After two weeks with only Derek Carr as the lone rookie quarterback starter, we got the chance to see Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater get onto the field and begin the “futures” for their respective teams.
Those rookie quarterbacks plus the emergence of Kyle Fuller as one of the best NFL cornerbacks so far this season lead the Week 3 rookie class rankings.
Rank-(LW) – Team
1-(3) Jacksonville Jaguars
Even though Marqise Lee was out with an injury, Allen Robinson stepped up in his place. The Jaguars are clearly set youth-wise at receiver, and with Blake Bortles showing signs of excitement in his 2nd half play (and named the starter), the Jaguars future is now.
2-(1) 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.
3-(2) Cleveland Browns
It’s still not Johnny Manziel time yet, but the running backs Terrence West and Isaiah Crowell look like a great duo for the future. Justin Gilbert and Christian Kirksey haven’t paid huge dividends yet, but they look the part of long-term starters.
4-(5) Arizona Cardinals
While the sporadic passing rushing of safety Deone Bucannon was enough to vault the Cardinals into the top rookie class discussion, the two-touchdown breakout performance of John Brown only further cements it. He’s emerging as the second option in the Bruce Arians passing offense.
5-(4) Carolina Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin showed he has freakish talents as a ball-grabbing weapon, and he’s clearly the number one guy in the offense.
6-(6) Oakland Raiders
Khalil Mack has proven to be an efficient and highly impactful rusher off the edge, earning his top-five draft selection. Derek Carr hasn’t done all that much yet, but he hasn’t hurt the Raiders offense as much as I expected.
7-(12) Minnesota Vikings
It’s Teddy Time in Minnesota with Matt Cassel’s injury, and I’d expect Teddy Bridgewater to play well next weekend and throughout the season. Now that he’s starting, he’s the rookie of the year favorite. Also, Anthony Barr has been solid as a rusher and improving in-space.
8-(14) Chicago Bears
Cornerback Kyle Fuller alone is why this Bears rookie class could be one of the best in the NFL. He was the key reason for the Jets passing struggles on Monday night, and he’s already the leader and the saving grace for the Bears secondary.
9-(7) Atlanta Falcons
Jake Matthews is still the key to the Falcons rookie class. While they’re 2-1 and just blew out the Bucs, it’ll take more than one rookie to help this depth-lacking roster to make the playoffs. Looking at you, Devonta Freeman.
10-(8) New Orleans Saints
He had a solid rebound game after lacking in targets Week2, and Brandin Cooks is one of the brightest younger receivers in the NFL. He’s still jostling for the second most targets in the Saints offense.
11-(9) Green Bay Packers
The Packers haven’t seen Davante Adams breakout game yet, but don’t be surprised if he takes over James Jones’s production from last year. HaHa Clinton-Dix is still entrenched as the starter.
12-(10) Baltimore Ravens
CJ Mosely is quickly becoming a leader of the Ravens defense, and producing as such. If he can keep racking up tackles, he’ll be a favorite for defensive rookie of the year.
13-(11) Pittsburgh Steelers
While he still struggled a bit with Panther interior lineman in run support, Ryan Shazier still showed his athleticism in the Steelers win.
14-(13) Cincinnati Bengals
Jeremy Hill is still the redzone threat for the Bengals, a much needed role after they cut BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Look for him to continue to take away touches from Giovani Bernard.
15-(27) Philadelphia Eagles
Second-rounder Jordan Matthews had his coming out party with two touchdowns in the Eagles comeback win. Before you get too excited about him, though, just know that he won’t have huge games like this every week. It’s clear the offense will use Matthews/Ertz/Sproles more than the others depending on what the defense is giving them.
16-(16) New York Jets
Geno Smith was looking Jace Amaro’s way in the narrow loss to the Bears, and it looks like he’s finally game-ready to begin considering in fantasy and moreso in the Jets’ offense. Calvin Pryor is still learning the ropes
17-(15) St. Louis Rams
Nothing of note from Aaron Donald or EJ Gaines this past weekend, but both still keep St. Louis in the middle of the pack.
18-(17) Tampa Bay Bucs
Mike Evans is still flashing, and with a wrist injury to Vincent Jackson, he may get even more targets for the future. The problem is, however, that the quarterback play isn’t what you’d desire for a rookie receiver.
19-(22) San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore’s touches continue to be limited, and Carlos Hyde scored a touchdown this past week instead of Gore. Look for the transition of Gore-to-Hyde as the feature back begin to happen, especially by mid-season.
20-(18) Denver Broncos
Still not used as a starter, Bradley Roby is a key part of the Broncos defense in nickel situations. Having a talented slot presence like him is a huge plus.
21-(31) Houston Texans
Alfred Blue filled in adequately for Arian Foster this past weekend, living up to the hype he received in the pre-season. He’ll be one to watch if Foster isn’t in the lineup or is limited week-to-week.
22-(19) Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks still tote out Justin Britt as the starting right tackle. If he’s starting for a Super Bowl contender, he must be doing something right.
23-(26) Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins still haven’t used Jarvis Landry as well as I hoped for, but he’s still getting snaps and some opportunities. He’ll be the Dolphins number two receiver once he’s fully comfortable in the offense.
24-(20) Washington Redskins
A lackluster day for the Redskins receivers, with Ryan Grant not getting much love.
25-(21) Detroit Lions
I was expecting much more from Eric Ebron, but it’s clear the Lions don’t trust him enough to get him involved over Brandon Pettigrew or Joseph Fauria.
26-(23) New York Giants
Andre Williams is clearly behind (and not overly trusted next to) Rashad Jennings, who was a workhorse this past weekend.
27-(24) Tennessee Titans
Bishop Sankey got a few carries this past weekend, but the coaching staff still expressed concern about his future production.
28-(25) Dallas Cowboys
Zach Martin is still the lone rookie contributor for the Cowboys, other than the occasional Devin Street appearance.
29-(28) San Diego Chargers
The Chargers lone rookie standout is Jeremiah Attaochu, who hasn’t gotten as many snaps as anticipated. Still waiting for him to break out.
30-(29) Indianapolis Colts
Jack Mewhort is still the starter at guard, and he’s playing well. Nothing else of note from the Colts rookies.
31-(30) New England Patriots
Dominique Easley is still relegated to rotational duty.
32-(32) Kansas City Chiefs
Zach Fulton is the starter still, and actually did well (along with the rest of the Chiefs offensive line) in protecting Alex Smith this past weekend.
