Ranking the rookies of the 2016 NFL season
Ranking the rookies of the 2016 NFL season.
1. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Through 13 games, Elliott is not only the front-runner for Rookie of the Year but also MVP. He has 1,392 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on the ground as he looks to break the rookie rushing record.
2. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott fell to the fourth round in the draft, and the Cowboys are lucky that he did. Replacing the injured Tony Romo to start the season, Prescott has held on to the starting job by leading the Cowboys to an 11-2 start. He has 3,139 passing yards and a tremendous 20/4 TD/INT ratio, adding five rushing touchdowns.
3. Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears
Howard has emerged as Chicago's clear long-term running back with his rookie performance. Over 12 games, the fifth-round pick has 969 rushing yards and five scores. He's averaged 5.0 yards per carry.
4. Jack Conklin, OT, Tennessee Titans
The Titans selected Conklin with the eighth pick in the draft as they look to establish a power running game, and it looks like they made a good decision. Tennessee's offensive line play has been drastically improved this season with the help of Conklin's steady play.
5. Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
It looks like Wentz has hit the rookie wall, throwing seven picks in his last four games. Still, the Eagles have high hopes for the second overall pick in the draft, as he has 3,215 yards and 13 touchdown passes through 13 games despite a mediocre supporting cast.
6. Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers
A holdout and hamstring injury kept Bosa out at the beginning of the season, but he's made up for lost time. Bosa has been dominant in nine games with 6.5 sacks.
7. Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Hill fell to the fifth round because of off-field concerns, but he's been one of the most electric players in the NFL this season. While performing great as a returner with two scores, Hill has made a surprising contribution at wideout with 56 receptions for 547 yards and six receiving scores through 13 games.
8. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
Thomas is emerging as one of Drew Brees' favorite receivers. Through 12 games, he has 69 catches for 831 yards and seven touchdowns.
9. Keanu Neal, S, Atlanta Falcons
The 17th overall pick in the draft has helped improve a weak Falcons secondary. He has 59 tackles and four forced fumbles through 11 games played.
10. Karl Joseph, S, Oakland Raiders
Joseph has helped the Raiders defense with 44 tackles and one pick, along with six passes defensed. He was taken 14th overall by Oakland.
11. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
The athletic Jones is looking like a steal as the 37th overall pick in the draft by the Chiefs. He's become an every-down player due to injuries on the KC D-line and has been disruptive with two sacks.
12. Laremy Tunsil, OG, Miami Dolphins
Tunsil's embarrassing draft night is well-documented, but the Dolphins were fortunate to see him fall to them with the 13th pick. Miami has finally gotten some viable offensive line play with the help of Tunsil after several years of struggles.
13. Hunter Henry, TE, San Diego Chargers
Looking for Antonio Gates' long-term replacement, the Chargers took Henry in the second round of the draft. He's had a fine rookie season with 29 receptions for 398 yards and six scores through 12 games played.
14. Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
Shepard has been an excellent complement to Odell Beckham Jr. in the Giants' offense. He has 51 receptions for 536 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games.
15. Will Fuller, WR, Houston Texans
Despite poor quarterback play from Brock Osweiler, Fuller has made a big impact for the Texans. He has 37 receptions for 530 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games.
16. Ryan Kelly, C, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts desperately needed to upgrade their offensive line, and Kelly has been helpful. The 18th overall pick in the draft, he's started all 13 games at center.
17. Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots
Mitchell's role in the demanding New England offense has picked up recently. The fourth-round pick has 24 receptions for 317 yards and three scores this season.
18. Tajae Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans
Sharpe was a preseason breakout star but hasn't continued that performance in the regular season. He's still helped the Tennessee offense with 36 receptions for 464 yards and two touchdowns.
19. Jalen Richard, RB, Oakland Raiders
Richard has been a solid change-of-pace back and kick returner for the Raiders. He's averaged 5.7 yards per carry and also has 9.3 yards per punt return.
20. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
It's been a work in progress for Ramsey and the rest of the Jacksonville defense this season. The fifth pick in the draft, Ramsey has 43 tackles and four passes defensed through 13 games but has yet to get his first career interception.
21. Cody Whitehair, C, Chicago Bears
A second-round pick by the Bears, Whitehair has solidified the center position for the team when much of the offensive line has been in shambles. He's the clear long-term answer at center.
22. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee selected the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner to build a power running game. DeMarco Murray's spectacular season hasn't required much of Henry, but he is averaging 4.3 yards per carry in 82 attempts.
23. Devontae Booker, RB, Denver Broncos
Booker has become Denver's starting running back due to C.J. Anderson's injury, but the results have been mixed behind a mediocre offensive line. He has 511 rushing yards and three scores but has averaged a poor 3.4 yards per carry.
24. Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Dixon missed the start of the season due to injury, but he has been a flashy and versatile back since his return. He is averaging 4.5 yards per carry and has 18 receptions in eight games.
25. C.J. Prosise, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Prosise showed flashes while the rest of Seattle's backs were hurt, rushing for 66 yards in Week 10 and 76 yards in Week 11. A shoulder injury has kept him sidelined recently.
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