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The most impressive rookie for every NFL team
Allen Eyestone/USA Today Images

The most impressive rookie for every NFL team

It's hard to expect much from NFL rookies, but most teams do get help from their rookie classes. Halfway into the 2020 season, these rookies have been the most impressive for their respective teams.

 
1 of 32

Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB

Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB
Michael Chow / USA Today Sports Images

Simmons' transition to the NFL hasn't been as smooth as many projected, with only 16 tackles and one interception in eight games on a limited snap count. Still, he's made the most significant contribution of Arizona's 2020 draft class so far.

 
2 of 32

Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB

Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB
Curtis Compton / USA Today Sports Images

Terrell has had his share of rookie struggles, with opposing quarterbacks completing nearly 75 percent of their attempts against him. Still, the first-round pick has been an every-down starter for the Falcons, playing a critical role for the defense.

 
3 of 32

Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB

Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports Images

Queen is one of the early favorites for Defensive Rookie of the Year, as the rookie has recorded 52 tackles and two sacks in his first eight games. Baltimore's rookie class looks strong overall, with J.K. Dobbins, Justin Madubuike, Devin Duvernay, Tyre Phillips, and James Proche also making significant contributions.

 
4 of 32

Buffalo Bills: Gabriel Davis, WR

Buffalo Bills: Gabriel Davis, WR
Rich Barnes / USA Today Sports Images

Davis is a rare fourth-round wideout who has made big plays in his rookie year. The UCF alum has 19 catches for 275 yards and three touchdowns in his first nine games. Buffalo is also getting a lot from A.J. Epenesa, Zack Moss, and Tyler Bass from this year's draft.

 
5 of 32

Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Chinn, S

Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Chinn, S
Bob Donnan / USA Today Sports Images

Carolina drafted seven defensive players with their seven picks in 2020, and they've found some significant immediate contributors. Chinn leads the way as a second-round pick out of Southern Illinois, with 67 tackles and one interception in his first eight games. First-round pick Derrick Brown has also played a large role, with 22 tackles in nine games at defensive tackle.

 
6 of 32

Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson, CB

Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson, CB
Junfu Han / USA Today Sports Images

Johnson has undoubtedly been Chicago's best rookie performer, showing up as a lockdown cornerback and starter in his rookie season. The team has also seen significant contributions from rookies Cole Kmet and Darnell Mooney on offense.

 
7 of 32

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB
Albert Cesare / USA Today Sports Images

Not surprisingly, the first overall pick in the draft has been Cincinnati's best rookie contributor. Burrow has looked the part so far, completing 67 percent of his passes for 2,272 yards and 11 touchdowns in eight games. Cincinnati should also be happy with rookies Tee Higgins, Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Khalid Kareem, and Hakeem Adeniji.

 
8 of 32

Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, LT

Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, LT
Ken Blaze / USA Today Sports Images

Addressing the offensive line was a top priority for Cleveland in the offseason, and they are getting great early return from Wills, their first-round pick. Fifth-round pick Harrison Bryant has also impressed at tight end, with 15 receptions and three touchdowns in eight games.

 
9 of 32

Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, WR

Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, WR
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

Lamb has been as advertised, with 44 catches for 595 yard and three touchdowns in his first nine career games. Behind Lamb, Dallas has also gotten big returns from Trevon Diggs, Neville Gallimore, and Tyler Biadasz already.

 
10 of 32

Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR

Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR
Isaiah J. Downing / USA Today Sports Images

With a season-ending injury to Courtland Sutton early in the year, Jeudy has needed to shine in his rookie year. The first-round pick has emerged as the Broncos top wideout with 30 catches for 484 yards and two touchdowns in his first eight games. The team has also been impressed by rookies K.J. Hamler, Michael Ojemudia, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Albert Okwuegbunam.

 
11 of 32

Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB

Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB
Junfu Han / USA Today Sports Images

There have been more growing pains than expected for Okudah as the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, but the Ohio State alum has still been productive with 37 tackles and one pick as a rookie starter. Second-round pick D'Andre Swift has also made a major contribution in the team's running back committee, with 457 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in eight games.

 
12 of 32

Green Bay Packers: A.J. Dillon, RB

Green Bay Packers: A.J. Dillon, RB
Jeff Hanisch / USA Today Sports Images

Green Bay faced heavily criticism for their 2020 draft, taking several players who seemed unlikely to contribute immediately. First-round pick Jordan Love still hasn't played, and second-round pick Dillon has made a minimal contribution with 24 touches in seven games. Still, Dillon's contribution is the best of the rookie class, aside from some time off the bench from fifth-round pick guard Jon Runyan.

 
13 of 32

Houston Texans: Ross Blacklock, DT

Houston Texans: Ross Blacklock, DT
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today Sports Images

Houston had limited draft picks due to the wheeling and dealing of former czar Bill O'Brien, and only second-round pick Ross Blacklock has seen significant playing time this year. He's yet to even reach 40 percent of defensive snaps in a game, and has only five tackles in seven games.

 
14 of 32

Indianapolis Colts: Julian Blackmon, S

Indianapolis Colts: Julian Blackmon, S
Jenna Watson / USA Today Sports Images

The Colts desperately needed help at safety going into the offseason, and got it from their third-round pick, Blackmon. He's started seven games and has two interceptions, six passes defensed, and 21 tackles. Second-round picks Michael Pittman and Jonathan Taylor have also seen significant playing time, but Pittman has had injury issues and Taylor has fallen out of favor recently.

 
15 of 32

Jacksonville Jaguars: James Robinson, RB

Jacksonville Jaguars: James Robinson, RB
Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports Images

The Jaguars found many significant contributors in their deep draft, including C.J. Henderson, K'Lavon Chaisson, Laviska Shenault, Davon Hamilton, and Jake Luton. However, undrafted free agent running back James Robinson has clearly been their best rookie and a legitimate candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Through eight games, he has 805 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per touch.

 
16 of 32

Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB

Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images

The Chiefs have to be thrilled with the production from their rookie class, including Edwards-Helaire, Willie Gay, L'Jarius Sneed, and Mike Danna, along with undrafted free agents Tershawn Wharton and Tommy Townsend. Edwards-Helaire, their first-round pick, still has been the most impressive with 810 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in nine games.

 
17 of 32

Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR

Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Ruggs has had some injury issues and is still developing his route running, but the first-round pick has been as advertised as an elite speedster. He has only 10 catches in six games, but Ruggs is averaging 22 yards per reception.

 
18 of 32

Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB

Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB
Isaiah J. Downing / USA Today Sports Images

The Chargers had high expectations for Herbert as the sixth overall pick in the draft, and he's managed to exceed them. He replaced the injured Tyrod Taylor in Week 2, and has since completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,146 yards and 17 touchdowns in seven games. Unfortunately, team success hasn't followed yet. Fellow first-round pick Kenneth Murray has also played well, with 51 tackles at linebacker.

 
19 of 32

Los Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, RB

Los Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, RB
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Akers hasn't been a big part of the Rams running back committee due in part to injuries, but the second-round pick has still contributed with 148 yards rushing in six games. Fellow second-round pick Van Jefferson has also helped occassionally.

 
20 of 32

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Allen Eyestone / USA Today Sports Images

Miami has seen varying playing time from their deep rookie class, but first-round pick Tagovailoa jumped to the head of the class with his outstanding Week 9 performance at Arizona. He only has two starts under his belt, but the Dolphins have won both games. Fellow draftees Austin Jackson, Noah Igbinoghene, Robert Hunt, Raekwon Davis, Brandon Jones, and Solomon Kindley have also seen their fair share of playing time. 

 
21 of 32

Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR

Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR
Brad Rempel / USA Today Sports Images

Jefferson was tasked with replacing Stefon Diggs, and has been great in that endeavor. He's been the NFL's most productive rookie wide receiver with 34 catches for 627 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. Many of Minnesota's other rookies haven't been as effective, though Jeff Gladney, Ezra Cleveland, Cameron Dantzler, and D.J. Wonnum have been on the field regularly.

 
22 of 32

New England Patriots: Mike Onwenu, OL

New England Patriots: Mike Onwenu, OL
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today Sports Images

Onwenu has been quite a find as a sixth-round pick out of Michigan, becoming an every-down lineman since Week 3. New England has seen hardly anything from their earlier round picks, unfortunately.

 
23 of 32

New Orleans Saints: Cesar Ruiz, OG

New Orleans Saints: Cesar Ruiz, OG
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today Sports Images

Ruiz has slowly but surely gained more playing time at guard for the Saints, seeing four starts through Week 9. He's certainly been the most significant rookie of their four draft picks.

 
24 of 32

New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT

New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT
Vincent Carchietta / USA Today Sports Images

It's been a struggle for Thomas at left tackle after Nate Solder opted out. The fourth overall pick in the draft has still done his best and shown some improvement. Fourth-round cornerback Darnay Holmes has also seen the field regularly, while fifth-round guard Shane Lemieux is also getting snaps lately.

 
25 of 32

New York Jets: Mekhi Becton, LT

New York Jets: Mekhi Becton, LT
Jamie Germano / USA Today Sports Images

For as poorly as the Jets have played this season, their rookie class has been one of the best in football. That's led by Becton, who has shown flashes of dominance at left tackle when healthy. New York has also gotten nice return from Denzel Mims, Ashtyn Davis, and Lamical Perine already.

 
26 of 32

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR
Eric Hartline / USA Today Sports Images

Philadelphia has been plagued by injuries, including Reager, their first-round pick. He scored a touchdown in Week 8, showing flashes of the ability the team saw when they drafted him. The Eagles have also seen some flashes from Jalen Hurts, K'Von Wallace, Jack Driscoll, and John Hightower in their rookie class.

 
27 of 32

Pittsburgh Steelers: Chase Claypool, WR

Pittsburgh Steelers: Chase Claypool, WR
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports Images

Pittsburgh is known for developing wideouts, and they've apparently found another in Claypool. The second-round pick has been a difference maker already with 469 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in eight games. Fellow draftees Alex Highsmith, Anthony McFarland Jr., and Kevin Dotson have also helped out.

 
28 of 32

San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR

San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR
Brian Fluharty / USA Today Sports Images

After losing Emmanuel Sanders in free agency, the 49ers needed another receiver. Aiyuk has done a nice job with 28 receptions for 371 yards and four total touchdowns despite a merry-go-round of starting quarterbacks. First-round defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has also found the field regularly.

 
29 of 32

Seattle Seahawks: Damien Lewis, OG

Seattle Seahawks: Damien Lewis, OG
Billy Hardiman / USA Today Sports Images

The Seahawks started their draft with two linebackers, but third-round pick Lewis has seen the most playing time. He's stepped in as a regular starter for what has become a pass-heavy offense. Fourth-round running back DeeJay Dallas has also been forced into action due to injuries at the top of the depth chart.

 
30 of 32

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., S

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., S
Danielle Parhizkaran / USA Today Sports Images

Winfield has a strong case for Defensive Rookie of the Year, doing everything in the Bucs secondary with 51 tackles, two sacks, and one interception in nine games. First-round pick Tristan Wirfs has also gone a long way in shoring up the offensive line.

 
31 of 32

Tennessee Titans: Kristian Fulton, CB

Tennessee Titans: Kristian Fulton, CB
Andrew Nelles / USA Today Sports Images

Titans first-round pick Isaiah Wilson has yet to take the field due in part to off-field issues, but Fulton have been a nice value as a late pick in second round. He had 15 tackles and one pick in his first five games before suffering a knee injury.

 
32 of 32

Washington Football Team: Chase Young, DE

Washington Football Team: Chase Young, DE
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

It comes as no big surprise, but Young has performed well early in his rookie season with 3.5 sacks in seven games. The second overall draft choice looks like another building block for Washington's defense. Third-round pick Antonio Gibson has also been a key part of the offense with 573 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in eight games as the starting running back.

Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications. He’s a University of Missouri alum and long-suffering turned spoiled Kansas City Chiefs fan. Seth doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter/X @sethroto.

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