It's been a few weeks since we did the rankings, although I did put together a midseason all-rookie team. But it's time to get back to the straight ranking, the best players, period, regardless of position.
Here are the parameters, same as always:
This is a measure for all games this season, not just last week.
Total snap count matters. Staying on the field is a measure of value.
Positional value matters, but overall performance and impact on the team matter more.
Relative value matters. I ask: Would this player be a starter on most teams or on a good team?
Here's my latest ranking of the top 25 rookies in the NFL, plus another group of guys that were close.
1. Ronald Darby, CB, Buffalo Bills
He actually got beat for touchdowns a couple times on Sunday, but one of those times was over the middle on a TD throw to Travis Kelce where even the best cornerback in the league might be toast. The point isn't that he's sliding, it's that when he gets beat at all, you're actually surprised. He's been that good, and deserves this spot.
2. Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland Raiders
He leads the draft class in catches (58) and receiving yards (851), but those numbers are also solid against the league as a whole, as the receiving yards put him at No. 12 overall. Also dangerous after the catch, he's been exactly what they hoped he'd be at this stage.