NFL rookie leaderboard, Ja’Marr Chase. (Photo by Rob Carr / Getty Images)
The latest NFL rookie ranking calls out an audible signal and awards awards in the form of the all-rookie team in mid-2021.
The NFL season always flies by, and we’ve hit the midpoint of the season, and it’s aesthetically pleasing this time around (at 17 weeks it never was). The light autumn winds howl just a little more now that the calendar has hit November, and for those of us who are lucky enough (yes, I said lucky) the snow will fall every day. The stretch run is imminent and it’s time for the competitors and those in the playoffs to fight back or shut up.
NFL Rookie Ranking: All-Rookie Team
The rookie class has been a great thing so far and almost promoted in terms of offensive talent. The rookie quarterbacks aren’t quite living up to their bill yet, but most of them are on fighting teams right now. The skill positions are thriving and the offensive line group has been outstanding. Even top defenders are successful, especially in the corner, one of the hardest to play.
Now that we’ve hit that much-announced halftime, instead of the NFL rookie leaderboard, this week is the perfect time to reveal the all-rookie team for nine weeks! Let’s get started!
QB / skill positions
Quarterback: Justin Fields, bears
This may shock many, and it is fair to say that Mac Jones deserves attention here as he has consistently played football. Justin Fields has been hugely impressive over the past few weeks, however, and flashed in his early games.
Sure, turnover was a problem, but when the Bears began to let him relax deeply, incorporate rollouts into the offensive, and turn to his strengths, it clicked. His arm talent was evident against Pittsburgh on Monday night, and he developed a drive to take the lead late, crowned by a great touchdown pass on the move.
Running back: Najee Harris, Steelers
Another position to argue on, but Najee Harris leads the clubhouse in terms of production (over 100 yards / scrimmage per game). Yes, most of his shipyards are dump-offs by Ben Roethlisberger, but he manages after the catch with his toolbox on the side and contact scale. Its processing is also getting better in the Steelers offensive.
Wide Receiver: Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals
He’s the Offensive Rookie of the Year at this point, and Ja’Marr Chase currently averages a mammoth-like 19 yards per reception and has seven touchdown receptions to that point. He’s been amazing at using his hands more to quickly win against clasps, and the speed and physicality he uses to stack vertically and win after the catch have been superb so far.
Wide receiver: Devonta Smith, Eagles
Its production has been a little spotty this season, but Devonta Smith is doing everything right to be considered WR1 in Philadelphia. He still splits up every week with a great clip, from attacking blind spots to using open space to getting a clear head start on his routes. As the Philadelphia offense gets better, Smith’s numbers get better too.
Flex: Jaylen Waddle, dolphins
The “flex” position is new to all-pro teams, so why not here? The dolphins use Jaylen Waddle deep enough or in the middle of the field, two places he dominated in Alabama, but he still shows the blast and blast to separate underneath. In last night’s win against Baltimore, he played a big game at the catch point, something else he was known for at Bama.
Narrow End: Kyle Pitts, Hawks
What can you say here? Kyle Pitts is the unicorn we thought he was! He wins on the outside, the seam up, and takes up large chunks of yard when targeted. Pitts could easily break rookie tight-end records in 2021.
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