We’re nearing the mid-point of the season, but when it comes to rookies, many of them are just starting their freshman year in the NFL. Tre Mason, Greg Robinson, Taylor Lewan and other high draft picks got their chance to shine in Week 7, and more than a few made the most of it.
The Rams are the new leader in the rookie class rankings, and the Titans have a chance to make a huge jump with Taylor Lewan, Bishop Sankey and now Zach Mettenberger in the starting lineup.
Rank-(LW) – Team
1-(12) St. Louis Rams
Tre Mason has now emerged as the best runner in St. Louis, and maybe the best running back of the 2014 class thus far. He thoroughly impressed this past weekend against Seattle, and Greg Robinson’s blocks from the LG spot was a key reason. Aaron Donald has been the best interior DL for the Rams, and last game may have been the best DL overall.
2-(1) Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Bortles is slowly improving as the starter, and he’s feeling more and more comfortable with his receivers, especially Allen Robinson. Storm Johnson seemed to have quickly lost his job as the lead back, and Denard Robinson appears to be the long-term starter.
3-(2) Minnesota Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t been the whopping success many hoped, but he’s shown signs that he can be the franchise quarterback in Minnesota. Anthony Barr continues to show signs that he could be the 2014 class’s best defensive player.
4-(3) Buffalo Bills
Sammy Watkins had his breakout game under Kyle Orton’s reign, and he could put up more than a few 100-yard performances the rest of the way, onto the rookie of the year honors. Seantrel Henderon is still the starting right tackle, but he’s been adequate in recent weeks. Preston Brown has been the most NFL ready inside linebacker in the 2014 class thus far.
5-(5) Carolina Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin has quickly become one of the most game-planned against receivers in the NFL, and his size once again proved to be an issue. Trai Turner played well at guard this past weekend, and Kony Ealy has received the most snaps of any 4-3 defensive end in the 2014 class
6-(4) Chicago Bears
Kyle Fuller struggled this past weekend, along with the most of the Bears defense, and fellow CB Tim Jennings had to pick up the slack. Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson offered minimal support on a combined 41 snaps.
7-(7) New York Giants
Andre Williams just isn’t talented enough to be a featured back, and he struggled against a surprisingly strong Cowboys defense. Odell Beckham saw just seven targets, but was able to bring in two touchdowns. He’s the real deal and he’ll fight with Benjamin and Watkins the rest of the way for rookie receiver production. Weston Richburg had another poor game in run and pass blocking at left guard.
8-(6) Cleveland Browns
Isaiah Crowell saw 23 to Terrance West’s 12 snaps, but neither had a meaningful impact on the game with Ben Tate still the lead back. Joel Bitonio was the other offensive lineman besides Joe Thomas to play well, particularly in the run game. Getting outside cornerback snaps more and more now, Justin Gilbert played very well in coverage, a change from recent weeks.
9-(9) Oakland Raiders
Derek Carr, like the rest of the rookie quarterbacks, struggled a bit, but has continued to show signs of long-term starter success. Khalil Mack has now emerged as the most consistent defender on the Raiders defense, especially now with Lamar Woodley out for the season.
10-(11) Green Bay Packers
Davante Adams saw just one target, but turned that into one catch and a touchdown. He’s the clear number three receiver option in the offense. HaHa Clinton-Dix played every defensive snap last week, one of just two defenders on the Packers. He saw plenty of passing attempts with the Packers up all game, and has continued to improve.
11-(13) Atlanta Falcons
Jake Matthews had by far his worst game as a pro, allowing just one sack but putting Matt Ryan under constant pressure. Devonta Freeman saw the second most snaps after Steven Jackson at running back, most of which were in the passing game.
12-(10) Baltimore Ravens
CJ Mosely had the support of a dominating defensive effort by the Ravens against Atlanta, and once again played well in run support. Lorenzo Taliaferro quickly sunk back to third on the depth chart, falling behind Bernard Pierce against.
13-(15) San Diego Chargers
Jeremiah Attaochu and Jason Verrett didn’t play, but both had played well in previous weeks.
14-(14) Dallas Cowboys
Zach Martin once again was the best offensive lineman for the Cowboys, and has become a key part of the running game success. Devin Street saw just eight snaps, battling with Dwayne Harris for key snaps.
15-(16) New Orleans Saints
With Jimmy Graham injured, Brandin Cooks saw the most snaps of any skill position player for the Saints. He struggled getting free, seeing just three targets for two catches, but it’s clear that, after the bye week, his production should be expected to rise.
16-(17) Cincinnati Bengals
The running game struggled mightily with Giovani Bernard, and Jeremy Hill saw just 19 snaps and four rushing attempts.
17-(23) Miami Dolphins
Ja’Wuan James performed adequately against a strong pass rush by the Bears, and had an overall mediocre game that the team’s defense carried to a victory. Jarvis Landry saw 40 snaps, four receptions and a touchdown, and has become a key part of the offense.
18-(18) Philadelphia Eagles BYE
Jordan Matthews had the most targets of any Eagles receiver with six, along with four receptions and 50 yards. He and Zach Ertz have continued to be the catalyst of the offense’s success.
19-(19) Tampa Bay Bucs BYE
On a bye this past weekend. Look for Mike Evans recovery to be the key storyline next week.
20-(20) New York Jets
Jace Amaro saw 33 snaps this past weekend, but it remains to be scene how Percy Harvin’s role in the offense will be established. Calvin Pryor didn’t start the game, but was the leading snap getter at free safety, playing very well in coverage.
21-(16) Pittsburgh Steelers
Ryan Shazier was still out for Pittsburgh. No sign on exactly when he’ll return.
22-(8) Arizona Cardinals
John Brown is still the third option for the Cardinals, seeing 44 snaps, five targets and two receptions. He’s become the mid-field threat for the Cardinals.
23-(21) Denver Broncos
Bradley Roby is the Broncos leading slot cornerback and has played well before, but struggled mightily against Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, as well as allowing a touchdown to Bruce Ellington.
24-(22) Seattle Seahawks
Justin Britt played adequately this past week, one of his best performances of the week. He’s still just an average starter, but he’s showing signs of more consistency.
25-(25) Detroit Lions
Eric Ebron didn’t play against the Saints, but the other two tight ends didn’t play very well. He should return as the key tight end weapon next week.
26-(24) Houston Texans
Alfred Blue still back to full back-up duty with Arian Foster back (7 snaps), but CJ Fiedorowicz has begun to see more snaps, with 25 coming this past week as blocker, mostly as a blocker. It seems Jadeveon Clowney will now return the following week after hopes he’d return against the Steelers.
27-(26) San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore is still the lead man in San Francisco, and Carlos Hyde is still the clear back-up. Bruce Ellington saw three catches and a touchdown in the middle of the field, beating fellow rookie Bradley Roby.
28-(27) Washington Redskins
Ryan Grant saw just two snaps. Cornerback Bashaud Breeland is still the starting left cornerback, and played well in coverage against the Titans.
29-(28) Tennessee Titans
Taylor Lewan got the start at left tackle, and played very well in his second start. Bishop Sankey led the team in carries, but hasn’t shown signs of being a great lead back. Zach Mettenberger has been named the starter for next week.
30-(29) Indianapolis Colts
Jack Mewhort returned to the starting line-up, playing adequately in the blowout win against Cincinnati. Donte Moncrief saw the third most snaps among receivers, more than Hakeem Nicks.
31-(31) Kansas City Chiefs
Zach Fulton remained adequate at right guard, performing much better than fellow guard Mike McGlynn, and looks entrentched as the starter long-term.
32-(32) New England Patriots
Dominique Easley didn’t see any snaps this past week, and Jimmy Garoppolo won’t see many this year barring a Tom Brady injury.
