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NFL Top 5 Rookies Entering Week 13

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As we enter NFL Week 13, here are the top five rookies in the league.

CREED HUMPHREY

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted an anchor and a 10- to 15-year starter when they chose Creed Humphrey out of Oklahoma. The center has been downright amazing as a run and pass blocker. He’s allowed just six pressures all season and no sacks.

In fact, since his days at OU he’s had 1,750 pass-block snaps and allowed just one sack. A dominant run blocker who’s agile and athletic enough to get on his heels and keep interior pass rushers out of Patrick Mahomes’ face.

MICAH PARSONS

Micah Parsons continues to “WOW” in all facets of the defense for the Cowboys. But lately he’s been living on the outside as an edge rusher, and he’s wreaked havoc.

His rare blend of speed and power has befuddled offensive tackles and tight ends, who seem to be shocked by his ability to transition from speed to power and vice versa. He’s tallied nine sacks and gotten this 50 pressures this season. His 67 tackles and two forced fumbles are also solid. Defensive Rookie of the Year is his to lose.

MAC JONES

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is playing at a very high level, and, no, it isn’t all about numbers. But he’s just doing what the team needs, making timely throws, limiting mistakes, and making cerebral plays to accompany a great defense.

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When he was drafted it was clear he was the most NFL-ready QB in the draft, hailing from the newly touted QB factory in Tuscaloosa. Jones has passed for 2,850 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions this season. Offensive Rookie of the Year is in his sights, with Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase his only real competition.

RASHAWN SLATER

The Los Angeles Chargers seem to have struck gold in back-to-back drafts, landing franchise QB Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL draft and offensive tackle Rashawn Slater this year. Being the blind side protector of the talented Herbert hasn’t bothered Northwestern’s smooth left tackle.

This season he’s played 759 snaps (every one of the season), and his block win rate — 90 percent — is tops among rookies and one of the highest of all offensive linemen. Slater possesses All-Pro-type, and some say Hall of Fame-type, talent.

JAYLEN WADDLE

The Miami Dolphins struggled early on the offensive side of the football, but lately they’ve played better. A huge component in that has been the play of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the favorite target of QB Tua Tagovailoa, his college teammate at Alabama.

His 77 receptions broke Amari Cooper’s rookie record through 12 games. His 9.9 YPC average is likely to increase once the offensive line is adequate to protect Tagovailoa from allowing downfield shots. Dolphins drafted a good one here, for sure.

Honorable Mention:

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

His speed and quickness are eerily similar to Micah Parsons’. Excellent in coverage and supremely athletic. Browns have a guy who can cover tight ends and running backs weekly.

Jevon Holland

The Miami Dolphins’ secondary is the strength of their defense with corners Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. Adding a ballhawking safety like Holland was huge for them. He’s also good against the run and does a great job at covering tight ends down the seam.

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