There was a lot of discussion about how to stack the wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft and, no matter how you slice it, all have been sensational. Devonta Smith, Ja'Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle all rank in the top 30 of at least two of these three categories: receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
The updated list also features a precipitous climb for Browns rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who had missed some time with a lower body injury. When healthy, Owusu-Koramoah has been a heat-seeking missile on the field for a disappointing Cleveland team.
We will be tracking rookie performers each week and identifying those who stood out. These rankings are not based on statistical performance but rather overall play. Without further ado, the cumulative regular season rookie rankings as we head into Week 13:
| 1 | 
Creed Humphrey
Kansas City Chiefs C
|
| The Chiefs were on a bye this week so all Humphrey could do was watch to see how his position on the list might be affected. | |
| 2 | 
Rashawn Slater
Los Angeles Chargers OT
|
| Slater was a little more sloppy in this one but, in fairness, my standard for him has been raised so high. He is capable of playing at a Pro Bowl level every week. | |
| 3 | 
Micah Parsons
Dallas Cowboys OLB
|
| Parsons is so quick twitch as an edge rusher. He has a little shimmy move to take advantage of the offensive tackle overcommitting one way or another. He registered at least one sack for the fourth consecutive game. Parsons is the best rookie edge rusher. | |
| 4 | 
Mac Jones
New England Patriots QB
|
| Jones throws with accuracy and such great anticipation. He is not going to blow anyone away with his traits but his intangibles are off the charts. | |
| 5 | 
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Cleveland Browns OLB
|
| Owusu-Koramoah only recently returned from Injured Reserve and yet he was still playing 66 snaps at maximum speed. He is the best rookie linebacker and that is including Micah Parsons. | |
| 6 | 
Jaylen Waddle
Miami Dolphins WR
|
| Waddle, baby, Waddle, baby, Waddle. Miami has been using him as a checkdown machine most of the season but, when given the opportunity, he has been superb at all three levels. I would still like to see him catching more with his hands and less with his body. | |
| 7 | 
Ja'Marr Chase
Cincinnati Bengals WR
|
| In his first seven games, Chase never had less than 50 receiving yards. He has not eclipsed 50 receiving yards in any of the past four games. He has fallen off Justin Jefferson's pace from a year ago. | |
| 8 | 
DeVonta Smith
Philadelphia Eagles WR
|
| Smith showed his passion for the game when he forced a fumble after an interception. Quarterback play limited some opportunities down the field. | |
| 9 | 
Kyle Pitts
Atlanta Falcons TE
|
| Pitts' production has been aching in the absence of Calvin Ridley because more attention is going in his direction. He is a unique challenge for opposing defenses each week but they have been up to the task. | |
| 10 | 
Nate Hobbs
Las Vegas Raiders CB
|
| Hobbs' endearing trait is his awareness. He has a great understanding of what is happening around him and plays downhill. | |
| 11 | 
Pat Freiermuth
Pittsburgh Steelers TE
|
| There were not many bright spots in Pittsburgh's humbling loss to Cincinnati but Freiermuth had a touchdown for the fifth time in the past five games. | |
| 12 | 
Elijah Mitchell
San Francisco 49ers RB
|
| It was difficult leaving Javonte Williams out but Mitchell has been a decisive runner. His toughness playing through pain and leading the 49ers to a victory gives him the edge. | |
| 13 | 
Greg Newsome II
Cleveland Browns CB
|
| Newsome has shown the most versatility with his ability to play zone or man coverage. He can carry a route from the field to the boundary or crash down in run support like Ronde Barber. | |
| 14 | 
Penei Sewell
Detroit Lions OT
|
| A few issues arise for Sewell each game when he dips his head but the technical flaws are dwindling each game. He handled the transition from left tackle to right tackle to left tackle to right tackle with grace. | |
| 15 | 
Kadarius Toney
New York Giants WR
|
| New York is basically taking a Corvette through a school zone. They are running curls or just targeting him on the sideline as Daniel Jones is scrambling. They have done a horrible job of getting him the ball in space but you can see his capabilities. | |
2021 NFL jerseys now available
The new NFL season is here! Win or lose, you can shop jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more to support your favorite team. Shop here and show your colors.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
