11. Devonta Smith, WR, Eagles
Smith has been incredibly smooth with his routes so far as a rookie, and despite a couple highlighted rough spots against Dallas, he’s still creating separation at a great clip and keeping defenders on their toes with different release, pacing, and work at the top of his routes. He’s showing off the urgency and burst after the catch as well.
12. Mac Jones, QB, Patriots
The struggles 20+ yards down the field are real, but he also hasn’t taken many shots overall. Jones is efficient in this Patriots offense working in the quick game and defined reads off of play action. He’s been the top quarterback in the rookie rankings from jump, and he stays there through four weeks.
13. Najee Harris, RB, Steelers
The top running back selected in the NFL Draft has made serious strides the last couple weeks, as he’s had an absurd amount of targets in the passing game. He makes defenders miss with a great lateral toolbox and is tough to bring down. Harris needs to work on his tendency to bounce runs to the perimeter but the improvement has been stark.
14. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos
Head coach Vic Fangio has eased him in with a loaded secondary, but when he’s on the field, Surtain has been very good to this point. He’s patient, has good recognition skills, and stays physical when he can throughout the stem and when receivers break.
15. Penei Sewell, OT, Lions
Sewell has taken a tumble in these rookie rankings, and more competition will do that. He’s still playing well, but a couple penalties and pressures given up against a quicker player in Robert Quinn has shown that he’s still getting used to NFL speed and inside moves on the edge.
16. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Football Team
While pass protection hasn’t been his forte thus far, Samuel Cosmi is up there with everyone in terms of his work against the run. He’s been able to reach block and turn defenders outside and show impressive pad level and strength at the point of attack.
17. Osa Odighizuwa, DL, Cowboys
Odighizuwa has been one of the pleasant surprises so far from the NFL Draft class, as he’s been wicked quick off the snap and has the athleticism to get around interior players and wreak havoc in the pocket. He’s been a major help to a defensive line that needed someone to step up.
18. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
A big bounce back for the number one pick in the NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence had a couple wow throws against the Bengals that showed why he was the top selection. A dart on the run to Laviske Shenault and a far has deep ball to Jamal Agnew, while also improving his efficiency and ball security, Lawrence is trending up.
19. Nate Hobbs, CB, Raiders
Nate Hobbs is another surprise, as he’s had some success for the Raiders in the slot, playing good catch technique to stymie routes and limiting yards after the catch with great open field tackling ability.
20. Rondale Moore, WR, Cardinals
Moore is a nightmare after the catch with his improvisation, and the straight line speed makes defenses key in on him. The more he develops as a route runner, the greater the threat he’ll be in Arizona.