Getty Images

Winners: Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings (6 votes); Jordan Hicks, Philadelphia Eagles (5 votes)

Quarterbacks draw the most attention, because they often influence the game the most. Yet middle linebackers are considered the "quarterbacks" of the defense.

These defenders call the plays in the huddle and set the defensive front. Obviously, it can be a difficult transition for young players trying to step into the role as rookies. 

Some still excel, though. 

In Eric Kendricks' case, the Minnesota Vikings' second-round pick needed a month to acclimate to the NFL. The UCLA product was eventually named a starter at the beginning of October. Four weeks later, he was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month. 

During the three games he started, Kendricks racked up 20 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks and five more quarterback hurries. The middle linebacker is currently tied for the most sacks by a rookie. 

Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards explained to Vikings.com's Craig Peters what he saw in his middle linebacker during his outstanding month: 

"

He learns from his mistakes. He does a good job of studying and transferring from the classroom to the field, so we’re glad he is where he is. But, we also realize it’s a team sport, and I think he’ll tell you that he’s got a lot of good veterans around him that have helped him and that’s a big part of who we are on defense is everybody working together to accomplish the goals that we set each week.

"

The Philadelphia Eagles' Jordan Hicks also struggled to establish himself as a starter. The primary reason was the fact that he was drafted as depth and to play special teams this season. 

However, the Eagles suffered multiple injuries at inside linebacker this season, which provided an opportunity for Hicks.

The former third-round pick is currently tied for the team lead with 43 total tackles. The Texas product also registered a sack and an interception and recovered three fumbles so far this season. 

It'll be difficult to move him out of the lineup, even with the Eagles' improved health at the position. 

"He's moved himself up into the conversation,'' Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis told NJ.com's Mark Eckel. "Before the season he wasn't in the conversation, except for special teams. But he's brought himself up to where he's certainly in the conversation.''

Hicks might not be guaranteed a starting spot over the second half of the season but received as many votes as any other rookie here. Bleacher Report's NFL writers simply couldn't decide if he was an inside or outside linebacker.

Thankfully, the Eagles rookie still received enough votes in one category to be recognized. 

Others receiving votes: Kwon Alexander, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2 votes), Benardrick McKinney, Houston Texans (2 votes), Stephone Anthony, New Orleans Saints (1 vote)

Preseason picks: Stephone Anthony, New Orleans Saints; Kwon Alexander, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cornerback

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Winners: Ronald Darby, Buffalo Bills (8 votes), Marcus Peters, Kansas City Chiefs (7 votes)

Another instance where the voters got it right from the start. Both the Buffalo Bills' Ronald Darby and the Kansas City Chiefs' Marcus Peters lived up to their billing as the game's best rookie cornerbacks. 

Despite a shaky preseason performance, Darby has been absolutely stellar this season. 

"Ronald Darby: Yet to allow a [touchdown], 58 [targets], 48.3% completion, passer rating of 48.6 when thrown at," Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson tweeted. "Rookie of the Year thus far."

With veteran Leodis McKelvin returning from the the non-football injury list this week, he's expected to resume his duties with the second-team defense. 

Darby has simply been too good to even consider moving him out of the starting lineup. He currently leads the entire NFL with 14 deflected passes. The cornerback is also tied for second on the Bills with 30 solo tackles. 

While Darby's ball skills have been impressive this season, Peters' ability to make plays in the secondary places him as a very close second in that department. 

The Chiefs' rookie leads all first-year players with three interceptions. He showed his return skills by taking one of those picks 55 yards for a touchdown. Peters is also tied for third in the league with 11 deflected passes. 

There were questions about the Washington product's maturity and willingness to accept coaching after he was dismissed from the Huskies last fall, but he's adjusted quite well to the NFL game. 

Shutdown corners may no longer exist in today's pass-happy NFL, but Darby and Peters are fine examples of young players at the position who can still dominate in stretches. 

Others receiving votes: Delvin Breaux, New Orleans Saints (1 vote)

Preseason picks: Marcus Peters, Kansas City Chiefs; Ronald Darby, Buffalo Bills

Safety

Elsa/Getty Images

Winners: Landon Collins, New York Giants (8 votes); Adrian Amos, Chicago Bears (7 votes)

Not a single safety was selected in the first round of this year's NFL draft. However, the New York Giants traded up in the second round to pick Alabama's Landon Collins. 

The team had its issues at the position for years and wanted to address it with the one prospect many considered the top safety. However, there were concerns about Collins' game and how it translated to the NFL. 

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo described what he saw in the Alabama product prior to the start of the season, via ESPN.com's Kieran Darcy: "Active guy, runs real well, he's real fast, downhill speed guy. I think he's a physical guy [too]." 

Two key descriptive terms can be taken from Spagnuolo's quote: "downhill" and "physical." 

The reason Collins dropped out of the first round and into the second round of the draft was due to the fact that many viewed him as a traditional box safety who was at his best against the run but struggled in coverage. 

He's struggled in coverage during his rookie campaign as well. It was never more evident than when New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees shredded the Giants secondary on Sunday. 

Despite these issues, Collins still leads the team with 51 total tackles. He's also second on the team with five deflected passes. 

For the Chicago Bears, Adrian Amos has been a steady presence in the secondary. 

Like the Giants, the Bears organization searched for years to properly address the safety position but struggled to do so. 

The team finally appears to have hit on a late-round pick with Amos.

Bears defensive back coach Ed Donatell gushed about this year's fifth-round pick last month, via ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson: 

"

Amos has been just so steady and mature beyond his years. He’s been that way 24/7 in everything that he does and in every meeting. He’s very calm. And you can see he was listening to Antrel [Rolle]. You can tell that when Antrel went out there wasn’t as big of a drop off in communication as there might have been. There was some drop off, but Amos is a real student of the game and very composed.

"

Amos hasn't registered a sack, an interception or even a deflected pass, but he's earned his coaches' trust. Nothing is more important for a rookie. 

Collins and Amos might not be game-changers at safety, but both have made their respective teams better.

Others receiving votes: Kevin Johnson, Houston Texans (1 vote)

Preseason picks: Landon Collins, New York Giants; Jaquiski Tartt, San Francisco 49ers

Returner

Tim Umphrey/Associated Press

Winner: Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (8 votes)

One can't understate how important first impressions can be. 

The Seattle Seahawks' Tyler Lockett scored a touchdown on his very first kick return. Granted, it came during the preseason, but everyone knew what to expect every time Kansas State's all-time leading receiver touched the ball on special teams. 

Lockett hasn't slowed down during the regular season. 

The wide receiver has already scored touchdowns on a kick and punt return during his first eight games. He currently averages 25.4 yards per kick return, and his 8.1 yards per punt return is second among those returners with at least 10 attempts. 

The offense plans on getting the ball in the rookie's hands more often during the second half of the season. Until then, Lockett continues to help the Seahawks on special teams with his big returns. 

Others receiving votes: None

Preseason pick: Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks