Throughout the NFL season, we’re ranking the top-10 rookies in the league based on their progress. Here’s the breakdown following Week 9.
10. Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle: The No. 6 overall pick has put up at least 70 yards in three of his last four games. He ranks second among rookie wideouts with three touchdown grabs, and he just barely beats out Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons to make this list.
9. New York Giants edge Azeez Ojulari: One spot has to be reserved for the rookie sack leader, and that’s Ojulari with 5.5. The 21-year-old second-round pick also has 25 tackles.
8. Miami Dolphins S Jevon Holland: The second-highest graded qualified rookie defender at Pro Football Focus has 33 tackles, a pick, a sack, and four quarterback hits.
7. Las Vegas Raiders CB Nate Hobbs: The highest-graded qualified rookie defender at PFF has surrendered zero touchdowns and a sub-90 passer rating on throws into his coverage.
6. Kansas City Chiefs G Trey Smith: PFF’s second-highest-graded qualified first-year offensive lineman has become elite the last few weeks in Kansas City. Not bad for a sixth-round pick.
5. Los Angeles Chargers OT Rashawn Slater: The No. 13 overall selection has surrendered a sack in just one game this season in support of quarterback Justin Herbert.
4. Dallas Cowboys LB Micah Parsons: A 2.5-sack performance in Week 9 brings the No. 12 overall pick to five sacks, 52 tackles, and 14 quarterback hits on the season. He’s running away with Defensive Rookie of the Year.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris: Only four running backs in football have more scrimmage yards than the No. 24 overall selection. He’s also up to six touchdowns.
2. Kansas City Chiefs C Creed Humphrey: The second-round pick is PFF’s top-rated center, not just among rookies, but among everyone.
1. Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase: The No. 5 overall pick has slowed down a touch but is still on track to have a mega rookie season. He ranks third among NFL wide receivers with 835 yards to go with seven touchdowns.
