Another week of NFL football is in the books, and the Week 13 performances caused a large shake-up in the NFL Rookie Rankings for Week 14. This week’s Rookie Rankings, featuring the top NFL rookies, also include the rise of an impressive rookie wideout in the NFC West, and another first-round passer makes his debut on the list.
NFL Rookie Rankings Week 14 | Top 10 NFL Rookies
We saw top NFL rookies like Chase Young and Justin Jefferson continue their stretch of dominant play. Meanwhile, rookies like Justin Herbert and Mekhi Becton took a step back from their typically impressive play.
1. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers had a bye week, so Tristan Wirfs continues his stretch as the top rookie in these Week 14 NFL Rookie Rankings. Wirfs is in a strong position to be a Pro Bowler in his first year and should also receive heavy consideration for the All-Pro team. Wirfs must continue his dominant stretch because several top NFL rookies are chasing the number one spot.
Pre-draft ranking: Fifth overall, OT1
2. Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Football Team
Young has continued to be a dominant force for Washington’s defense, which has become one of the top units in the NFL. Young played a crucial role in Washington’s upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers, registering a tackle for loss on the game’s most critical play.
A fourth-and-one stop on the goal line prevented a Pittsburgh touchdown and forced a turnover on downs. Young has been the best rookie defender in the NFL.
Pre-draft ranking: Top player, EDGE1
3. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson’s incredible performance in an overtime victory pushes him into the top three of the NFL Rookie Rankings for Week 14. He registered nine receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season total to 1,039 yards. Jefferson is not only the top rookie receiver this year, but he’s also already one of the 15-20 best receivers in the NFL.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, WR5
4. Jedrick Wills, OT, Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills has competed with Mekhi Becton for OT2 for the majority of the season. Both are right behind Wirfs in the running for the best rookie tackle. All three have been excellent, and their respective franchises are thrilled to have them on the roster. Wills has been the most impressive pass protector of the rookie trio, and he was completely dominant against the Titans.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 10, OT2
5. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
For the first time all season, Justin Herbert looked like a rookie. He was sacked three times and threw two interceptions. Despite possessing a high-powered offense, the Chargers were completely shut out by the New England Patriots.
Herbert averaged under four yards per passing attempt and could not put together a strong drive for the entirety of the game. Hopefully, he bounces back against a weak Falcons defense.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 15, QB3
6. Mekhi Becton, OT, New York Jets
Becton loses his position as rookie OT2 after struggling to handle Clelin Ferrell of all players. Every time Becton has been on the field this season, he’s been one of the top NFL rookies. That wasn’t the case this past Sunday, as he was beaten for a sack twice by the former Clemson defensive end.
Becton will still be a great player for a long time, but Sunday was a bit of a reality check.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 25, OT4
7. Julian Blackmon, S, Indianapolis Colts
When talking about the top defensive rookies, players like Jeremy Chinn, Patrick Queen, and Jaylon Johnson all get mentioned before Julian Blackmon. This comes despite Blackmon being the only other rookie defender to come close to matching Young’s play.
He’s been an excellent defender on the back end for Indianapolis, and the Colts have recently given him more responsibility at the line of scrimmage, where he’s done a good job wrecking game plans. He has been one of the top NFL rookie defenders and deserves the same recognition others are getting.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 175, S13
8. Michael Onwenu, OL, New England Patriots
I’m not entirely sure where Michael Onwenu will play for the Patriots in the future, but for now, he’s been their plug-in right tackle and has excelled. He’s a nasty finisher who displays impressive play strength and the ability to win at the point of attack.
He’s not the most popular of the top NFL rookies, but he’s absolutely a top-10 rookie performer this year. That’s reflected in the NFL Rookie Rankings for Week 14.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 200, iOL20
9. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb finished second on the Cowboys in receiving yards Tuesday, registering 46 on six receptions. He brings his season total to 650 yards, a number that would likely be tremendously higher if Dak Prescott had not been injured.
Lamb finding a way to produce without Prescott bodes well for Lamb’s future, regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Cowboys in 2021 and beyond.
Pre-draft ranking: Fourth overall, WR1
10. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Like Lamb, Tee Higgins has done a good job making the most of his opportunities with a backup quarterback. Since Joe Burrow went down against Washington, Higgins is still averaging 50 yards a game. That’s much higher than you’d expect of a wide receiver playing with Brandon Allen and Ryan Finley at quarterback.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, WR7