NFL Rookie Rankings 2020: Week 3’s top rookies

Three weeks of NFL action are in the books, and the list of productive rookies keeps growing. We saw some rookies who dominated early, like C.J. Henderson, struggle this week. We also saw some rookies who struggled early, like Jeff Okudah, have a very nice bounce-back performance. We saw these rankings grow from 10 rookies to 20, and now we’re raising it again.

Twenty-five rookies will be ranked this week, and that’s the final number we’ll continue with for the rest of the year. As always, these rankings are based on both my pre-draft rankings for these players as well as their performances throughout the season so far. So who are my top 25 rookies through the first three weeks of the 2020 NFL season? Who do you think I’m too high or low on, and who didn’t make the cut that should have? Let me know on twitter at @MVScouting or in the comments!

NFL Rookie Rankings Week 3 | #1-10

1. Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Football Team

Chase Young only played a few snaps for Washington in their game against Cleveland as he hurt his groin and was forced to leave the game early. Young will also miss Washington’s Week 4 matchup against Baltimore. Young’s status as the top player in the 2020 NFL Draft combined with his performance in his first two games keeps him at the top of these Week 3 rookie rankings.

Pre-draft ranking: Top player, EDGE1

2. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Antoine Winfield Jr. has continued playing well above his draft slot, as he’s been one of the best safeties in the NFL this year. He’s dominating around the line of scrimmage, registered his second sack of the season last week, and he’s been more than competent in coverage. Winfield has been the best player in the secondary for the Buccaneers.

Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, S4

3. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow has already proven that Cincinnati was correct when they took him first overall. He’s displayed confidence, resiliency, and quality decision making. The Bengals weren’t shy of making him the focal point of the offense, as he’s currently second in the NFL in pass attempts. I expect Burrow to win his first game as a Bengal in the next few weeks, and he should lead the team to a playoff spot as soon as next season.

Pre-draft ranking: Top 10, QB1

4. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

CeeDee Lamb has been a model of consistency throughout his first three weeks in the NFL. He’s registered at least five receptions and 59 yards in each of his first three games. Despite Dallas being loaded on the offensive side of the football, Lamb has been able to carve out a productive and impactful role. Lamb might not be a true number one this season, but he’s well on his way to becoming one.

Pre-draft ranking: Fourth overall, WR1

5. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tristan Wirfs has continued to be a wall for the Buccaneers. The 13th overall pick has arguably the highest ceiling of any rookie tackle, and with the way he’s played, it seems like that ceiling is attainable. Wirfs still isn’t perfect and has areas he must get better, but he’s been the best rookie tackle thus far in my eyes.

Pre-draft ranking: Fifth overall, OT1

6. Mekhi Becton, OT,  New York Jets

Mekhi Becton was having another very good outing against the Indianapolis Colts prior to injuring his shoulder in the second quarter. Becton looks like everything and more the Jets could have hoped for when they took him with the 11th selection. Becton has been the lone bright spot of the pathetic New York Jets offense, and he’ll be a massive, literally massive, building block for the future.

Pre-draft ranking: Top 25, OT4

7. Jedrick Wills, OT, Cleveland Browns

Jedrick Wills had his worst game of the season against Washington, but in all fairness, he faced one of the top defensive lines in the NFL. He gave up a sack to Montez Sweat and was charged with two false starts in back to back possessions. Wills was still overall a positive for Cleveland, and he still looks like the future left tackle Cleveland desperately needed following the retiring of Joe Thomas.

Pre-draft ranking: Top 10, OT2

8. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Despite his rush efficiency dipping again since Week 1, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was finally featured in the pass attack in the Chiefs Week 3 matchup against Baltimore. CEH caught five receptions for 70 yards en route to 134 total scrimmage yards. He’s an elite weapon on the most talented offense in football.

Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, RB5

9. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears

Jaylon Johnson has been the most consistent rookie cornerback this season, despite having his worst game of the season against Atlanta. In all fairness, he did draw up the assignment of Calvin Ridley for a majority of the game and held his own for a good portion of the game. Johnson has been a great pairing with fellow corner Kyle Fuller, and the Bears defense remains as talented as any in the NFL.

Pre-draft ranking: Top 75, CB12

10. C.J. Henderson, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Henderson had an elite debut and looked like a future superstar in Week 1. In Week 2, his play regressed a bit but was still in the overall positive. However, in Week 3, he looked like a rookie cornerback in his matchup against the Dolphins. These games happen from time to time; what’s important is seeing how Henderson bounces back in Week 4.

Pre-draft ranking: Top 15, CB2

Continue for Week 3’s #11-25 top-ranked rookie performances.