The Armchair Scout: 2017 NFL rookie class rankings

1. New Orleans Saints

Best Rookie Year: Marshon Lattimore, CB

Worst Rookie Year: Al-Quadin Muhammad, ED

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Ryan Ramczyk, OT

• A huge part of the Saints turnaround in 2017 can be credited to their dominant rookie class. There’s no rookie class that even came close to what the Saints did this past season. It’s insane that Marshon Lattimore won Defensive Rookie of the Year and Alvin Kamara won Offensive Rookie of the Yea; those two are already household names and top 10 players at their position. Ryan Ramczyk quietly had a fantastic rookie year playing both left and right tackle for the Saints. He looks like he’ll be a franchise right tackle and a top five at the position. Other than his NFC Championship blunder Marcus Williams emerged early as a well-rounded safety for the Saints. He may not be a Pro Bowl player, but he’s going to be an above-average starter for a long time. Alex Anzalone and Trey Hendrickson dealt with injuries, but both showed flashes of starting ability when they were on the field. All in all the Saints rookie class produced two franchise players, a star right tackle, a starting safety and two more potential starters.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Best Rookie Year: Reuben Foster, LB

Worst Rookie Year: CJ Beathard, QB

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB

• Immediately after the 49ers draft last year people started to admit they may have been wrong about the John Lynch GM hire. Their 2017 draft looked so good on paper and it didn’t disappoint in year one. Solomon Thomas didn’t hit the ground running like most people expected to as the third overall pick, but he had a solid season. After a slow start, Thomas picked it up down the stretch and was a monster versus the run. Even though Reuben Foster played in just 10 games it’s safe to say he’s one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL already. If he were healthy for the entire season he would have been seriously considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Foster is a freaky athlete who uses the speed to dominate in coverage. His mentality versys the run makes him one of the leagues most physical defenders. Ahkello Witherspoon is built in the mould of a Seahawks corner: long and lean. He started the final nine games of the season and showed a lot of promise as a press man corner. The potential is through the roof after one of the better seasons from a rookie cornerback. CJ Beathard struggled as the 49ers starting quarterback, but he showed enough promise and toughness that he’ll likely be a long-time backup for the team. George Kittle and Trent Taylor were steals for the fifth-round, both ending up major contributors and essentially starters. Adrian Colbert played way beyond expectations when forced on the field due to injuries.

3. Chicago Bears

Best Rookie Year: Tarik Cohen, RB

Worst Rookie Year: Jordan Morgan, OL (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Eddie Jackson, S

• Other than Tarik Cohen, the Bears rookie class hasn’t quite received the hype they deserve. Cohen is obviously a star in an offensive weapon role. He affects the game as an explosive runner, versatile pass catcher and dynamic return man. You can’t ask for much more out of a fourth-round pick than what he gave Chicago. There wasn’t much buzz around second overall pick Mitchell Trubisky during the season, but he played much better than the numbers suggest. With next to nothing for receivers and terrible play-calling Trubisky showed off the accuracy and mobility that had him drafted so high. He has the makings of a franchise quarterback, especially with the Bears offensive overhaul from this offseason. When given opportunities as a pass catcher Adam Shaheen showed off his size and athleticism. He wasn’t used frequently and the old coaching staff struggled with using him, but he flashed potential. Eddie Jackson was another fourth-round steal for the Bears. He found a home right away as the starting free safety. Jackson has great leadership ability to go along with his above-average coverage skills.

4. Houston Texans

Best Rookie Year: Deshaun Watson, QB

Worst Rookie Year: Julien Davenport, OL

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Zach Cunningham, LB

• The Texans rookie class definitely gets a huge boost because they went all in on Deshaun Watson. And despite him only starting six games, it looks like they have their franchise passer. Watson was on fire when he was healthy and has transformed the Texans offense. They adapted everything to his strengths and it paid off. Zach Cunningham was quietly one of the best defensive rookies. His athleticism was a big boost to the Texans linebacking core and he was a huge help to their run defense. D’Onta Foreman was solid in spurts prior to his injury. His size and burst added an element to the Texans run game that they lacked. Julien Davenport and Carlos Watkins didn’t lock down starting roles, but were both contributors. They showed enough as rookies to compete for more snaps in year two. The biggest steal was undrafted linebacker Dylan Cole. He was a special teams standout for the Texans and found a role as sub-package coverage linebacker.

5. Buffalo Bills

Best Rookie Year: Tre’Davious White, CB

Worst Rookie Year: Nathan Peterman, QB

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Dion Dawkins, OL

• All of a sudden it feels like Tre’Davious White isn’t getting the respect he deserves for a phenomenal rookie season. The Defensive Rookie of the Year award was basically a two-man race between him and Lattimore. White is a perfect fit for Sean McDermott’s system and showed off his absurd footwork and movement skills throughout the season taking on top wide receivers. There’s a real argument that White is a top 10 cornerback in the league already. Zay Jones had a rough rookie year with little help around him in the receiving core. There were flashes but he never put together a consistent stretch of games. Dion Dawkins became the Bills starting left tackle due to injuries and it worked out. He was a top rookie tackle showing off great ability in the run game while getting better in pass pro as the season went on. Dawkins is now entrenched as the Bills starting left tackle. McDermott’s system needs athleticism at linebacker and with the Bills mainstays lacking that, rookie Matt Milano was forced to take on a bigger role. Milano finished the season as the Bills starting weakside linebacker and was the best linebacker on the roster down the stretch. Nathan Peterman was embarrassing when forced into action, but the rookie shouldn’t have been playing. At best the Bills have a long-term backup to Josh Allen in place.

6. Cleveland Browns

Best Rookie Year: Myles Garrett, ED

Worst Rookie Year: DeShone Kizer, QB

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Larry Ogunjobi, ID

• DeShone Kizer’s struggles overshadowed the Browns production from their rookie class. Kizer was in a bad situation and should have never been asked to start, but Hue Jackson didn’t care. Now Kizer is gone, but the Browns still have seven starters/contributors from their 2017 rookie class. After battling early injuries Myles Garrett was on the cusp of dominance. He lived up to all of the hype when he was on the field and should be a franchise player going forward. Jabrill Peppers was completely misused in a single high safety role as a rookie and it hurt his production. Peppers is at his best near the line of scrimmage and just can’t hold up in that type of role. David Njoku was inconsistent, but in a handful of games the athleticism would show and he’d make big plays. Both Peppers and Njoku should be better in year two. Larry Ogunjobi is the forgotten man of this rookie class. He’s a freak and was awesome when used as a 3-tech. Caleb Brantley found a solid role as a rotational interior presents as a rookie and did a good job when he was on the field. Zane Gonzalez was good for a rookie kicker and should be in Cleveland for awhile. Matthew Dayes found a role on special teams.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best Rookie Year: Chris Godwin, WR

Worst Rookie Year: Jeremy McNichols, RB (Cut)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Justin Evans, DB

• Evan Engram was the best rookie tight end, but OJ Howard had a pretty great year for a position that usually struggles in year one. Howard became a big play threat for the Buccaneers showing off awesome YAC ability and athleticism down the field. Justin Evans was forced to play cornerback even though he’s a natural safety. He held up better than expected and showed his versatility. Late in the season Chris Godwin was one of the best rookie receivers. His mix of athleticism, size, and natural hands made for the perfect weapon opposite Mike Evans. With Godwin and Howard, the Buccaneers have found two future stud playmakers for the offense. After a hot start at linebacker Kendell Beckwith cooled late in the season, but was still an impressive rookie. Beckwith should be the starting strongside linebacker going forward. With a small rookie class, the Buccaneers managed to find four starters, two with potential Pro Bowl ability.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

Best Rookie Year: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

Worst Rookie Year: Cameron Sutton, DB

Most Underrated Rookie Year: N/A

• If not for the top two picks in the Steelers rookie class shining throughout the season they would be much further down. TJ Watt and JuJu Smith-Schuster were both top 10 rookies, but the rest of the class basically was non-existent. Watt came on strong early with big plays to go along with his big name. He put together a solid year and it was the best rookie edge season the Steelers have had after years of swinging and missing on the position. Watt has the athleticism and technique to reach Pro Bowl ability, but at the very least he’s the Steelers best edge for the next couple years. JuJu Smith-Schuster’s rise up the rookie ranks was surprising. He flashed more athleticism than anybody thought he had and turned into the perfect second option to Antonio Brown. Smith-Schuster had a knack for making big plays and playing tough football. There’s no fear for him going over the middle and he loves to block, just ask Vontaze Burfict. Both Watt and Smith-Schuster should be long-time Steelers with Pro Bowl ability down the line.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

Best Rookie Year: Keelan Cole, WR

Worst Rookie Year: Dawuane Smoot, ED

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Cam Robinson, OT

• Taking a running back top 10 is never a good choice and that’s proven by the Leonard Fournette pick vs the Alvin Kamara pick. Running backs grow on trees. Despite this Fournette had a fine rookie year. He helped give the Jaguars offense a tough mentality, but in the games he missed, they ran the ball just as well as without him. He was solid, but not spectacular. Left tackle Cam Robinson solidified an offensive line that was in flux. He wasn’t dominant, but he was an improvement over what they’ve had in the past. Wide receivers Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole were both dynamic when on the field. Westbrook missed time due to injury, but by the end of the season proved to be a weapon and a potential number two option. For the undrafted Cole he was a field stretcher throughout the season and has a home in Jacksonville’s rotation of pass catchers.

10. New York Giants

Best Rookie Year: Evan Engram, TE

Worst Rookie Year: Davis Webb, QB

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Dalvin Tomlinson, ID

• Somewhat like Pittsburgh’s rookie class the Giants had two stars, but inconsistency and injury everywhere else. Evan Engram is as dynamic a tight end as Kamara is a running back. He brings rare athleticism to the tight end spot and dominates out of the slot. With inconsistent quarterback play in 2017 his rookie season is quite phenomenal, even if he can’t block a lick. With second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson the Giants found a great interior presents. Tomlinson was the best rookie versus the run and added more than expected as a pass rusher. He can play any of the interior defensive line spots moving forward. After that the class is a bit messy. Avery Moss flashed when given opportunities, but the Giants rarely used him with any consistency. Wayne Gallman proved he can be a rotational running back with pass catching upside. The Davis Webb pick is bad, especially since they elected to play Geno Smith over him in 2017 instead of seeing what they had in him.

11. Los Angeles Rams

Best Rookie Year: Cooper Kupp, WR

Worst Rookie Year: Gerald Everett, TE

Most Underrated Rookie Year: John Johnson, S

• This past season was different than recent years for the Rams; they were one of the leagues best teams. A lot of credit for that success goes to Sean McVay for knowing how to use the players on the roster. He also had success with rookies even though the Rams did not have a first-round pick. Tight end Gerald Everett had an up-and-down year, but when he was involved he made big plays and showed off the athleticism that made him a second-round pick. The Rams best rookie was slot receiver Cooper Kupp. Kupp struggled with drops at times, but he quickly became quarterback Jared Goff’s safety net and go to guy on third downs. Kupp’s already the Rams best route runner. One of the most underrated rookies of 2017 was safety John Johnson. He took over as the Rams starting strong safety a few weeks into the season and had a strong year. Johnson is already one of the leagues best and most fluid strong safeties in coverage. Wide receiver Josh Reynolds, edge rusher Samson Ebukam, and interior defender Tanzel Smart all had solid rookie years as rotational players.

12. Philadelphia Eagles

Best Rookie Year: Derek Barnett, ED

Worst Rookie Year: Sidney Jones, CB (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Rasul Douglas, CB

• It surprised most people when the Eagles used the 14^th overall pick on pass rusher Derek Barnett. It wasn’t a need for them with an already stacked defensive line, but the pick worked. Playing in the d-line rotation as a rookie, Barnett was consistent and well-rounded. He used his violent hands to pressure quarterbacks and his technique and motor to stop the run. It wasn’t a statistically dominant year, but the tape shows an ascending talent with the ability to be as good a run defender as a pass rusher. With injuries cornerbacks, Rasul Douglas was forced to play much more than the Eagles would have liked. Douglas stepped up and had a solid rookie year for such a raw talent. Mack Hollins and Corey Clement found their way onto the field as rotational players and made big impacts when they were called upon. The steal for the Eagles was signing rookie kicker Jake Elliott after the Bengals cut him. Elliott won a week two game with a 61-yard field goal as time expired. He proved throughout the year he has ice in his veins and a massive leg.

13. Indianapolis Colts

Best Rookie Year: Malik Hooker, S

Worst Rookie Year: Zach Banner (Cut)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Marlon Mack, RB

• If not for a knee injury partway through his rookie season, Malik Hooker was a real threat to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Hooker was showing off his elite ball skills early on and was on pace for nearly seven interceptions. His cover skills were awesome when he was on the field and he looks like a future stud playing center fielder. Fellow defensive back Quincy Wilson was impressive in limited games as a rookie as well. Wilson used his size to handle big receivers for the Colts and showed the ability to be a number two cornerback. If not for those two getting injured the Colts defense could have been much better. Tarell Basham showed flashes of pass rushing ability in a limited rotational role. Marlon Mack wasn’t given the reigns to the backfield, but should have been. As the backup running back he was electric at times and should see an increased role. He’s not a bell cow, but he’s an above-average rotational runner. With lack of quality in the Colts defensive backfield, Nate Hairston played a lot of snaps. He struggled as a rookie, but showed he can be more than a special teams player.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

Best Rookie Year: Carl Lawson, ED

Worst Rookie Year: John Ross, WR

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Joe Mixon, RB

• Considering ninth overall pick John Ross was irrelevant as a rookie, the Bengals ended up with a surprisingly impressive class. For whatever reason the Bengals never went all in on Joe Mixon as their workhorse runner, even when he was clearly their best back. When utilized as a runner and receiver, Mixon was a playmaker for them. With an improved o-line his second year should be huge. The double down on edge rushers Jordan Willis and Carl Lawson paid dividends. Their abilities contrasted perfectly. Willis showed he can be a base defensive end for them with his ability as a run defender. Lawson was a terror rushing the quarterback in passing situations and led all rookies in sacks. Both of them are going to be impactful players and should see more snaps going forward. Ryan Glasgow was a fine rotational interior defensive lineman doing damage on run downs.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Best Rookie Year: Jourdan Lewis, CB

Worst Rookie Year: Taco Charlton, ED

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Xavier Woods, DB

• Big D stood for defensive backs in Dallas for 2017. Their rookie defensive back picks blew away expectations. Chidobe Awuzie found his home playing outside cornerback and started the last five games of the season. Awuzie’s size, athleticism and hard nosed mentality were exactly what the Cowboys cornerback group needed. At nickel Jourdan Lewis was terrific. He had no trouble translating to the NFL despite his slender size. The feistiness he plays with is ideal for today’s nickel. Hybrid defensive back Xavier Woods played everything from corner to nickel to safety for Dallas and also was impressive. Woods should be the starting free safety moving forward. All three of these defensive backs were top 10 rookies at their positions and bring a toughness the Cowboys need to the secondary. First-round pick Taco Charlton wasn’t as impressive. He struggled a lot with his technique and was terrible vs the run. With his big stiff build, he struggled to provide much pass rush. Ryan Switzer was a nice return man, but Dallas couldn’t figure out how to use him on offense and shipped him out.

16. Atlanta Falcons

Best Rookie Year: Takk McKinley, ED

Worst Rookie Year: Sean Harlow, OL (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Damontae Kazee, DB

• On paper the Falcons rookie class isn’t overly sexy. They don’t have jaw-dropping stats because of the depth on the Falcons roster. None of them were forced to play massive roles as rookies, but were impactful when asked to be. Takk McKinley received little hype during the season, despite playing at a high-level for a rookie when deployed in the Falcons d-line rotation. McKinley used his athleticism and motor to get after quarterbacks, but was a much better run defender as a rookie than expected. He could make a huge leap in his second year. Duke Riley split time with Vic Beasley at Strongside linebacker and struggled to settle in, but made an impact with his athleticism and hard hitting on special teams. Damontae Kazee wasn’t asked to play a whole lot, but between snaps at safety and nickel he looks like a future starter. On special teams Kazee was impressive, he’s got some similarities to Budda Baker.

17. Kansas City Chiefs

Best Rookie Year: Kareem Hunt, RB

Worst Rookie Year: Tanoh Kpassagnon, ED

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Harrison Butker, K

• Obviously, when it comes to the Chiefs rookies two things standout: Patrick Mahomes got to sit and learn and Kareem Hunt dominated the league. Mahomes getting to sit doesn’t hurt this rookie class because it was the best thing for him. His raw ability is insane and giving him a year to learn with Andy Reid is the best way to get him to reach his potential. Hunt is another reason not to draft running backs high. He’s already looking like a top 10 player at his position with his all-around ability. Hunt’s vision and second gear when he has an opening are impressive. He’s also a damn good pass catcher out of the backfield. Harrison Butker was cut by the Panthers and the Chiefs got lucky. Forced into action a few games into the year, Butker was automatic and consistent all season. Other than Hunt and Butker nobody made much of an impact or played significant snaps.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Best Rookie Year: Pat Elflein, C

Worst Rookie Year: Jaleel Johnson, ID

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Dalvin Cook, RB

• It was a weird rookie class for the Vikings. Dalvin Cook was dominating before an ACL tear; it happened so long ago that it seems like his start to the year was underrated. Pat Elflein shored up the offensive line and gave the Vikings a long-term answer at center. Other than those two the rookie class was uninspiring. Ben Gedeon started some games at strongside linebacker and was fine, nothing special. Most the other rookies had zero impact or didn’t make the team. Cook though, is a star in the making with the vision, explosiveness and balance a star running back needs. Get the ball in his hands as a pass catcher and he makes plays. He’s an every down running back for them. Elflein isn’t spectacular, but his football IQ helps this offensive line a lot and makes up for his lack of size and athleticism. Both are building blocks for this offense.

19. Los Angeles Chargers

Best Rookie Year: Desmond King, DB

Worst Rookie Year: Mike Williams, WR

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Austin Ekeler, RB

• Since it’s the Chargers, of course the injury bug hit their rookie class. Wide receiver Mike Williams could never get on the field because he missed a lot of his early time with the Chargers due to injury. Forrest Lamp would have been a plug and play guard, but he missed the entire season. Dan Feeney was solid playing on the interior of the o-line. His rookie year wasn’t incredible, but he looks like a plug and play starter for them at guard. Desmond King helps their class a lot. The fifth-round pick was a revelation at nickel for the Chargers. He lacks athleticism, but his feistiness and technique fit right in and he’ll be a long-time starter. Undrafted running back Austin Ekeler was awesome on offense and special teams. He found a role as a change of pace runner and receiving back while also leading the team in special teams tackles.

20. Green Bay Packers

Best Rookie Year: Aaron Jones, RB

Worst Rookie Year: Montravius Adams, ID

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Josh Jones, S

• One of the weirder rookie class, the Packers had a lot of rookies play at an inconsistent level. Kevin King wasn’t ready to start and it showed, but the lack of corner depth forced him to play too early. Safety Josh Jones made an impact as a enforcer on the backend, but he too should be better in year two as he finds a bigger role that suits his skill-set better. The Packers found two contributing running backs in Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones. Williams is more of the bruising type, but showed some ability in the passing game. He’s likely their short yardage back going forward. Surprisingly Aaron Jones emerged as a big playmaker when he was healthy. He proved to be explosive as a runner and receiver and could seriously contend to be the Packers top running back.

21. New York Jets

Best Rookie Year: Jamal Adams, S

Worst Rookie Year: ArDarius Stewart, WR/Chad Hansen, WR

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Marcus Maye, S

• The Jets rebuild all starts with safety Jamal Adams. He proved in his rookie year he’s all in. Adams was the leader of the defense and stood out on tape for his non-stop motor. At strong safety Adams dominated as a run defender and was impressive in coverage. Alongside Adams was fellow rookie safety Marcus Maye. Maye wasn’t nearly the player Adams was as a rookie, but he was promising. He was well-rounded as the starting free safety and should only improve. All of the pass catchers the Jets drafted disappointed, but running back Elijah McGuire was a pleasant surprise. McGuire showed big play ability and looks like a rotational running back.

22. Tennessee Titans

Best Rookie Year: Adoree’ Jackson, CB

Worst Rookie Year: Jonnu Smith, TE

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Corey Davis, WR

• It wasn’t a great year for fifth overall pick Corey Davis. He battled injuries all season and, due to the lackluster offense, didn’t see a significant amount of targets. Davis looked better late in the season and in the playoffs. He should take an enormous step in year two, but the rookie struggles were less on him and more about injuries and scheme. Adoree’ Jackson made plays both on defense and special teams. He did a good job in the return game and was more NFL-ready at cornerback than expected. He was the Titans best corner as a rookie and was constantly breaking up passes. Taywan Taylor and Jonnu Smith both disappointed in their rotational roles. Neither showed the big play ability and versatility they were expected to bring to the offense.

23. Arizona Cardinals

Best Rookie Year: Budda Baker, DB

Worst Rookie Year: Chad Williams, WR

Most Underrated Rookie Year: N/A

• First-round pick Haason Reddick had a tough time adjusting to the NFL as a rookie. After playing on the edge in college, he moved to off-ball linebacker for the Cardinals, but then was asked to move back to the edge due to injuries. He never got to settle into a position and it showed on the field. Luckily for Arizona, second-round defensive back Budda Baker was a stud as a rookie. Baker made the Pro Bowl on special teams, but when playing nickel, he looked like a young Tyrann Mathieu. The future is bright with Baker. Chad Williams was too raw to find a role as a rookie, but should be a deep threat at least in his second season.

24. Baltimore Ravens

Best Rookie Year: Marlon Humphrey, CB

Worst Rookie Year: Chris Wormley, ID

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Tyus Bowser, LB/ED

• After using all of their top picks on the defensive side of the ball, only Marlon Humphrey made an impact for the Ravens. Baltimore is known for not forcing rookies into action so it’s no surprise how little they played them this year. As for Humphrey he flashed legitimate Pro Bowl ability. With his physicality, size, and athleticism, Humphrey is an ideal fit for the Ravens at corner. In very limited snaps Tyus Bowser flashed some pass rush ability, but is better suited for an off-ball role. He could be the defender in Baltimore that takes the biggest step in his second year. Chris Wormley, Tim Williams, and Jermaine Eluemunor were all underwhelming.

25. Seattle Seahawks

Best Rookie Year: Shaquill Griffin, CB

Worst Rookie Year: Malik McDowell, ID (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Nazair Jones, ID

• Prior to the season Malik McDowell got injured in an ATV accident that will likely end his career. That stung the Seahawks rookie class. Ethan Pocic had an up-and-down rookie year, but he was moved all over the offensive line, which is a tough task for a rookie. He’ll become a better player when he finds a home at one position. Shaquill Griffin is the biggest standout from the Hawks rookie class. Griffin fits the mold of a Seattle corner with size and athleticism. As a rookie he earned a starting job and should be their top corner going forward. Naz Jones was the biggest surprise from the class. He provided a needed pass rush from the interior and should be their starting 3-tech. Chris Carson was a nice banger at running back before he was injured.

26. Miami Dolphins

Best Rookie Year: Charles Harris, ED

Worst Rookie Year: Raekwon McMillan, LB (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Davon Godchaux, ID

• With depth on the defensive line last year it was hard for Charles Harris to find anything more than a rotational role. He flashed pass rush ability with multiple moves in his repertoire and as his role expands, his numbers will be better. Davon Godchaux played far more than expected and earned a role on the defensive line. Godchaux was one of the Dolphins best run defenders and top rotational interior presents. With Raekwon McMillan missing the season and Cordrea Tankersley struggling so much the draft class wasn’t great. Vincent Taylor is a fine run downs defensive tackle and Chase Allen a potential special teams stud.

27. Washington

Best Rookie Year: Jonathan Allen, ID (Injured)

Worst Rookie Year: Ryan Anderson, ED

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Montae Nicholson, S

• If not for an injury five games into his rookie season, Jonathan Allen would have received more media attention. Allen was off to a hot start playing 5-tech in base looks and 3-tech in nickel. Although the stats don’t show it he was providing an impressive amount of pass rush for an interior defensive lineman on top of being a solid run defender. Samaje Perine wasn’t the bell cow Washington had hoped, but showed some ability as a between the tackles banger as a rotational guy. Montae Nicholson really stepped up and showed solid cover skills for a bigger guy. Chase Roullier was okay when forced into action and is probably the starting center in 2018.

28. Detroit Lions

Best Rookie Year: Kenny Golladay, WR

Worst Rookie Year: Teez Tabor, CB

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Jamal Agnew, CB/RS

• On paper Jarrad Davis had a good rookie year. He played a lot of snaps and started the majority of the season, but the tape shows a linebacker who struggled a ton in coverage. Davis was impressive against the run though, it’s just worrisome how much of a negative he was in coverage. Teez Tabor struggled to crack the lineup and when he did, his lack of athleticism was taken advantage of. He’ll need a lot of coaching to pan out. Kenny Golladay fit right into the Lions as their third option at wide receiver. His size and big play ability gave them a new wrinkle for their passing game. Golladay’s rookie year was promising. The addition of Jamal Agnew was a big boost to the Lions return game. Agnew is quickly becoming one of the best return men in the league.

29. Carolina Panthers

Best Rookie Year: Christian McCaffrey, RB

Worst Rookie Year: Curtis Samuel, WR

Most Underrated Rookie Year: N/A

• Doubling down on offensive weapons Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel didn’t work out this past season. McCaffrey did the majority of his damage in a hybrid slot role, but struggled as a true running back. He couldn’t run inside and rarely broke any tackles. On the other hand, as the safety net he made a difference in the passing game and flashed big play ability. Samuel was non-existent as a rookie. He never found a role as a receiver and needs a lot of coaching to adjust to the NFL. Taylor Moton wasn’t asked to play as a rookie and Daeshon Hall missed his rookie year with injuries.

30. Denver Broncos

Best Rookie Year: Garett Bolles, OT

Worst Rookie Year: Carlos Henderson, WR (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: N/A

• After a slow start to the season Garett Bolles started to look like a potential franchise left tackle for the Broncos. He struggled in pass pro, but became a dominant force in the run game. He is such a raw player that starting the whole season and holding up is impressive in itself. DeMarcus Walker looked fine in a limited rotational role. Nobody else did anything noteworthy. The class was weak as only Bolles made any true impact.

31. Oakland Raiders

Best Rookie Year: Treyvon Hester, ID

Worst Rookie Year: Gareon Conley, CB/Obi Melifonwu, DB (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: Eddie Vanderdoes, ID

• Injuries were the story with the Raiders rookie class. Top two picks Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu missed most of the season with injuries. Defensive tackles Treyvon Hester and Eddie Vanderdoes were the bright spots. Hester showed he can be a rotational 1-tech for the Raiders. Vanderdoes fits the 3-tech spot well with his athleticism he just needs technique help. Marquel Lee did a good job vs the run when asked to play.

32. New England Patriots

Best Rookie Year: Deatrich Wise Jr., ED

Worst Rookie Year: Derek Rivers, ED/Antonio Garcia, OT (Injured)

Most Underrated Rookie Year: N/A

• The Patriots rookie class was small and other than Deatrich Wise Jr, nobody played. Derek Rivers was likely to have a sizeable role, but tore his ACL. He should make an impact in his second year. Antonio Garcia and Conor McDermott aren’t even on the team anymore. Wise Jr. was the only impactful rookie for New England. His inside/outside ability was a nice fit for the Patriots and he found a home in their rotation. It wasn’t a spectacular rookie year for Wise Jr., but it was a pleasant surprise.

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