In our NFL Rookie Rankings for Week 11, we see a couple of late-day two selections make a late-season surge up the rankings. We’re starting to get into award season, and we’re getting a clear picture of which rookies are chasing the rookie of the year trophies. We also might see a few rookie pro-bowlers, an uncommon but very impressive feat.
[sv slug=mocksim]
NFL Rookie Rankings Week 11 | Top 10 NFL Rookies
1. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristan Wirfs has not only been the top-performing rookie, but he’s also been the top-performing player at his position. Displaying a combination of elite physical skills and consistent, strong technique, Wirfs has been one of the top-performing linemen in the NFL. Despite three other tackles going before him, Wirfs has settled himself in as the top tackle from the class of 2020 so far, with six more games to cement his case as the NFL’s top rookie. Heading into Week 11, he tops our NFL Rookie Rankings.
Pre-draft ranking: Fifth overall, OT1
2. Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Football Team
Despite what some might try and tell you, Chase Young did not lose the game for Washington. He made a rookie error and was penalized. Young has still been one of the elite freshmen this year, as he leads all rookies in sacks and tackles for loss. He should still be the defensive rookie of the year, but he’ll have some serious competition behind him. Don’t be surprised if you see a breakout game in the next few weeks.
Pre-draft ranking: Top player, EDGE1
3. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
The top-performing rookie quarterback this season, Justin Herbert looks like the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award for the 2020 season. He’s blown up box scores and is shattering rookie records on a per-game basis. He’s been the most impressive rookie quarterback this year, but the other rookie passers are not far behind him.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 15, QB3
4. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, like most offenses, struggled to move the ball consistently against the Pittsburgh defense. His connection with fellow rookie Tee Higgins was sharp, but the Bengals only managed to find the end zone one time. Burrow looks like a future top-10 quarterback and the Bengals signal-caller for the next two decades.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 10, QB1
5. Mekhi Becton, OT, New York Jets
Mekhi Becton had another injury scare in his last game, but he’s reported “good to go” for the Jets’ upcoming game against the Chargers. Becton is desperately needed because the Chargers possess an elite edge-rushing duo, and Becton will be tasked with battling all game with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa. How will he perform, and will it affect his current ranking as the rookie OT2?
Pre-draft ranking: Top 25, OT4
6. Jedrick Wills, OT, Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills is the final member of the elite rookie tackle trio and comes in just outside the top five of our NFL Rookie Rankings for Week 11. Cleveland’s franchise left tackle has filled in the gaping hole left by Joe Thomas very nicely. The Browns are in a position to make the postseason, and the offensive line led by Wills is a massive reason why. The improvement between last year and this season is obvious, and Wills should be heavily credited for that.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 10, OT2
7. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
After registering 135 yards in Minnesota’s Monday Night Football win over Chicago, Justin Jefferson has taken the rookie lead in receiving yards by a comfortable margin. With his fourth 100-yard game on the season, Jefferson was able to torch a very talented Chicago Bears pass defense. Jefferson is well on his way to breaking 1,000 yards as a rookie and could finish within the top ten of all receivers, as he currently ranks seventh in total receiving yards and is tied for fourth in yards per reception.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, WR5
8. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb has done a strong job staying competitive in the rookie WR1 conversation despite playing with the worst quarterback play over the last four weeks. He was able to perform well against Pittsburgh two weeks ago before taking a bye this past week. With Jefferson’s huge game, it only makes sense he’d pass Lamb in these rookie rankings ahead of Week 11. Can Lamb re-take the rookie WR1 mantle when their two respective teams face off this week?
Pre-draft ranking: Fourth overall, WR1
9. Julian Blackmon, S, Indianapolis Colts
Not only did Julian Blackmon take over for Malik Hooker as the Colts’ free safety of the future, but the Colts are starting to utilize him more than just over the top as a last line of defense. He’s being asked to play around the line of scrimmage, cover opposing receivers, and make plays in the backfield. Against Tennessee, he tackled Derrick Henry well behind the line of scrimmage on a perfectly timed blitz. Blackmon is currently the most underrated rookie among casual fans, but people should know his name.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 175, S13
10. Michael Onwenu, iOL/OT/TE, New England Patriots
Michael Onwenu had arguably his worst game of the season against a very troublesome Ravens’ defensive front. He allowed a sack after getting toasted off the snap by Ravens edge rusher Matt Judon, who himself is a great player. This just looks like some growing pains, as Onwenu is still playing his non-natural position of tackle. Run lanes were still being opened by the Patriots’ line, though, and they were able to secure the win.
Pre-draft ranking: Top 200, iOL20