A new name takes the top spot and an edge rusher flies up the board in the latest NFL Rookie Rankings.
The halfway point in the 2021 NFL season is nearing, and the contenders and pretenders are now separating. The NFC looks like three sure fire elite teams, and two more who could challenge for an NFC title. The AFC is utter chaos, as they beat each other randomly week after week.
One thing is clear, though. The rookie class is playing extremely well to this point in the season. The full slate of rookie camp, training camp, and preseason has certainly helped this season. As it stands, the elite offensive talent in the class is finding their stride, while some defenders are slowly coming along. Let’s dive in to the latest NFL Rookie Rankings after seven weeks of play, with a look ahead to some honorable mentions who could crack the list down the stretch.
NFL Rookie Rankings Post-Week Seven
1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
Goodness what a game for Ja’Marr Chase. The new number one on the NFL Rookie Rankings put up an impressive eight-catch, 201-yard performance against the Ravens, beating press coverage with great timing and accuracy with his hands, and showing off the speed, flexibility, and balance after the catch. He’s unlocked a new confidence in Joe Burrow with the deep ball, and looks like a top 10 receiver in football already.
2. Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers
He didn’t play this previous week, but he looked solid handling the speed of Odafe Oweh and the power/savvy of Justin Houston. Slater is still dominating in pass protection and is a force in the run game. His play is at a Pro Bowl level.
3. Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
Maybe this should say receiver instead of tight end, cause Kyle Pitts was winning at will on the outside last Sunday against the Dolphins. His combination of size, length, and flexibility is a true joy to watch, and he makes the difficult catches look routine. Pitts is on pace to set some rookie TE records.
4. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Browns
The top defender in the NFL Rookie Rankings obviously didn’t play last week against Denver, but the Browns defense looks better when Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is out there. His quick trigger, closing speed, and reliable tackling are showing that more snaps won’t be a problem for him.
5. Creed Humphrey, C, Chiefs
The Chiefs offensive line may have struggled a little on Sunday, as some sacks were on them and some on Patrick Mahomes. Creed Humphrey has still played impressive football at center thus far, and his processing and recognition skills have helped early against NFL competition.
6. Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys
Micah Parsons is succeeding wherever the Cowboys put him. His pass rush win rate is impressive for a player of his size, and he’s got the range when playing off the ball. As he gets more comfortable with his keys in both phases, look out.
7. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Giants
A three sack performance for Azeez Ojulari gives him a jump in the NFL Rookie Rankings. He’s winning in a variety of ways, from dipping around contact to shedding at the contact point. His athleticism and hand usage proved difficult for the Panthers line.
8. Odafe Oweh, EDGE, Ravens
Betting on the traits of Oweh has paid off for the Ravens, as he’s won with impressive first step explosiveness and speed to turn the corner and flatten his angle. The pressure he’s created so far is impressive, and that eventually should even out and turn into more sacks.
9. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos
The completely calm and patient Patrick Surtain II is so fun to watch. He stays in phase in his soft press coverage, keeps his eyes on his opponent’s core (which limits susceptibility to double moves), and continues to make plays at the catch point.
10. Greg Newsome II, CB, Browns
Yes, he’s only played 2.5 games, and Courtland Sutton beat him a couple times, but Greg Newsome still had extremely impressive reps last Thursday where he flipped his hips with ease to recover and break up a couple passes. He should only get better going forward.
11. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Bills
Gregory Rousseau has been a bit of a surprise so far this season, as he was often described as having the physical tools but no plan of attack. The Bills were a great landing spot for him, as he’s been coached up well and been a factor on the defensive line this season.
12. Josh Myers, C, Packers
Josh Myers is another in the NFL Rookie Rankings who’s missed some time, but it’s evident when Myers is out and his replacement is in. Myers has a great grasp of the offense and plays with great control, stifling opponents from creating interior pressure.
13. Najee Harris, RB, Steelers
The most productive of the rookie running backs so far, Harris is impressing in the passing game an he’s making defenders miss in space every week. His patience between the tackles is also improving.
14. Osa Odighizuwa, DL, Cowboys
He played with impressive quickness and leverage in college, and Osa Odighizuwa is doing it in the NFL already with the Cowboys. He’s been key for that front that’s missing their best player.
15. Mac Jones, QB, Patriots
As has been the case, Mac Jones leads the quarterbacks in these NFL Rookie Rankings. His comfort in the Patriots offense is excellent, and he’s playing with quick processing skills like he did at Alabama.
16. Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, Jets
Alijah Vera-Tucker looks like a veteran on the Jets offensive line, and proving that trading up for him in the 2021 NFL Draft was the right call. He’s picking up stunts, reaching the second level, and staying stout in pass protection.
17. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Chargers
Instincts and ball skills landed Samuel Jr. in the second round, and he’s living up to that billing so far with the Chargers. He’s been beat a few times, but that’s going to happen with young corners.
18. Eric Stokes, CB, Packers
The Packers fans who didn’t love the Eric Stokes pick are eating some crow, as Stokes has played impressive so far against tough competition. He bounced back from not locating the ball giving up a touchdown early against Washington with a couple big plays in big spots in the second half.
19. Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos
The contact balance is evident every week, and Javonte Williams is making the most of his touches in the passing game. Williams could rise in the NFL Rookie Rankings as the season goes on and he starts to get more snaps.
20. Devonta Smith, WR, Eagles
Devonta Smith has been separating well at every level, but he doesn’t have the quarterback who anticipates that and gets the ball to him quickly enough. It’s going to be a struggle to watch that continue to unfold.
21. Nate Hobbs, CB, Raiders
Nate Hobbs is looking like a day three steal for the Raiders, as he’s been impressive handling quicker receivers in the slot. He’s staying patient and exploding quickly to change direction when necessary.
22. Trey Smith, G, Chiefs
Jeffery Simmons gave Trey Smith some trouble for sure on Sunday, as we saw some balance issues rear their ugly head. Still, Smith is playing well in a vacuum, even though the Chiefs as a unit are struggling.
23. Penei Sewell, OT, Lions
He’s still super young, so there will be rough outings for Penei Sewell, but what he flashed in the first couple weeks is still evident. As he builds more consistent performances, he’ll rise back up in the NFL Rookie Rankings.
24. Khalil Herbert, RB, Bears
Back-to-back impressive performances land Khalil Herbert his first appearance in the NFL Rookie Rankings. His vision, processing, and smooth running style have been impressive, and rushing for 100 yards against the Buccaneers is no easy task.
25. Kadarius Toney, WR, Giants
It’s impossible to get Kadarius Toney’s Cowboys performance out of this writer’s head. When he’s back to full strength, the NFL will be on notice with his unreal movement skills.
Honorable Mentions
There are a couple of players who are finally getting comfortable and could rise in the NFL Rookie Rankings very soon. The most notable is Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman, who caught three passes for 80 yards against Cincinnati. As he becomes more of a focal point, it’ll be tough to leave him off. Samuel Cosmi could return with more dominant run blocking performances. Elijah Moore and Rondale Moore are making the most of their schemed touches. Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill is another to watch for as the season reaches its second half.