NFL Rookie Rankings
As a diehard NFL fan, I can’t recall the last time I’ve seen so many impressive rookies. Other than the WR position (mostly because of injuries), you can find a valuable rookie at any position on both sides of the field. Vikings’ RB Dalvin Cook was off to a tremendous start until he tore his ACL in Week 4. Prior to the injury, he was the second leading rusher in the NFC averaging a solid 4.8 yards per carry. Cook showed all the traits of a true three-down back as he contributed in both the running and passing games while also showing a great desire to block. As for the WR’s, Mike Williams has yet to play a game while Corey Davis has been hampered by a hamstring injury. LB T.J. Watt has flourished in the Steelers’ defense with three sacks and one interception so far this season. Jets’ S Jamal Adams (my favorite rookie going into the draft) is well on his way to becoming one of the most exciting defensive backs in the NFL. His versatility is almost Tyrann Mathieu-like as the Jets line him up all over the field. And how about DE Myles Garrett? He made his long-anticipated NFL debut last week and recorded a sack on his first career play! I could go and on about more rookies but here is my current top five rookie list:
1.) Kareem Hunt, RB — Kansas City Chiefs
Who else were you expecting? This guy has been incredible for the red hot Chiefs. Here’s a stat to consider: he joins Adrian Peterson as the only rookies in NFL history to record at least 100 yards from scrimmage in five straight games to start a season. Hunt’s 107 rushing yards against the Texans gave him a total of 609 yards, which is almost 150 more than second place Leonard Fournette! The rookie sensation has a total of 6 touchdowns (tied for second in the league) and has proven just as reliable in the passing game. The sky is truly the limit for Kareem Hunt.
2. Leonard Fournette, RB — Jacksonville Jaguars
In almost any other season, Fournette would be the undisputed #1 rookie back. Currently 2nd in rushing, he had also added over 100 receiving yards and a combined six touchdowns for the up and coming Jags. Fournette has proven to be exactly what the Jags thought they were getting when they drafted him #4 overall — a dynamic, versatile RB capable of keeping the offense on the field for long drives. Last week’s 90-yard touchdown run showed that he’s not one-dimensional by any means — he’s got game-breaking speed to match his explosive power.
3. Deshaun Watson, QB — Houston Texans
Watson was given the keys to the offense midway through Week 1 after starter Tom Savage got the boot. Since then, Watson has thrown for 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for 179 yards and two scores. His performance last week against the undefeated Chiefs was nothing short of brilliance — 5 touchdowns (tied for the NFL rookie record) and zero interceptions. Watson exudes confidence and extends plays like a veteran QB. His teammates love him and shower him with the utmost praise, and it isn’t hard to tell why — simply put, the guy is a winner. It’s safe to say that the rest of the NFL has officially noticed Watson and the life he has injected into the Texans’ offense.
4. Tre’Davious White, CB — Buffalo Bills
Taking over for the departed Ronald Darby, White is looking the part of a first-round draft pick. He currently leads the NFL in pass breakups with 11 and has added 22 total tackles (not bad at all for a smaller-sized CB!). White came back down to earth this past weekend as he was tasked with manning superstar WR A.J. Green, who beat him for a 77-yard touchdown. However, White showed fight and resilience throughout the game as he allowed only three receptions on the eight targets. He also scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in a huge win over the Falcons in addition to playing the second-most snaps among all NFL defensive backs.
5. Kendell Beckwith, MLB — Tampa Bay Bucs
Drafted in the 3rd round, Beckwith was slotted into the Bucs defense as their starting strongside LB. However, an injury to their star MLB, Kwon Alexander, forced Beckwith inside. Since then, he has proven to be a steady tackler averaging eight tackles per game as he leads NFL rookies in tackles. Need some more stats? Just look at his 14 tackles (12 solo) against the Patriots last week for further proof. There’s no doubt that Beckwith definitely benefits from playing behind All-Pro DT Gerald McCoy and alongside the always reliable OLB Lavonte David. However, he has been very impressive thus far this season and has stepped up big-time for the Bucs defense.
Just missed the cut: S Jamal Adams (Jets) and CB Marshon Lattimore (Saints)
