11. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
We saw another strong performance from Clyde Edwards-Helaire but he’s still struggling to find the rushing success he had against Houston in Week 1. Since rushing for 138 yards in the first week, Edwards-Helaire hasn’t rushed for more than 64 yards in any other game. I’d like to see another performance similar to that of Week 1 before he rejoins the top 10 rookies.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, RB5
12. James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Running backs like James Robinson come around every year. Backs that are drafted late, or even UDFA’s, that can get an opportunity usually produce. Don’t get it twisted, he’s been very good. Matter of fact, he’s been a top-15 running back in football. The issue is that you should read the first word from each of the first four sentences again.
Pre-draft ranking: Unranked
13. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy had the most disrespectful touchdown catch I’ve ever witnessed live. He’s been consistently productive for Denver, producing more than 55 yards in each of his starts this season. However, he’s still failed to have that “coming out” game, as the most receiving yards he’s produced in a single week is 62. If Jeudy wants to prevent Lamb and Jefferson from extending the gap between him and them he needs a big game soon.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 15, WR2
14. Jonah Jackson, iOL, Detroit Lions
Jonah Jackson being a great footballer player is excellent for my brand. He’s been a plug and play above-average starter for Detroit, and he will continue to be that for the rest of his career. Pairing him with Frank Ragnow give Detroit one of the league’s elite young iOL duos.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, iOL5
15. Laviska Shenault, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Laviska Shenault had his first game of over 40 yards this past week when he produced 86 yards through the air. He’s continued to be a weapon for Jacksonville, and the pairing of Shenault and that offense was a match made in heaven. Jay Gruden will continue to scheme opportunities for Shenault, and he should continue to make plays.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 75, WR11
16. C.J. Henderson, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
C.J. Henderson falls down the rankings due to suffering an injury early in his Week 4 match-up. He was targeted twice, giving up one short reception. He has had a terrific start to the season, but each following game he regressed from the previous one. Hopefully, he can have a strong bounce back from injury.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 15, CB2
17. Jeff Okudah, CB, Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah hasn’t had a dominant debut to his career, but the cornerback position is widely considered one of the most difficult to adjust to. Okudah was widely viewed as the top cornerback in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he’s the top corner I’ve ever evaluated. Give him some time, and he’ll put everything together. I still expect big things from Okudah.
Pre-draft ranking: Third overall, CB1
18. Javon Kinlaw, IDL, San Francisco
I feel like Javon Kinlaw is so close to a big game. He’s yet to record his first sack, and while he’s been a solid contributor to the San Francisco DL, he’s still hasn’t been a playmaker. I’d like to see his flash plays more often because the physical traits he possesses are special. Will his breakout game come this week against the Dolphins?
Pre-draft ranking: Top 10, IDL1
19. Jeremy Chinn, LB/S, Carolina Panthers
Jeremy Chinn continues to be a tackling machine. The Panthers are putting him in a position to make plays sideline to sideline and he’s doing it. He’s still raw in coverage, and it shows on film, but his play against the run has been excellent. He projects as one of the NFL’s lead tacklers for a long time.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 100, S5
20. Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team
From collegiate WR to a top-three rookie running back, Antonio Gibson had his best game of the season against a very good Ravens defense. He produced 128 total yards and registered his third rushing touchdown. Despite Gibson rushing behind one of the worst lines in football, with a passing game that scares no one, he’s been sensational for Washington.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 100, RB10
21. Chase Claypool, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers game was postponed, but Chase Claypool remains one of the top deep threats in the NFL. Hopefully, Pittsburgh can scheme some more touches for him in the near future. An elite athlete with a huge frame, “Mapletron” will be a problem for years to come.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 125, WR15
22. Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen was on this list after his Week 1 performance but has not been featured since. He had his best game of the season against Washington, where he was all over the field impacting the run game and the pass game. He registered 12 total tackles and three tackles for loss in a dominant performance.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 125, WR15
23. Solomon Kindley, iOL, Miami Dolphins
After the 2020 NFL Draft, I was adamant that Miami had a poor first two days, but had one of the best day three’s in the NFL. Kindley is further proving the claim, as he’s been the team’s best performing rookie despite being the team’s seventh selection. He should be an above-average contributor for years to come, as he’s flourished as a run blocker and held his own as a pass protector.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 200, iOL18
24. Damien Lewis, iOL, Seattle Seahawks
Damien Lewis returned from injury and has had a solidly productive game. He was better in pass protection than he has been all year, as he continues to develop in that aspect. He’s one of the strongest interior linemen in football already, and he’s been a bright spot for the Seattle offensive line.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 150, iOL8
25. Michael Ojemudia, CB, Denver Broncos
Michael Ojemudia got called for one of the most egregious pass interference calls I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some pretty awful DPI calls. He possesses a very intriguing physical skill-set and has the ability to develop into a true CB1. He’s already had to fill that role for Denver, and he’s done a strong job as a rookie. I was low on Ojemudia coming out, and he’s far outperformed my expectations.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 150, CB16