NFL Week 12 Rookie Rankings: Surveying Rookie Class, Post-Week 11

Can you believe we’re already at the 12th week of the NFL season? As teams are gearing up for a playoff push, several rookies are critical pieces to their teams' success. We’ve continued to survey the rookie class since the start of the season and continue to do so as weeks pass by.

The 2015 rookie class hasn’t been overly strong to this point. Our top 20 players have generally been impressive, but injuries and limited opportunities have held many back. The long-term outlook on the class is still positive, though.  

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. Production per snap is also important, since certain rookies have struggled to be good despite major opportunities.

Our rankings from even last week are now outdated, as Week 11 featured several standout performances. While some players are hitting their rookie wall, others are starting to hit their stride. Let’s take a look at the best rookies thus far.

Top 50 Overall

Ed Zurga/Associated Press

Our top-50 list continues to see some movers and shakers. The late push up our boards is encouraging for players who couldn’t see the field early. 2016 should see several breakout players from this class.

Hopefully players like Kevin White, DeVante Parker and Shaq Thompson can start to make their way on the field. White and Parker have struggled with injuries to this point but have great upsides. Thompson played well early on, but injuries have hindered his quest to earn more snaps as well.

There are just six games left before the playoffs are here. Building momentum into next season can change how a franchise will attack the offseason. Also, be on the lookout for struggling teams to start increasing playing time for rookies.

Top 50 Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Jameis Winston	QB	Buccaneers	1.1	3	Up
2	Todd Gurley	RB	Rams	1.10	1	Down
3	Marcus Peters	CB	Chiefs	1.18	4	Up
4	Amari Cooper	WR	Raiders	1.4	2	Down
5	Leonard Williams	DE	Jets	1.6	5	Same
6	Marcus Mariota	QB	Titans	1.2	6	Same
7	Ronald Darby	CB	Bills	2.18	7	Same
8	Kevin Johnson	CB	Texans	1.16	8	Same
9	Stefon Diggs	WR	Vikings	5.10	9	Same
10	Mario Edwards Jr.	DE	Raiders	2.3	31	Up
11	Damarious Randall	CB	Packers	1.30	11	Same
12	Karlos Williams	RB	Bills	5.19	12	Same
13	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	41	Same
14	Jamison Crowder	WR	Redskins	4.6	10	Up
15	Jordan Hicks	LB	Eagles	3.20	15	Same
16	Markus Golden	LB	Cardinals	2.26	16	Same
17	Vic Beasley	DE	Falcons	1.8	7	Same
18	Eddie Goldman	DT	Bears	2.7	18	Same
19	Adrian Amos	SAF	Bears	5.6	19	Same
20	Byron Jones	SAF	Cowboys	1.27	14	Down
21	Thomas Rawls	RB	Seahawks	UDFA	39	Down
22	Benardrick McKinney	LB	Texans	4.12	27	Same
23	La'el Collins	OG	Cowboys	UDFA	N/A	Up
24	Brandon Scherff	OG	Redskins	1.5	24	Up
25	Eric Kendricks	LB	Vikings	2.13	25	Same
26	Rob Havenstein	OT	Rams	2.25	26	Same
27	Henry Anderson	DE	Colts	2.11	17	Down
28	Ali Marpet	OG	Buccaneers	2.29	28	Same
29	Tyler Lockett	WR	Seahawks	3.5	29	Same
30	Stephone Anthony	LB	Saints	1.31	30	Same
31	Dorial Green-Beckham	WR	Titans	2.3	20	Down
32	Mitch Morse	C	Chiefs	4.32	40	Up
33	Tre' Jackson	OG	Patriots	UDFA	22	Down
34	T.J. Yeldon	RB	Jaguars	2.4	34	Same
35	Hau'oli Kikaha	LB	Saints	2.12	35	Same
36	Shaq Thompson	LB	Panthers	1.25	23	Down
37	Bobby Richardson	DE	Saints	UDFA	37	Same
38	T.J. Clemmings	OT	Vikings	4.11	32	Down
39	Duke Johnson	RB	Browns	3.13	21	Down
40	Shaquille Mason	OG	Patriots	2.17	27	Down
41	Quandre Diggs	CB	Lions	6.24	N/A	Same
42	David Parry	DT	Colts	5.15	42	Same
43	Jay Ajayi	RB	Dolphins	5.13	43	Same
44	Preston Smith	LB	Redskins	2.6	44	Same
45	Melvin Gordon	RB	Chargers	1.15	45	Same
46	Kyshoen Jarrett	SAF	Redskins	6.5	46	Same
47	Bud Dupree	LB	Steelers	1.22	47	Same
48	David Andrews	C	Patriots	UDFA	48	Same
49	Frank Clark	DE	Seahawks	2.31	49	Same
50	Landon Collins	SAF	Giants	2.1	50	Same

Quarterbacks

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

We’ve only seen two rookie quarterbacks this season, but it is easy to see why Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota went first and second overall this past draft. While each is working with a less than ideal supporting cast around him, each continues to flash major signs of brilliance every week.

Despite both quarterbacks performing well, we’re seeing another gap being wedged because of the great play of one more than the other.

Winston is coming off a terrific showing in which he tossed five touchdown passes and a 65.5 completion percentage. He assaulted the middle of the field with great precision, and the Eagles never had a chance to stop him. He’s already taken massive steps over the last 10 weeks.

There’s still reason to be quite happy with Mariota, Titans fans. His offensive line has been in shambles, and he’s lacking a running game but still showing poise and solid accuracy on short and intermediate passes. Most seasons, he’d be considered a solid No. 1 overall pick.

Quarterback Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Jameis Winston	QB	Buccaneers	1.1	1	Same
2	Marcus Mariota	QB	Titans	1.2	2	Same
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

John Froschauer/Associated Press

After several weeks of a two-headed monster at the top of our rankings, the rookie backs had a much stronger showing in Week 10. The depth of the class was in doubt for a few weeks as injuries struck, but several rookies' bigger roles led to more production.

Re-entering the top five is Thomas Rawls. Rawls hasn’t seen consistent carries with Marshawn Lynch playing, causing him to drop out, but he’s back in the lineup. Rawls went undrafted because of some off-field concerns, but he looks like the long-term back in Seattle if Lynch doesn’t return next season.

The competition for the fifth spot is deep. We’ve seen Jeremy Langford step up for the Chicago Bears too. Matt Jones’ re-emergence in Week 10 was also a welcome sight.

Running Back Rankings

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

Wide Receivers

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The wide receiver group is seeing some more competition as the weeks pass by. Although we're sticking with the same group of rookies here, this class is becoming deeper as the season wears on. The future continues to look bright as several rookies will be coming off injury next season.

Our newest addition is one of the more unlikely of the rookie class, if you were to ask me at the beginning of the season. Arizona Cardinals receiver J.J. Nelson broke out with a monstrous game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. His 142 yards on just four catches was as impressive of any rookie game you can find from 2015.

We saw quite a drop in production from Amari Cooper and Jamison Crowder this past week. Cooper’s hands were an issue at Alabama, and he dropped two passes again this week. That’s something he must improve for him to take the next leap in his development.

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	Same
4	J.J. Nelson	WR	Cardinals	5.23	N/A	Up
5	Tyler Lockett	WR	Seahawks	3.5	5	Same

Tight Ends

Beck Diefenbach/Associated Press

We're starting to see the production of the tight end class increase as the weeks pass. There are now four tight ends with more than 100 receiving yards on the season. That's still a low threshold, but at least there is progress. 

There's no movement this week, although the battle for the top three spots can change drastically moving forward. New York Giants tight end Will Tye leads all rookies in yards, but he is the least well-rounded player. Clive Walford edges him out again because of his rookie-leading three touchdown receptions for Oakland. 

Blocking ability is a difficult one to account for since it is subjective. But it does seem that Maxx Williams is not only the best receiver, but also the top blocker. The Baltimore Ravens have often featured him as an in-line blocker.

Tight End Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Maxx Williams	TE	Ravens	2.23	1	Same
2	Nick Boyle	TE	Ravens	5.35	2	Same
3	Clive Walford	TE	Raiders	3.4	3	Same
4	Will Tye	TE	Giants	UDFA	4	Same
5	James O'Shaughnessy	TE	Chiefs	5.37	5	Same

Offensive Tackle

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The rookie offensive tackle class has had a tough time adjusting to the NFL. The first 11 weeks haven’t been consistent at all. The same can be said for this ranking.

Just three rookie tackles started last week because of bye weeks and injuries. Outside of Rob Havenstein, these rookie starters have been among the worst in the NFL. The rookie wall has blasted guys such as T.J. Clemmings and Donovan Smith. 

Just remember that this is a long-term process and investment for linemen. They’ll likely bulk up and see great technique improvements for next year. The rookie returns have been downright bad to this point.

Offensive Tackle Rankings

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

Offensive Guards

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

After focusing on the rookie guards this past week, we have some major movement despite injuries and playing time interrupting playing time for certain players. We have several solid run-blockers already in this group, but the priority is pass blocking.

Thus, the top five players listed are the best five pass-blockers I’ve seen. The upside for these players is significant, as showing some semblance of pass-blocking talent on an island is difficult. Like the tackles, these guards need to refine technique and pure strength, which will happen this next offseason. A full offseason with an NFL weight-training program will only help.

Offensive Guard Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Ali Marpet	G	Buccaneers	2.29	N/A	Up
2	La'el Collins	G	Cowboys	UDFA	4	Up
3	Brandon Scherff	G	Redskins	1.5	3	Same
4	Laken Tomlinson	G	Lions	1.28	1	Down
5	Tre' Jackson	G	Patriots	4.12	2	Down

Centers

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

One of the NFL's more nondescript positions is the offensive center. Rarely do centers have to do the brunt work that a guard or tackle does, but the center is usually the unit's brain. A center is often the help blocker on pass plays, and athletic centers will pull on outside runs.

But the NFL has a lot of quality centers, and the rookie pool suggests that not many starters were needed. Two players have started every week: Mitch Morse and David Andrews. The Patriots benched Andrews in Week 11, so his arrow is starting to turn downward.

Andy Gallik and Hroniss Grasu played in Week 11, but neither was good. Grasu (6'3", 297 lbs) allowed three quarterback hurries, and Gallik (6'2", 299 lbs) is way outmatched in the run game. This doesn’t mean neither will improve, but there should be concern that neither can handle the NFL’s size and strength difference.

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

Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Defensive end is arguably the rookie class' most talented and deepest position. Whether 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.

This group has hit a collective wall in recent weeks. This isn’t surprising, as we’re seeing the same thing at other positions right now.

Two high draft picks who move up this week are on the West Coast. Mario Edwards Jr. has been building his resume as he becomes more consistent on a weekly basis. His role as an inside rusher is perfect for him. The Raiders must be thrilled that the former Seminole is in great shape and playing well. 

Defensive End Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Leonard Williams	DE	Jets	1.6	1	Same
2	Mario Edwards Jr.	DE	Raiders	2.3	3	Up
3	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	N/A	Up
4	Vic Beasley	DE	Falcons	1.8	2	Down
5	Henry Anderson	DE	Colts	3.29	4	Down

Defensive Tackle

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Not much has changed for the rookie defensive tackle class. None of the rookies has shown much overall production in terms of stats. But the film has been encouraging for some of them.

The pure nose tackles have been the best of the bunch so far. Indianapolis Colts tackle David Parry has been a helpful presence while eating double-teams. We can say the same for Arizona Cardinals rookie Rodney Gunter. Especially in multiple-front defenses or purely 3-4 fronts, these nose tackles make everything else possible for their teammates.

Without a breakout performer, this group continues to feature the same faces this week. Rookies such as Danny Shelton, Michael Bennett and Jordan Phillips are lurking right below these five talented rookies. 

Defensive Tackle Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Eddie Goldman	DT	Bears	2.7	1	Same
2	Grady Jarrett	DT	Falcons	5.1	2	Same
3	Rodney Gunter	DT	Cardinals	4.17	3	Same
4	David Irving	DT	Cowboys	UDFA	4	Same
5	David Parry	DT	Colts	5.15	5	Same

Linebackers

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Whether you’re looking for a 3-4 or 4-3 linebacker, you’ll find the top five right here. Overall, this has been a solid group despite limited playing time for 3-4 rushers. The inside linebackers have fared much better, and the upside of numerous players is clearly visible.

The best overall linebacker this season has still been Jordan Hicks, even though he will miss the rest of the season. We have a slight change for the second and third spots, though. Benardrick McKinney had another great week defending the run for the Texans, propping him into second.

This is a rock-solid group, especially considering guys such as Hau'oli Kikaha, Thompson and Bud Dupree aren't in this list. Denzel Perryman had a solid debut for the San Diego Chargers this past week, so we’ll see if he can continue to be an upgrade for them.

Linebacker Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Jordan Hicks	LB	Eagles	3.20	1	Same
2	Benardrick McKinney	LB	Texans	2.11	4	Up
3	Eric Kendricks	LB	Vikings	2.13	2	Same
4	Markus Golden	LB	Cardinals	2.26	4	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 successes should have teams kicking themselves for passing over instant starters at such a valuable spot.

The competition for the fifth spot on this list is deep and impressive. The top four rookies in our list could all be the No. 1 player in most cornerback classes. Detroit Lions rookie Quandre Diggs steps into the fifth spot, as he continues to improve as a nickel cornerback.

Teams that need cornerback help should be regretting the decision to pass on all of these talented players. You can be sure the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans and New England Patriots are quite pleased with their rookie cornerbacks thus far.

Cornerback Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Marcus Peters	CB	Chiefs	1.18	1	Same
2	Ronald Darby	CB	Bills	2.18	2	Same
3	Damarious Randall	CB	Packers	1.30	3	Same
4	Kevin Johnson	CB	Texans	1.16	4	Same
5	Quandre Diggs	CB	Lions	6.24	N/A	Up

Safeties

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

We’re starting to see some solid play from our two top safeties. Adrian Amos and Byron Jones continue to impress with plays near the line of scrimmage. The next step for each is to become more impactful in coverage.

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 NFL position like safety. The disparity between bad starters and even starter quality is steep, which makes the elites even that more obvious. Jones and Amos are the only two rookie safeties who are showing much promise right now.

Safety Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Adrian Amos	SAF	Bears	5.6	2	Up
2	Byron Jones	SAF	Cowboys	1.27	3	Down
3	Ibraheim Campbell	SAF	Browns	4.16	3	Same
4	James Sample	SAF	Jaguars	4.5	4	Same
5	Kyshoen Jarrett	SAF	Redskins	6.5	5	Same

Specialists

Rob Foldy/Getty Images

Our specialist rankings feature two return men, two kickers and one punter. After early-season production, this rookie return group has seen diminishing results. Maybe this will change in the final stretch of the season, but the last few weeks have been underwhelming.

Josh Lambo is atop the top five. The San Diego kicker has been solid, making 18 of 20 kicks on the season. His 90 kicking percentage leads all rookie kickers.

The lone punter on the list is the Miami Dolphins' 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	Josh Lambo	K	Chargers	UDFA	1	Same
2	Matt Darr	P	Dolphins	UDFA	2	Same
3	Marcus Murphy	KR	Saints	7.13	3	Same
4	Jason Myers	K	Jaguars	UDFA	N/A	Same
5	David Johnson	KR	Cardinals	3.22	4	Down

All stats used are from Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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