With three rookie quarterbacks starting, two rookie receivers already emerging as their team’s best offensive weapon and two first-round defensive backs being heavily relied upon by their defenses, the 2014 rookie class is looking strong than expected, even without the top two picks having a major impact.
The two first-round rookie starters lead the way for their respective rookie classes, but the Green Bay Packers two high draft picks are pushing their class up the rankings.
Rank-(LW) – Team
1-(1) Jacksonville Jaguars
With Blake Bortles starting along with two rookie receivers in the fold, the Jaguars maintain the top spot. However, Bortles needs to progress (and hold off Bridgewater) as the season goes on.
2-(7) Minnesota Vikings
It was a fun start to Teddy Bridgewater’s career, where he began to prove why he should have been the top quarterback selected. The injury concerns reared their head late in the game, however. Also, Anthony Barr had a plus day as well.
3-(2) Buffalo Bills
Sammy Watkins had another impactful week, albeit not as dominant as the week before. He and Preston Brown are still two hugely important players for the Bills despite being rookies, and no other team has two rookies playing this crucial of roles in the NFL.
4-(3) Cleveland Browns
Browns were on a bye. Ben Tate returns to challenge Terrence West and Isaiah Crowell in the backfield. Still no Johnny yet either.
5-(4) Arizona Cardinals
Bye week for the Cardinals. John Brown’s development in the offense should be intriguing to watch in Week 5.
6-(5) Carolina Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin had another big game despite the Panthers loss. He looks like the only offensive option left for Cam Newton to use.
7-(6) Oakland Raiders
Khalil Mack is still an impact player, and they’ll continue to rely on him the rest of the year. With Dennis Allen fired, it’s unclear what that’ll mean for Derek Carr, both in his development and potentially playing time moving forward.
8-(8) Chicago Bears
The Bears secondary didn’t have a great performance against the Packers, but Kyle Fuller wasn’t the leading cause for issues. He’s easily been the best defensive back in the draft class.
9-(11) Green Bay Packers
Davante Adams is still getting snaps each week in the offense, and had a long touchdown catch called back. But it was HaHa Clinton-Dix’s best game as an NFL starter, getting the second highest grade on the Packers defense in Week 4.
10-(12) Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata are still the defensive leaders for the Ravens, but it’s CJ Mosley that has become the difference maker in the run defense, while also adding value as an interior pass rusher.
11-(9) Atlanta Falcons
Jake Matthews is still entrenched, and playing well, at left tackle, helping the offensive line unit as a whole this year. Devonta Freeman saw just two snaps at running back, nine overall.
12-(10) New Orleans Saints
The whole Saints offense struggled against the Cowboys, so it’s hard to blame Brandin Cooks for their struggles. He’s only behind Jimmy Graham in terms of snaps played for skill position players on the Saints.
13-(13) Pittsburgh Steelers
Ryan Shazier was out for the Steelers, with Sean Spence doing an adequate job replacing him. When Shazier returns, it’s clearly his team.
14-(18) Tampa Bay Bucs
Mike Evans had a great red-zone touchdown catch and overall seemed to be on the same page with Mike Glennon. It’s too bad injury will push him out for a few weeks.
15-(14) Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals on a bye last week. Jeremy Hill has gotten more and more opportunities this season. After a bye, Hill could be an even bigger part of the offense.
16-(15) Philadelphia Eagles
After a big week last week, Jordan Matthews had an expected fallback to the norm. Keep in mind that he won’t be a consistent, every week impact player, but used a lot when the defensive match-up (likely cornerback/nickel issues) dictates that he’ll have value, compared to Ertz and Sproles.
17-(16) New York Jets
Geno Smith is still looking Jace Amaro’s way, but that may not mean too much if Smith is benched in the next few weeks. Calvin Pryor received only 26 snaps in the Lions match-up, and didn’t play all that well in pass coverage.
18-(28) Dallas Cowboys
Zach Martin had a very strong game against the Saints, and has really shown while he’s earned a top-20 pick. He’s been highly impactful at guard for the Cowboys.
19-(17) St. Louis Rams
Despite not having a great record, the Rams offense has exceed expectations and the defense, with rookies Aaron Donald and EJ Gaines getting snaps, playing very well.
20-(19) San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore had a strong week, and it’s clear the transition to Carlos Hyde won’t be sudden. But he’s shown great power and balance when he has gotten touches, and the future looks bright.
21-(20) Denver Broncos
No game for the Broncos last week. Broncos defense has been strong, but I’d imagine they’d like to get Bradley Roby on the field more as the year goes on to prep him for the playoffs.
22-(21) Houston Texans
Alfred Blue still is getting touches along with Arian Foster, and it’s clear Bill O’Brien wants to continue using the rookie runner throughout the season.
23-(22) Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks off this past weekend. Justin Britt is the right tackle starter still, hasn’t been an issue yet.
24-(23) Miami Dolphins
Jarvis Landry saw just one less snap than Brandon Gibson for third most among receivers for the Dolphins. He needs more. Ja’Wuan James has been a positive for the Dolphins at right tackle, posting the second best offensive line grade among Miami’s offensive linemen.
25-(24) Washington Redskins
Kirk Cousins seems to feel comfortable with Ryan Grant, but that didn’t mean much in the blowout loss to the Giants.
26-(25) Detroit Lions
Eric Ebron saw his most snaps in a game against the Jets, with 34 total and grabbing a touchdown in the Lions win. He wasn’t a bad blocker when he had the chance.
27-(26) New York Giants
Andre Williams is still getting carries for the Giants, this time in a blowout win on Thursday night. He’s the back-up, but seems locked in as the number-two behind Rashad Jennings.
28-(27) Tennessee Titans
Bishop Sankey is finally starting to get carries, and it seems it’s almost time that he breaks out as the lead back in Tennessee.
29-(29) San Diego Chargers
Jeremiah Attaochu didn’t play in San Diego’s win due to injury. He’s the lone draft pick that gets snaps for the Chargers.
30-(30) Indianapolis Colts
While it wasn’t all that noticeable live, Pro Football Focus has Jack Mewhort as having his worst game of the season last week vs. Tennessee. He’s still a strong starter at left guard in protecting Andrew Luck
31-(32) Kansas City Chiefs
Zach Fulton is the starter at right guard, and while he’s clearly the weakest link for the offensive line, he hasn’t been a major hindrance yet.
32-(31) New England Patriots
Dominique Easley saw 31 snaps, but was part of the Patriots struggles in run defense. He was clearly outplayed by fellow defensive end Chris Jones.
