Rookies 11-25
11. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Despite Brandon Allen functioning as the Bengals’ starting quarterback, Tee Higgins still found a way to produce. He registered five receptions for 44 yards and a score. With Joe Burrow, Higgins was quietly one of the strongest producing rookies, especially considering he didn’t play in Week 1. We will see if continued play with Brandon Allen massively affects Higgins’ production and whether or not it cause a slide in the Rookie Rankings after Week 13.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, WR7
12. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antoine Winfield continued his production from last week, registering another eight total tackles this past weekend. That’s 17 over the previous two games for the Buccaneers’ top rookie safety. Winfield has gradually fallen down these NFL Rookie Rankings, as a hot start to the season bloated his expectations. However, he’s still one of the top NFL rookies and likely a multiple time pro-bowler soon.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, S4
13. Jeremy Chinn, LB/S, Carolina Panthers
Jeremy Chinn had a wild game against the Vikings, netting 13 total tackles, a QB hit, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns. He was everywhere against the Vikings’ potent run defense and made opportunistic plays that should have been enough for a Panthers win but fell just short.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 100, S5
14. Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team
Antonio Gibson took a healthy step forward in both these Week 13 NFL Rookie Rankings and the race for top rookie running back. Since Week 7, Gibson has found the end zone twice as often as any other rookie RB. Early in the season, he was learning the RB position, and he still is, but we’re starting to see glimpses of it coming together.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 100, RB10
15. Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen had a productive night against the Steelers, recording nine tackles. Queen led a Baltimore defensive effort that kept them competitive in a game that they had no business keeping close. Queen continues to develop in the NFL and has looked like one of the top NFL rookies throughout the season.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 100, LB6
16. James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
James Robinson is the only undrafted free agent on these Week 13 Rookie Rankings, a testament to his work ethic. He’s consistently been one of the most productive rushers in the NFL and looks like he will be a bright spot on the roster for years to come. Jacksonville nailed this signing after the draft and now have a competent running game for whoever is playing quarterback next year.
Pre-draft ranking: Unranked
17. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears
Jaylon Johnson continues his streak as one of the most disruptive cornerbacks in the NFL. He’s one of the league leaders in pass deflections, and he made a huge play against Packers WR Allen Lazard, hitting him to force an incompletion. Johnson has been the top NFL rookie cornerback and is shining in Chicago.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 75, CB12
18. Jonah Jackson, iOL, Detroit Lions
Jonah Jackson has been the top rookie interior offensive lineman. However, he and the Lions have taken a step back over the past few weeks. Injuries have devastated the Lions’ offense, and the unit has started falling apart. Jackson is still performing well above expectation and will be in the Lions’ plans moving forward with a new Head Coach and General Manager in 2021.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, iOL5
19. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown continues to develop as a pass rusher, and he’s already the unquestioned best run defending rookie. He’s been a force for the interior of the Panthers’ defense as they’ve quietly accumulated a lot of young talent. Carolina has put together the foundation of a competitive roster. He’s been one of the top NFL rookies and continues to rise in these NFL Rookie Rankings.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 15, iDL2
20. Javon Kinlaw, DL, San Francisco 49ers
After having an insane performance against the Saints in Week 10, Javon Kinlaw came off a bye this week to have another impactful performance. He registered his first career interception, which also happened to be his first career touchdown. He also recorded two tackles and another pass deflection despite playing less than 40% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 10, iDL1
21. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire took a back seat to the Kansas City passing attack in the Chiefs win over the Buccaneers on Sunday night. Edwards-Helaire is averaging less than 50 yards from scrimmage over the last five games. Edwards-Helaire is one healthy D’Andre Swift away from falling to rookie RB4. Can he remain one of the top NFL rookies, or will he fade out at the tail-end of the season?
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, RB5
22. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos
The Broncos completed one pass on the day, and it was not to Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy had been one of the more consistently productive players among the top NFL rookie wide receivers. However, without the presence of a legitimate NFL quarterback, his production will free fall. What will happen in Denver, and do the Broncos still have a path to the postseason?
Pre-draft ranking: Top 15, WR2
23. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk was arguably the most electric rookie receiver in the NFL before landing on the COVID list. Thankfully, he’s expected to come off the COVID list soon and could appear in San Francisco’s next game. Will he pick up where he left off, or will it take him to get back in the groove of things?
Pre-draft ranking: Top 75, WR9
24. D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions
D’Andre Swift has been unavailable the past two weeks, and the Lions have desperately missed him. The offense is a shell of what it was when Swift and star receiver Kenny Golladay were on the field. Swift drops in the rankings because the best ability is availability.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 25, RB1
25. Damien Lewis, iOL, Seattle Seahawks
Damien Lewis was competitive and aggressive against the Eagles. He had several quality battles against the Eagles’ excellent defensive front. Fletcher Cox got the better of Lewis a few times throughout the night, but that’s to be expected from a rookie facing one of the top interior rushers in the NFL. Of the top NFL rookies, Lewis squeaks in as the 25th ranked player in these Week 13 NFL Rookie Rankings.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 125, iOL8