Everyone loves to grade NFL Draft classes immediately after their completion. Winners, losers, sleepers and busts: everyone plays fortune teller on how the newest additions to each teams will develop in the NFL.
In actuality, it takes multiple seasons and off-seasons before we can know how a draft class will turn out. In an effort to start that process, I’ll be ranking the draft classes each week during the season. Please note that I will NOT be including undrafted rookies, as they weren’t included in the team’s “draft class”.
This will be updated each week, with the season in perspective but also keeping a most careful eye on the previous week.
1. Buffalo Bills
With another plus performance by Preston Brown manning the inside of the defense and doing a better-than-expected job of filling in for Kiko Alonso and the breakout performance of Sammy Watkins (8 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown), the Bills have appeared to found two new staples for their franchise on both sides of the ball. They also have two rookies battling for playing time at right tackle, part of an offensive line unit that has had success.
2. Cleveland Browns
The duo of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell have carried the running back unit since the injury to Ben Tate, and both looked to continue to be instrumental parts to the offense as Tate’s injury lingers. West is the workhorse while Crowell (who has shown starter-level talent in college while at Georgia as a freshman) has been the goal line option. Also, defenders Christian Kirksey and Justin Gilbert have had their moments, flashing upside as long-term starters for the young defense.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Both Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson have gotten ample opportunity to step-up in the Jaguars offense with Cecil Shorts (though undrafted rookie Allen Hurns has so far stolen the show), and both have shown that they can contribute as rookies and have positive signs moving forward. Also, outspoken linebacker Telvin Smith has fit nicely into the Jaguars defense, being used situationally thanks to his speed and versatility in coverage.
4. Carolina Panthers
Trai Turner is still a work-in-progress, but he’s shown some of the upside that made him a top-100 pick. Bene Benwikere has emerged as a legitimate nickel option for the Panthers, a crucial position with the Falcons and Saints in division. But the real star of the draft class, Kelvin Benjamin, thus far hasn’t disappointed, utilizing his length, size and strong hands on more than one highlight reel catch.
5. Chicago Bears
Stepping in for Charles Tillman on Sunday Night Football, Kyle Fuller proved he’s already for the spotlight in the NFL on a Bears defense that has long-needed to get younger. Fuller already boasts two interceptions and has shown he’s an efficient tackler. This shouldn’t be a surprise to those who watched him at Virginia Tech, as he was well-worth being considered as the top cornerback in the 2014 draft.
6. Arizona Cardinals
The rookie leaders for the Cardinals haven’t been officially deemed starters, but have found ways to contribute. Receiver John Brown is already garnering more attention across the field (and in the red zone) for the offense, and is the clear third option in the offense as a pass-catcher. Safety Deone Bucannon is getting plenty of chances to contribute, especially in the box, and is showing why he was a worthwhile first-round pick.
7. Oakland Raiders
Khalil Mack is one of the rookie leaders in tackles, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s producing at a much higher rate as a pass-rusher. But the real focus of the Raiders rookie class is second-rounder Derek Carr, the team’s starting quarterback. He hasn’t been great, including struggling mightily against the Texans whenever the offensive play-calling gave him a chance or when under pressure, but he’s not entirely to blame of the Raiders struggles thus far.
8. New Orleans Saints
While Brandin Cooks is the only rookie of note for the Saints so far, the rookie receiver has already proven he was well-worth a first-round pick. He’s second on the team in targets and is Drew Brees’s go-to deep threat in the offense.
9. Green Bay Packers
The Packers already have one rookie starter in safety HaHa Clinton-Dix, who had a solid rebound game after struggling mightily in Week 1. He’s a worthy starter and as he gets more comfortable in his positioning, he should develop nicely as an NFL starter. This past week put Davante Adams on the map, and he appears to be in the mix to pick up where James Jones left off in the offense last year.
10. Baltimore Ravens
Surprising to no one, linebacker CJ Mosley, who became a clear starter on the inside of the Ravens 3-4 defense in training camp, is one of the tackle leaders among rookies. He hasn’t done anything too flashy yet, but he should continue to produce as a rookie with ample talent around him.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
Similar to Mosley, Ryan Shazier’s production shouldn’t surprise anyone. He was a surprise pick for the Steelers in the mid first-round, but his production has proven their decision right. He’s slightly below Mosley because of some concerns about his ability to evade blockers on the inside, an area Mosley has had more success so far.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Anthony Barr is still a work-in-progress for the Vikings, but he’s already beginning to get more and more snaps in a defense that needs his presence on the perimeter. He’s been more flash on the edge than consistent production, but once he’s comfortable in the defense, look for Mike Zimmer to unleash the top-10 pick.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
He’s relegated to back-up duty behind Giovani Bernard, but Jeremy Hill has already begun to sneak into his carry load. He’s the goal-line back and could battle for most rushing yards among rookies.
14. St. Louis Rams
Aaron Donald has certainly has his flashes thanks to elite quickness off the snap and as a rusher, but he hasn’t begun producing at a high volume yet in the offense, though it’s clear it’s not far from happening Cornerback EJ Gaines has earned his role in the defense, and after two weeks has proven he’s not a liability on the edge.
15. Denver Broncos
Bradley Roby has made his presence felt the past two weeks when the team needed him, and his talent level has been on display. The question this season is if he can remain consistent, and when he gets the big opportunities, can he handle NFL-level physicality in the receiver’s route tree.
16. New York Jets
First-rounder Calvin Pryor hasn’t wowed yet at safety and it’s proving that he’ll need time before he’s comfortable in the Rex Ryan defense. Tight end Jace Amaro has just 13 yards on the year on five targets.
17. Tampa Bay Bucs
Mike Evans hasn’t emerged as the big-play threat for the Bucs yet, and he still needs time to gain NFL separation and fit into the Bucs offense. Still, he’s had his moments and will be a key part of the passing offense moving forward.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Right tackle Justin Britt has had his struggles with the Seahawks, but they’ve been able to mask it well. He was a surprise pick, but he hasn’t been unseated as the starter yet, with the Seahawks still considering him as a “plus” starter.
19. Washington Redskins
Eventually, Ryan Grant will be a bigger part of the offense, but so far the receiver has only gotten sporadic looks in the offense. Look for him to play better with Kirk Cousins in the coming weeks.
20. Detroit Lions
I’m bullish on how productive Eric Ebron could be for the Lions this year, but he needs more time in the offense. He’s not ready yet, but his talent level won’t be hidden for much longer.
21. San Francisco 49ers
Running back Carlos Hyde has had some flashes and plenty of buzz from fantasy gurus, but he hasn’t had much of a chance to shine yet.
22. New York Giants
The Giants offense is a very frustrating watch as an evaluator. Andre Williams hasn’t gotten much of a chance yet outside of a few carries, but at least he’s shown he can pick up chunks of yards once through the line.
23. Tennessee Titans
Touted as a “rookie of the year” possibility, Bishop Sankey has a mere 28 yards rushing so far in his NFL career.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Although Zack Martin has been solid for Dallas, he hasn’t been without concerns, and it’s hard to rank the Cowboys class high based on a right guard playing adequately.
25. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins will rely more heavily on Damien Williams next week with Knowshon Moreno out and Lamar Miller injured. He had a few nice carries in weeks prior. Jarvis Landry could be really impressive, but needs more targets and catches to showcase his Anquan Boldin-talent level.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Matthews is a key part of the Eagles game-plan, but hasn’t seen the production quite yet. His production will likely depend on the type of defense and personnel they face week to week.
27. San Diego Chargers
Jeremiah Attaochu hasn’t been on the highlight reel often for the Chargers, but most notably already has a blocked punt on his stat sheet for the season. Look for the high-upside athlete to begin to produce later in the year.
28. Indianapolis Colts
Hard to find great appreciation for Jack Mewhort, but the lineman has been adequate thus far as a rookie, especially in the run game.
29. New England Patriots
Patriots surprise first-rounder Dominique Easley hasn’t gotten a ton of opportunities yet, but does have an interception on his resume.
30. Atlanta Falcons
Jake Matthews hasn’t played since the season opener due to an ankle injury, and the rest of the Falcons rookies have been relegated to situational duty. After being promoted heavily on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” the Falcons rookies haven’t stood out as of yet.
31. Houston Texans
No Clowney on the field thanks to injuries puts Alfred Blue as the team’s feature rookie. The running back has flashed in his chances thus far, but I’m not quite buying the hype that he’s a long-term option for them behind Arian Foster.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Just one rookie starting and getting meaningful playing time, but Zach Fulton has been adequate on the interior.
