NFL Week 16 Rookie Rankings: Surveying Rookie Class, Post-Week 15
As the 2015 NFL season nears its conclusion, members of the rookie class continue to earn opportunities to show what they're made of. With teams being eliminated from the playoffs and contenders suffering injuries, the rookie snap counts are increasing. A total of 109 rookies logged at least 25 percent of their team’s respective snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Like every week, we will review the rookie class from the first week through the 15th in these rookie rankings. Late bloomers have an uphill climb to crack their positional ranks, but we will reward stellar performances. A slew of injuries have altered our boards, specifically with guys who were playing well until their season was prematurely over.
Playing time, production per snap, statistics and opinions I've formed from watching these rookies all factor into these rankings. There are a lot of quality rookies in our top 50 and positional rankings. Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments sections below.
Top 50 Overall
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Not only has the volume of rookies playing increased, but the quality of play also dramatically rose in Week 15. Maybe it was the matchups that allowed these rookies to have a positive collective performance, or they’re just getting more comfortable. Either way, the outlook for many of our top 50 is bright.
There have been some strong performances from guys outside of our top 50 as well. Certain positions are much deeper than others, which is why some top positional players are lower than the fourth- or fifth-best player at their respective position. There is certainly a high amount of subjectivity when comparing cross-positional players.
There is considerable movement within our top 50. This comes after studying particular positions more in depth as the season has passed and, of course, recent breakout performances.
| 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 | Marcus Peters | CB | Chiefs | 1.18 | 3 | Same |
| 4 | Leonard Williams | DE | Jets | 1.6 | 4 | Same |
| 5 | Amari Cooper | WR | Raiders | 1.4 | 6 | Up |
| 6 | Todd Gurley | RB | Rams | 1.10 | 5 | Down |
| 7 | Mario Edwards Jr. | DE | Raiders | 2.3 | 7 | Same |
| 8 | Dorial Green-Beckham | WR | Titans | 2.8 | 16 | Up |
| 9 | Vic Beasley | DE | Falcons | 1.8 | 11 | Up |
| 10 | Ronald Darby | CB | Bills | 2.18 | 10 | Same |
| 11 | Jordan Hicks | LB | Eagles | 3.20 | 15 | Up |
| 12 | Eddie Goldman | DT | Bears | 2.7 | 8 | Down |
| 13 | Thomas Rawls | RB | Seahawks | UDFA | 13 | Same |
| 14 | Damarious Randall | CB | Packers | 1.30 | 8 | Down |
| 15 | Arik Armstead | DE | 49ers | 1.17 | 17 | Up |
| 16 | Eric Kendricks | LB | Vikings | 2.23 | 21 | Up |
| 17 | Tyler Lockett | WR | Seahawks | 3.5 | 9 | Down |
| 18 | Markus Golden | LB | Cardinals | 2.26 | 25 | Up |
| 19 | Kevin Johnson | CB | Texans | 1.16 | 19 | Same |
| 20 | Ali Marpet | OG | Buccaneers | 2.29 | 23 | Up |
| 21 | Mitch Morse | OC | Chiefs | 2.17 | 12 | Down |
| 22 | Quandre Diggs | CB | Lions | 6.24 | N/A | Up |
| 23 | La'el Collins | OG | Cowboys | UDFA | 24 | Up |
| 24 | Brandon Scherff | OG | Redskins | 1.5 | 25 | Up |
| 25 | Adrian Amos | SAF | Cardinals | 5.6 | 18 | Down |
| 26 | Byron Jones | SAF | Cowboys | 1.27 | 20 | Down |
| 27 | Benardrick McKinney | LB | Texans | 2.11 | 34 | Up |
| 28 | Malcom Brown | DT | Patriots | 1.32 | 30 | Up |
| 29 | Denzel Perryman | LB | Chargers | 2.16 | 32 | Up |
| 30 | T.J. Yeldon | RB | Jaguars | 2.4 | 40 | Up |
| 31 | Quinten Rollins | CB | Packers | 2.30 | N/A | Up |
| 32 | Grady Jarrett | DT | Falcons | 5.1 | N/A | Up |
| 33 | Rob Havenstein | OT | Rams | 2.25 | 26 | Down |
| 34 | Danielle Hunter | DE | Vikings | 3.24 | N/A | Up |
| 35 | Anthony Harris | SAF | Vikings | UDFA | 22 | Down |
| 36 | Shaq Thompson | LB | Panthers | 1.25 | 21 | Down |
| 37 | Stephone Anthony | LB | Saints | 1.30 | 35 | Down |
| 38 | Henry Anderson | DE | Colts | 2.11 | 27 | Down |
| 39 | DeVante Parker | WR | Dolphins | 1.14 | 39 | Same |
| 40 | Frank Clark | DE | Seahawks | 2.31 | N/A | Up |
| 41 | Stefon Diggs | WR | Vikings | 5.10 | 41 | Same |
| 42 | Kwon Alexander | LB | Buccaneers | 4.25 | 42 | Same |
| 43 | Clive Walford | TE | Raiders | 3.4 | N/A | Down |
| 44 | Devin Funchess | WR | Panthers | 2.9 | 38 | Down |
| 45 | Jamison Crowder | WR | Redskins | 6.4 | 43 | Down |
| 46 | Kyshoen Jarrett | SAF | Redskins | 6.5 | 46 | Same |
| 47 | Bud Dupree | LB | Steelers | 1.22 | 47 | Same |
| 48 | Ameer Abdullah | RB | Lions | 2.22 | N/A | Up |
| 49 | Will Tye | TE | Giants | UDFA | 49 | Same |
| 50 | Jaquiski Tartt | SAF | 49ers | 2.14 | N/A | Up |
Quarterbacks
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What a fun battle to track all season long. Between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, the NFL seemingly has two budding stars from this rookie quarterback class. A strong argument can be made for either as the most impressive player 15 weeks into the season.
While Mariota holds advantages in yards per attempt, interceptions and quarterback rating, those are products of a less aggressive scheme and volume. Mariota has attempted 370 passes, while Winston has thrown 459 times. Obviously, more attempts means more opportunities to turn the ball over, yet Winston has been effective.
Winston shines in several categories, even in comparison to Mariota. He’s been sacked just 24 times, which is in large part due to his pocket presence and ability to shake off a hit. He’s also suffered from 32 drops, whereas Mariota has just 18 dropped passes. Both are good, but Winston has been a little more impressive to me.
| 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
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The star running back of Week 15 was David Johnson. The Cardinals rookie was tremendous again when he received an opportunity to play, totaling 187 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. He added another 42 receiving yards, which crippled the Eagles’ efforts to stop this offense.
Johnson doesn’t have the volume of other rookie backs, but he’s been so good in his limited snaps that he ascends to the third spot. Thomas Rawls’ broken ankle unfortunately derailed an excellent season from him. He sticks at the second spot for his impressive work throughout the season.
Ameer Abdullah also re-enters the top five after his explosive Monday Night Football showing. He had 77 yards on nine carries. He also fumbled the ball, which was an issue in college, but his dazzling 27-yard run was a glimpse of what makes him so good.
| 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 | David Johnson | RB | Cardinals | 3.22 | 4 | Up |
| 4 | T.J. Yeldon | RB | Jaguars | 2.4 | 3 | Down |
| 5 | Ameer Abdullah | RB | Lions | 2.22 | N/A | Up |
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Wide Receivers
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The rookie wide receivers had a massive week as a collective group. The stars were familiar names to these rankings, including Amari Cooper, Dorial Green-Beckham and DeVante Parker. Cooper and Green-Beckham again top the list after they totaled more than 100 yards each in Week 15.
Moving back into the top five is Stefon Diggs. He had been quiet in recent weeks until he converted two passes for touchdowns in Week 15. Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater connected with Diggs on a special over-the-shoulder throw in the end zone for one of his scores, and those two continue to show a special connection.
We also cannot forget Tyler Lockett. He added another touchdown last week, giving him six for the season. His emergence as a consistent receiving threat has been a factor in the Seattle offense's explosion in the last five weeks.
| Rank | Player | Pos. | Team | Pick | LW | Moving |
| 1 | Amari Cooper | WR | Raiders | 1.4 | 1 | Same |
| 2 | Dorial Green-Beckham | WR | Titans | 2.8 | 3 | Up |
| 3 | Tyler Lockett | WR | Seahawks | 3.5 | 2 | Down |
| 4 | DeVante Parker | WR | Dolphins | 1.14 | 5 | Up |
| 5 | Stefon Diggs | WR | Vikings | 5.10 | N/A | Up |
Tight Ends
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We’re starting to see more production in the last few weeks from a generally weak tight end class. The consistency is lacking from the season-long perspective, but rarely do rookie tight ends have an early impact. What they are putting on film now is encouraging for the next few years.
Giants tight end Will Tye logged his second touchdown of the season and has now scored in back-to-back weeks. His emergence as a receiving threat has helped the Giants offense because Eli Manning now has an underneath threat he’s starting to trust. Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has also done a great job of bringing Tye along.
Bengals rookie Tyler Kroft enters the list, and he may emerge in the last two weeks as a top-four tight end. His first extended action led to 31 yards and a touchdown on three catches in Week 15.
| Rank | Player | Pos. | Team | Pick | LW | Moving |
| 1 | Clive Walford | TE | Raiders | 3.4 | 1 | Same |
| 2 | Will Tye | TE | Giants | UDFA | 2 | Same |
| 3 | Maxx Williams | TE | Ravens | 2.23 | 3 | Same |
| 4 | Nick Boyle | TE | Ravens | 5.35 | 4 | Same |
| 5 | Tyler Kroft | TE | Bengals | 3.21 | 5 | Up |
Offensive Tackles
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Offensive tackle is the least talented rookie group of the 2015 class. From top to bottom, none of our top five tackles has been even an average player this year. This isn’t a surprise considering how top-ranked tackles from the 2013 and 2014 draft classes are still struggling. This position takes years to see drastic improvement.
Below are the five best pass protectors throughout the season. Since several, especially Rob Havenstein and T.J. Clemmings, have been more impactful as run defenders, I decided to use pass protection as a more important measure of who is performing well. As technique and body composition continue to evolve, this group should see better days in the future.
| 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 | 3 | Same |
| 4 | T.J. Clemmings | OT | Vikings | 4.11 | 4 | Same |
| 5 | Donovan Smith | OT | Buccaneers | 2.2 | 5 | Same |
Offensive Guards
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The rookie offensive guards class is one of the more interesting of all the positions. While there are three studs in Ali Marpet, La’el Collins and Brandon Scherff, the lower-end guards are awful at this point. In general, offensive line play across the league is poor, and most of the rookies being asked to start are not helping.
We’re able to make a serviceable top-five list, but below these rookies you’d find some guards who just aren’t ready to see the field for an extended time. Like the tackle group, these players may need years of development before they’re prepared to handle defensive fronts.
At least these players below have shown they have considerable talent to be impact starters in coming years. Our top three have been especially good in their first season.
| 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 | A.J. Cann | G | Jaguars | 3.3 | 5 | Up |
| 5 | Tre' Jackson | G | Patriots | 4.12 | 4 | Down |
Centers
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We had our first week of the season where five rookies played at center. A newcomer to the group is Jamil Douglas, who started the season at guard for the Miami Dolphins. He had a bad first showing a few weeks ago at center but filled in admirably for Mike Pouncey in Week 15.
Another first is that none of the rookie centers allowed a single quarterback sack or pressure this week. This is real progress, especially from Hroniss Grasu and Andy Gallik. Patriots center David Andrews re-entered the starting lineup as well.
The key for this group over the last two weeks is to be more consistent with its play. Finishing the season with a strong push would be a promising jump into the offseason.
| 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 | Jamil Douglas | OC | Dolphins | 4.15 | N/A | Up |
Defensive Ends
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Some interesting news came out last week about one of our top defensive ends, Vic Beasley. The rookie hit the proverbial wall for a few weeks but has been playing well again here lately. Per Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Beasley admitted he’s been playing with a torn labrum all season long.
This position is rather deep with impact players. As well as Frank Clark has played, he is no longer in the top five after Danielle Hunter had a breakout performance. Hunter had two sacks and four run stops in Week 15, per Pro Football Focus. He’s quickly developing for the Vikings.
The rest of our list is filled with studs. Leonard Williams, Mario Edwards Jr. and Arik Armstead have all been impressive early on. There’s no reason to think their future is anything but promising.
| 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 | Danielle Hunter | DE | Vikings | 3.24 | N/A | Up |
Defensive Tackles
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This defensive tackle group lacks a true star pass-rusher, and it reflects in the production criteria for ranking purposes. While Eddie Goldman is second among rookies with 4.5 sacks, that’s not an impressive figure from the class as a whole. The area where these tackles have made the biggest impact is against the run.
As Goldman and Malcom Brown have been the most consistent pass-rushers and respectable against the run, they’ve cemented their standing in this ranking. No one else in the class has risen to challenge those two as far as consistently disrupting an offense.
| 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 | 4 | Up |
| 4 | David Parry | DT | Colts | 5.15 | 3 | Down |
| 5 | Rodney Gunter | DT | Cardinals | 4.17 | N/A | Up |
Linebackers
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Between the pass-rushers in a 3-4 front, coverage linebackers in a 4-3 and inside run-stuffers, the rookie linebackers have been excellent this season. It is truly difficult to pick just five. We attempted to do just that, with the caveat that we removed several studs for various reasons.
Jordan Hicks was taken off because of his season-ending injury, although he had been the top rookie linebacker. Kwon Alexander will not be considered because of his suspension for performance-enhancing drugs and a bevy of missed tackles on the season, per Pro Football Focus.
The best edge-rusher in the class has been Markus Golden. He has thrived with Arizona’s exotic defense, bringing pressure from all over. His speed and football intelligence have really helped his ability to impact the game early in his career.
| Rank | Player | Pos. | Team | Pick | LW | Moving |
| 1 | Eric Kendricks | LB | Vikings | 2.13 | 1 | Same |
| 2 | Markus Golden | LB | Cardinals | 2.26 | 2 | Same |
| 3 | Benardrick McKinney | LB | Texans | 2.11 | 3 | Same |
| 4 | Denzel Perryman | LB | Chargers | 2.16 | 5 | Up |
| 5 | Shaq Thompson | LB | Panthers | 1.25 | 4 | Down |
Cornerbacks
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Similar to the linebackers, the rookie cornerback list is deep with quality. It is rare that rookies can come into the league and play such a difficult position with ease, but this group is excelling and showing promise right off the bat. We don’t have many changes, though, since these five have been doing good work in large roles.
The one movement we have is the ascension of Quandre Diggs. He was a stud slot cornerback in college at Texas and has continued that level of play with the Lions. He jumps ahead of Kevin Johnson.
The special cornerback of the group is Marcus Peters. He logged his sixth and seventh interception of the year last week, including a 90-yard pick-six. Peters shows all of the traits to be an elite playmaker at the position and can be considered one already.
| 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 | Quandre Diggs | CB | Lions | 6.24 | 5 | Up |
| 5 | Kevin Johnson | CB | Texans | 1.16 | 4 | Down |
Safeties
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The safety class has been mediocre this season. While decent contributors have earned starting jobs for 2016, we’re left wondering whether there will be an above-average player from this group. The lack of impact play in coverage is alarming.
Landon Collins has been dreadful in coverage this year, allowing five touchdowns as a safety. That is one of the highest numbers in the NFL for the position, and most cornerbacks don’t allow that type of figure. The Giants are happy with his box presence, but he’ll need a better free safety to allow him to roam underneath.
Sneaking back into our top five is Jaquiski Tartt. He hasn’t played as consistently as he probably should, but he has looked capable when he’s on the field. The last two weeks are a great opportunity for the 49ers to see what he has.
| 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 | Anthony Harris | SAF | Vikings | UDFA | 3 | Same |
| 4 | Jaquiski Tartt | SAF | 49ers | 2.14 | N/A | Up |
| 5 | Landon Collins | SAF | Giants | 2.1 | 4 | Down |
Specialists
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Dropping from our specialists all together this week is Josh Lambo. The Chargers kicker was pretty good until Week 15, when he shanked a field goal and nearly missed an extra point. He shanked an extra point against the Dolphins as well.
Now joining the top five is Quan Bray. The Colts return man has been as good as any specialist, totaling 477 kick-return yards. He only trails three other return men who are on our other slides—Ameer Abdullah, Tyler Lockett and David Johnson.
| Rank | Player | Pos. | Team | Pick | LW | Moving |
| 1 | Matt Darr | P | Dolphins | UDFA | 2 | Up |
| 2 | Quan Bray | KR | Colts | UDFA | N/A | Up |
| 3 | Lucky Whitehead | KR | Cowboys | UDFA | 3 | Same |
| 4 | Keith Mumphery | KR | Texans | 5.39 | 4 | Same |
| 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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