NFL Week 14 Rookie Rankings: Surveying Rookie Class, Post-Week 13

The NFL playoff push is underway, and rookies across the league are making an impact. We’re back to rank the first-year players and give a snapshot of how well each position is performing.

The 2015 rookie class hasn’t been overly strong. Our top 20 players have 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 compared to expectations. Production per snap is also important, since certain rookies have struggled despite receiving major opportunities.

Week 13 featured several standout performances. While some players are hitting the wall, others are starting to hit their stride. Let’s take a look at the best rookies thus far.

Top 50 Overall

Winslow Townson/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 witness several breakout performers from this class, though the top two quarterbacks have been the best rookies this season.

This is exciting, as several young signal-callers across the league have struggled. But Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota have given hope to their respective franchises.

There are just four games left before the playoffs commence. 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	Marcus Mariota	QB	Titans	1.2	6	Up
3	Marcus Peters	CB	Chiefs	1.18	3	Same
4	Amari Cooper	WR	Raiders	1.4	2	Down
5	Leonard Williams	DE	Jets	1.6	5	Same
6	Todd Gurley	RB	Rams	1.10	4	Down
7	Ronald Darby	CB	Bills	2.18	7	Same
8	Damarious Randall	CB	Packers	1.30	8	Same
9	Eddie Goldman	DT	Bears	2.7	18	Up
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	Same
13	Thomas Rawls	RB	Seahawks	UDFA	13	Same
14	Jamison Crowder	WR	Redskins	4.6	14	Same
15	Jordan Hicks	LB	Eagles	3.20	15	Same
16	Dorial Green-Beckham	WR	Titans	2.2	25	Up
17	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	17	Same
18	Adrian Amos	DT	Bears	2.7	18	Same
19	Tyler Lockett	WR	Seahawks	3.5	29	Up
20	Byron Jones	SAF	Cowboys	1.27	20	Same
21	Karlos Williams	RB	Bills	5.19	21	Same
22	Benardrick McKinney	LB	Texans	4.12	22	Same
23	Ali Marpet	OG	Buccaneers	2.29	28	Up
24	La'el Collins	OG	Cowboys	UDFA	29	Up
25	Markus Golden	LB	Cardinals	2.26	25	Same
26	Rob Havenstein	OT	Rams	2.25	26	Same
27	Henry Anderson	DE	Colts	2.11	27	Same
28	Brandon Scherff	OG	Redskins	1.5	24	Down
29	Stephone Anthony	LB	Saints	1.31	30	Up
30	Malcom Brown	DT	Patriots	1.32	31	Up
31	Mitch Morse	C	Chiefs	2.17	32	Up
32	Denzel Perryman	LB	Chargers	2.16	38	Up
33	Tre' Jackson	OG	Patriots	4.32	33	Same
34	Devin Funchess	WR	Panthers	2.9	39	Up
35	Hau'oli Kikaha	LB	Saints	2.12	35	Same
36	Quandre Diggs	CB	Lions	6.24	41	Up
37	Landon Collins	SAF	Giants	2.1	50	Up
38	Shaq Thompson	LB	Panthers	1.25	34	Down
39	DeVante Parker	WR	Dolphins	1.14	N/A	Up
40	T.J. Yeldon	RB	Jaguars	2.4	16	Down
41	Stefon Diggs	WR	Vikings	5.10	19	Down
42	Kwon Alexander	LB	Buccaneers	4.25	N/A	Up
43	Jamison Crowder	WR	Redskins	4.6	24	Down
44	Preston Smith	LB	Redskins	2.6	44	Same
45	Tyeler Davison	DT	Saints	5.18	N/A	Up
46	Kyshoen Jarrett	SAF	Redskins	6.5	46	Same
47	Bud Dupree	LB	Steelers	1.22	47	Same
48	Shaquille Mason	OG	Patriots	4.32	37	Down
49	Bobby Richardson	DE	Saints	UDFA	50	Up
50	Jeremy Langford	RB	Bears	4.7	42	Down

Quarterbacks

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

We’ve seen only two rookie quarterbacks this season, but it is easy to infer why Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota went first and second overall this past draft. While neither is working with the ideal supporting cast, each continues to flash major signs of brilliance every week.

One could easily make the argument that Mariota deserves to be in the top quarterback spot over Winston. Mariota has better statistics across the board, but when watching the film of each quarterback, I’ve found Winston to be brilliant over the past two months. This isn’t a matter of Mariota's being a bad player, but the Bucs signal-caller has been more impressive on film.

As Mariota’s team improves, his level of play should continue to ascend. He’s been solid as a rookie, which is why he moved up to the second spot in our top-50 list. The Titans should be very happy with their young signal-caller.

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

Rick Osentoski/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 13. 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 into the top five is Ameer Abdullah of the Detroit Lions. Abdullah hasn't received consistent playing time this year, but he has been productive when given the chance. He reeled off 67 yards on 13 carries this past week against the Green Bay Packers in a solid showing.

The competition for the running backs class is impressive. I hate to leave off backs like Javorius Allen, Matt Jones, Jeremy Langford and others, but these five have been the most productive on a per-play basis. 

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	2	Same
3	T.J. Yeldon	RB	Jaguars	2.4	4	Up
4	Ameer Abdullah	RB	Lions	2.22	N/A	Up
5	Karlos Williams	RB	Bills	5.19	3	Down

Wide Receivers

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Finally a breakout week for the rookie receiver class has come. We have significant changes as the more physically gifted receivers have started to take over games. Two new faces grace our top five.

Out go receivers Stefon Diggs and Jamison Crowder, who have slipped in production as defenses have adjusted to their presence. Enter DeVante Parker and Dorial Green-Beckham. Green-Beckham had been on our list previously, but his 119-yard performance in Week 13 solidified his presence.

Parker had a tremendous 38-yard touchdown leap against the New York Jets. He’s looking more explosive as he earns snaps and targets. Coming off his foot injury, it is understandable that he started slowly and is now being featured more in Miami’s offense.

Wide Receiver Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Pick	LW	Moving
1	Amari Cooper	WR	Raiders	1.4	1	Same
2	Dorial Green-Beckham	WR	Titans	2.8	N/A	Up
3	Tyler Lockett	WR	Seahawks	3.5	4	Up
4	Devin Funchess	WR	Panthers	2.9	5	Up
5	DeVante Parker	WR	Dolphins	1.14	N/A	Up

Tight Ends

Al Bello/Getty Images

It may be strange that the leading tight end, statistically, is fourth on our list, but so goes the rookie tight end position. When figuring in 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 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

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The rookie offensive tackle class has had a tough time adjusting to the NFL. The first 13 weeks haven’t been consistent at all. We've even seen one tackle be so bad that he was moved to guard (Jeremiah Poutasi). 

The only tackle with anything overly positive going for him this season is Rob Havenstein. The Rams' second-round pick has been an impact run-blocker this season and an adequate pass protector. According to Pro Football Focus, he hasn't allowed a single sack this season. 

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

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	5	Same

Offensive Guards

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

With just one minor change in our top five this week, the offensive guards are mostly holding firm.

Thus, the players listed are the best five pass-blockers among the rookie class, 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	Max Garcia	G	Broncos	4.34	N/A	Up
5	Tre' Jackson	G	Patriots	4.12	5	Same

Centers

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

The center group hasn't changed this week, as all besides our top center has struggled. Outside of Mitch Morse, there's considerable concern whether any of these centers have long-term starting ability. The good news for the Chiefs is that Morse has been very good.

While New England benched David Andrews, Andy Gallik didn't play for the Titans in Week 13, either. That leaves Morse and Hroniss Grasu as the only current rookie starting centers. We'll see if there's any improvement over the last month. 

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

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

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

After struggling for a few weeks as a group, the rookie class flashed its talent. Mario Edwards Jr. continues to be the best 4-3 defensive end, as he notched another sack in his impressive second half of the season. But he wasn’t the only solid 4-3 end with a great week.

Seahawks rookie Frank Clark had a monstrous performance against the Minnesota Vikings. He had two sacks, torturing Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater throughout the day. He probably needs to play more, considering his disruption ability. It seems whenever he’s on the field the offense has to adjust.

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	3	Same
4	Arik Armstead	DE	49ers	1.17	4	Same
5	Frank Clark	DE	Seahawks	2.31	N/A	Up

Defensive Tackles

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

What a week for the rookie defensive tackles. Not only are we adding a new face, Tyeler Davison, but the incumbents had a great set of games. This is highlighted by Grady Jarrett and Eddie Goldman.

Goldman and Jarrett are the best rookie pass-rushers from the class. Goldman has been by far the most consistent player, and the Bears must be very happy with his progress. He can help anchor this defense for the next five or more years.

While Goldman had two sacks vs. the 49ers, Jarrett had one in Atlanta's tilt with Tampa Bay. More importantly, each were impactful run stoppers. The ability to be a run defender as a rookie is a sign improvement will come once their bodies continue to mature.

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	2	Same
3	Grady Jarrett	DT	Falcons	5.1	3	Same
4	Tyeler Davison	DT	Saints	5.18	N/A	Up
5	David Parry	DT	Colts	5.15	5	Same

Linebackers

Bill Feig/Associated Press

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 group of Eric Kendricks, Kwon Alexander and Stephone Anthony have been impressive run-stoppers. But what separates them is their coverage ability. While Kendricks has allowed just one touchdown in coverage, per Pro Football Focus, he's also missed the least amount of tackles (10). That's why he's No. 1.

Edge-rushers Markus Golden and Preston Smith have flashed impact talent throughout the season. It'll be fun to see how well they do for their respective teams down the stretch. Each is helping his franchise fight for a higher playoff seed. 

Linebacker Rankings

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

Cornerbacks

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

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

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

The argument for Ronald Darby over Marcus Peters is legitimate, as Peters has allowed seven touchdowns and Darby four, per Pro Football Focus. But Peters hasn't allowed one since Week 8, whereas Darby has allowed all of his in the last two weeks. Both have been sticky in coverage, which projects very well long term. 

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

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The rookie safety class has been interesting to watch on a weekly basis. On one hand, Byron Jones and Kyshoen Jarrett's versatility is exciting and promising. But none of the rookies has been an impact player, which is concerning.

Just two rookie safeties have an interception this season, and Robenson Therezie is one of them. Therezie hasn’t been good enough to appear on this list on a consistent basis. That means the five players on our top five haven’t been good enough to be considered anything but average at best.

Run-stopping safeties are nice but are generally not hard to find. One of these players must become an impactful player against the pass. With four games left, will any in this group do so?

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	Giants	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

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

Our specialist rankings feature three return men, one kicker 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.

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	Keith Mumphery	KR	Texans	5.39	N/A	Up
5	Kaelin Clay	KR	Ravens	6.8	5	Same

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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