NFL Week 13 Rookie Rankings: Surveying Rookie Class, Post-Week 12

Can you believe we’re already at the 13th 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 surveyed the rookie class since the start of the season and continue to do so as the 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 expectations. Production per snap is also important, since certain rookies have struggled to be good despite receiving major opportunities.

Our rankings from even last week are now outdated, as Week 12 featured several standout performances.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

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

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

Players such as 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 upside. Thompson played well early on, but injuries have hindered his quest to earn more snaps as well.

There are just five games left before the playoffs. 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	1	Same
2	Amari Cooper	WR	Raiders	1.4	4	Up
3	Marcus Peters	CB	Chiefs	1.18	3	Same
4	Todd Gurley	RB	Rams	1.10	4	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	Damarious Randall	CB	Packers	1.30	8	Same
9	Stefon Diggs	WR	Vikings	5.10	9	Same
10	Mario Edwards Jr.	DE	Raiders	2.3	10	Same
11	Kevin Johnson	CB	Texans	1.16	11	Same
12	Vic Beasley	DE	Falcons	1.8	12	Up
13	Thomas Rawls	RB	Seahawks	UDFA	21	Up
14	Jamison Crowder	WR	Redskins	4.6	14	Same
15	Jordan Hicks	LB	Eagles	3.20	15	Same
16	Eric Kendricks	LB	Vikings	2.13	25	Up
17	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	13	Down
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	Same
21	Karlos Williams	RB	Bills	5.19	12	Down
22	Benardrick McKinney	LB	Texans	4.12	27	Same
23	La'el Collins	OG	Cowboys	UDFA	23	Same
24	Brandon Scherff	OG	Redskins	1.5	24	Same
25	Markus Golden	LB	Cardinals	2.26	16	Down
26	Rob Havenstein	OT	Rams	2.25	26	Same
27	Henry Anderson	DE	Colts	2.11	27	Same
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	Malcom Brown	DT	Patriots	1.32	N/A	Same
32	Mitch Morse	C	Chiefs	2.17	32	Same
33	Tre' Jackson	OG	Patriots	4.32	33	Same
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	36	Same
37	Landon Collins	SAF	Giants	2.1	50	Up
38	Denzel Perryman	LB	Chargers	2.16	N/A	Up
39	Devin Funchess	WR	Panthers	2.9	N/A	Up
40	Shaquille Mason	OG	Patriots	2.17	27	Down
41	Quandre Diggs	CB	Lions	6.24	N/A	Same
42	Jeremy Langford	RB	Bears	4.7	N/A	Up
43	Duke Johnson	RB	Browns	3.13	39	Down
44	Preston Smith	LB	Redskins	2.6	44	Same
45	T.J. Clemmings	OT	Vikings	4.11	32	Down
46	Kyshoen Jarrett	SAF	Redskins	6.5	46	Same
47	Bud Dupree	LB	Steelers	1.22	47	Same
48	Dorial Green-Beckham	WR	Titans	2.3	31	Same
49	Frank Clark	DE	Seahawks	2.31	49	Same
50	Bobby Richardson	SAF	Saints	2.1	50	Same

Quarterbacks

James Kenney/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.

Both are coming off good but not great performances in Week 12. While Winston has clearly established himself as the better player to this point, there's no reason to be down overall on Mariota. If you liked him in college as a prospect, you should still be a fan.

The one area Mariota really needs to work on is his downfield accuracy. He's completed just six passes of 20 yards or more in the air, per Pro Football Focus. His deep passes usually have too much arc on them, giving defenders time to close and defend the pass. He may not improve this until the offseason, but his lack of chunk plays has hindered the Titans offense. 

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

Morry Gash/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 12. The depth of the class was in doubt for a few weeks as injuries struck, but several rookies' bigger roles led to more production.

Moving up again in the top five is Thomas Rawls. He went undrafted because of some off-field concerns, but he looks like the long-term back in Seattle if Marshawn Lynch doesn’t return next season. Rawls has been the second-most productive back in the class. 

The competition for the fifth spot is deep. Duke Johnson, Jay Ajayi and Buck Allen have all impressed. In addition, Matt Jones’ re-emergence in recent weeks has been a welcome sight.

Running Back Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Todd Gurley	RB	Rams	1.10	1	Same
2	Thomas Rawls	RB	Seahawks	UDFA	3	Up
3	Karlos Williams	RB	Bills	5.19	2	Down
4	T.J. Yeldon	RB	Jaguars	2.4	4	Same
5	Jeremy Langford	RB	Bears	4.7	N/A	Up

Wide Receivers

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

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 Carolina Panthers' rookie receiver Devin Funchess. He has stepped up in recent weeks after a bout with drops. He is now the fifth-leading rookie receiver in yards with 285.

The breakout player of Week 12 was once again Amari Cooper. After having a couple of down weeks, he returned with a 112-yard performance in a big win for the Raiders. He's one of the most exciting players in the class. 

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	3	Same
4	Tyler Lockett	WR	Seahawks	3.5	5	Up
5	Devin Funchess	WR	Panthers	2.9	N/A	Up

Tight Ends

Norm Hall/Getty Images

It may be strange that the leading tight end receiver is currently fourth on our list, but so goes the rookie tight end position. When figuring blocking impact and touchdowns, this is a close-knit group. 

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 Tackles

Gary Hershorn/Associated Press

The rookie offensive tackle class has had a tough time adjusting to the NFL. The first 12 weeks haven’t been consistent at all. The same can be said for this ranking.

Despite being out for the season with an injury, Ty Sambrailo moved up in the rookie rankings. He was simply better than T.J. Clemmings and Donovan Smith when playing. The latter two have been horrendous the last few weeks. 

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	Ty Sambrailo	OT	Broncos	2.27	N/A	Up
4	T.J. Clemmings	OT	Vikings	4.11	3	Down
5	Donovan Smith	OT	Buccaneers	2.2	4	Same

Offensive Guards

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

There's not much change for the interior linemen this week. 

Thus, the top five players listed are the best five pass-blockers I’ve seen, with run-blocking ability breaking close ties. 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 build 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	1	Same
2	La'el Collins	G	Cowboys	UDFA	2	Same
3	Brandon Scherff	G	Redskins	1.5	3	Same
4	Laken Tomlinson	G	Lions	1.28	4	Down
5	Tre' Jackson	G	Patriots	4.12	5	Down

Centers

Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

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 pointing downward.

Andy Gallik and Hroniss Grasu played in the last two weeks, but both are struggling. Per Pro Football Focus, 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

Scott Cunningham/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.

Vic Beasley wasn't able to finish on his four quarterback hurries against the Minnesota Vikings, but he had a solid game nonetheless. Pressures aren't as valuable as sacks but can still create turnovers for the defense. There's no reason to be down on Beasley as his career advances.  

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	2	Same
3	Vic Beasley	DE	Falcons	1.8	4	Up
4	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	3	Down
5	Henry Anderson	DE	Colts	3.29	5	Same

Defensive Tackles

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

We finally have a new face in the top five to join Eddie Goldman as a standout rookie. After catching up on Malcom Brown, he's been the second-best tackle in the class. New England's deep rotation of defensive linemen has been effective in keeping guys fresh and effective.

Brown and Goldman are both threats to blow up run and passing plays. There are some flashes from Grady Jarrett as a pass-rusher as well, but you can tell he needs an offseason to bulk up. The overall outlook of this position is becoming brighter as the season unfolds.

Defensive Tackle Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Eddie Goldman	DT	Bears	2.7	1	Same
2	Malcom Brown	DT	Patriots	1.32	N/A	Up
3	Grady Jarrett	DT	Falcons	5.1	2	Down
4	Rodney Gunter	DT	Cardinals	4.17	3	Down
5	David Parry	DT	Colts	5.15	5	Same

Linebackers

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

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, but since he's not playing due to a season-ending injury, we'll show off some others in the mean time. That allows Eric Kendricks to slide into first and Denzel Perryman into fifth. 

This is a rock-solid group, especially considering guys such as Hau'oli Kikaha, Shaq Thompson and Bud Dupree aren't in this list. Kwon Alexander has had bright flashes but also leads all rookies with 25 missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus. He will not make the top-50 or top-five linebacker list until that improves. 

Linebacker Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Eric Kendricks	LB	Vikings	2.13	3	Up
2	Benardrick McKinney	LB	Texans	2.11	2	Same
3	Stephone Anthony	LB	Saints	1.31	5	Up
4	Markus Golden	LB	Cardinals	2.26	4	Same
5	Denzel Perryman	LB	Chargers	2.16	N/A	Up

Cornerbacks

Eric Christian Smith/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.

The argument for Ronald Darby over Marcus Peters is certainly legitimate, as Peters has allowed seven touchdowns and Darby just one, per Pro Football Focus. But, Peters was in good position on all but two of his touchdowns, and we shouldn't punish a cornerback when the receiver makes a tremendous play. Also, Peters has drawn much more difficult matchups on a weekly basis. 

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	5	Same

Safeties

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

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	1	Same
2	Byron Jones	SAF	Cowboys	1.27	2	Same
3	Landon Collins	SAF	Cowboys	2.1	N/A	Up
4	Kyshoen Jarrett	SAF	Redskins	6.5	5	Down
5	Clayton Geathers	SAF	Colts	4.10	N/A	Same

Specialists

Gregory Shamus/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 19 of 21 kicks on the season. His 90.5 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	4	Same
5	Kaelin Clay	KR	Ravens	UDFA	N/A	Up

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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