NFL Power Rankings - Week 6: Every team's standout rookie
The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.
This week, we're highlighting one rookie from each team who's made an impact through five weeks.
1. New England Patriots (5-0)
Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 1
Third-round pick Chase Winovich has yet to start a game, but his four sacks trail only Jamie Collins (4.5) for the team lead. Jake Bailey also deserves an honorable mention for averaging 43.4 yards per punt.
2. New Orleans Saints (4-1)Previous Rank: 3
After being selected in the second round, Erik McCoy slid right into the starting lineup and has anchored a stout Saints blocking unit. McCoy's movement skills make him an excellent pass blocker, as he's allowed just four total pressures in five starts.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)Previous Rank: 2
He's no Tyreek Hill, but Mecole Hardman has stretched defenses with his speed while Cheetah's been sidelined due to injury. The rookie wideout has racked up 246 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and his explosiveness fits perfectly in Andy Reid's dynamic offense.
4. Green Bay Packers (4-1)Previous Rank: 6
The Packers' defense is playing with newfound fire, which is largely due to the presence of Darnell Savage. The rookie safety's speed, instincts, and playmaking ability have helped turn Green Bay's secondary into one of the NFL's best.
5. Seattle Seahawks (4-1)
Abbie Parr / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 5
The Seahawks needed a field-stretcher, and DK Metcalf has been just that. The Ole Miss product is averaging 22.3 yards per reception while opening up underneath routes for Tyler Lockett and others.
6. Los Angeles Rams (3-2)Previous Rank: 4
Taylor Rapp is the lone rookie who's carved out a role with the veteran-laden Rams, earning snaps in dime packages and as the top backup safety. The former Washington standout missed Week 5 with an ankle injury, but he's been solid in coverage when called upon.
7. San Francisco 49ers (4-0)Previous Rank: 10
Nick Bosa, the No. 2 overall pick, has consistently forced his way into opposing backfields, even when he hasn't hit home. He had five QB hits and two sacks against the Browns on Monday Night Football, and he's been the top pass-rusher on the 49ers' new and improved defensive line.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)Previous Rank: 8
Miles Sanders has yet to truly break out, but the running back out of Penn State is forming a nice one-two punch with Jordan Howard. The two have recorded nearly the identical amount of carries (Sanders 54, Howard 53), but the veteran is outpacing the rookie with 248 yards on the ground and four touchdowns to 193 rushing yards and zero scores.
9. Houston Texans (3-2)Previous Rank: 17
Many pundits were surprised when Charles Omenihu slid to the fifth round in April, and Houston is reaping the rewards. Omenihu has flashed big-time potential against the run and pass. The interior rusher ranks eighth among rookies in total pressures despite playing in only three games to date.
10. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 7
The Cowboys have received marginal contributions from their draft class to this point. The only notable impact has come from backup running back Tony Pollard, who's recorded 168 rushing yards and a touchdown when spelling Ezekiel Elliott.
11. Indianapolis Colts (3-2)Previous Rank: 16
Without a first-round pick, Indianapolis used its first selection on Rock Ya-Sin at No. 34 overall. The feisty cornerback has started three of five games thus far while displaying good coverage potential. He's also yet to miss a single tackle.
12. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)Previous Rank: 12
"Hollywood" has been putting on a show since his first NFL snap. Marquise Brown and Lamar Jackson have quickly formed a lethal connection, with the receiver using his game-breaking speed to rack up 326 yards and three touchdowns so far.
13. Detroit Lions (2-1-1)Previous Rank: 11
T.J. Hockenson hasn't replicated his record-setting 133-yard Week 1 debut, but he's continued to display the skill set of a top-tier tight end. A second-half breakout could be coming once Hockenson returns from a concussion.
14. Buffalo Bills (4-1)Previous Rank: 14
Each of the Bills' top draft picks are contributing - including Ed Oliver, Devin Singletary, and Dawson Knox - but it's Cody Ford who's made the biggest impact. The second-round pick is starting at right tackle, and though he's taken three penalties and allowed four sacks, he's also run blocking for the league's No. 7-ranked rushing attack.
15. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 18
Dalvin Cook has been an elite running back to start the season, but his rookie backup has been almost as impressive. Alexander Mattison has recorded 189 yards on 34 attempts (5.6 average) with one touchdown. The third-rounder's emergence could be key for the Vikings, who will want to keep Cook healthy and fresh down the stretch.
16. Oakland Raiders (3-2)Previous Rank: 25
Josh Jacobs has helped revitalize Oakland's offense, as he's already up to 430 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The rookie is averaging 4.9 yards per carry and is PFF's second-ranked running back behind Christian McCaffrey.
17. Carolina Panthers (3-2)Previous Rank: 19
The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month, Brian Burns wasted little time showing off his athleticism and pass-rushing prowess. The first-round pick leads all rookies with 18 total pressures while also racking up 3.5 sacks and two blocked punts.
18. Chicago Bears (3-2)Previous Rank: 9
Chicago's rookie class has yet to make a major impact. Running back David Montgomery's lack of touches has been surprising and he hasn't produced like many expected. However, the rookie is a victim of his offensive line and has flashed enough for the Bears to put more work onto his shoulders.
19. Los Angeles Chargers (2-3)Previous Rank: 15
It hasn't been a banner start for the Chargers' rookie class, but Drue Tranquill has at least showed some promise. The fourth-round linebacker has been a steady tackler and could see his playing time increase before long.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)
Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 20
Matt Gay has been everything Tampa Bay could have asked for in a rookie kicker. The fifth-rounder has made 10 of 12 field-goal attempts, which includes a perfect record from 50-plus yards out. Not many first-year kickers can hit a 58-yarder on the road.
21. Cleveland Browns (2-3)Previous Rank: 13
Cornerback Greedy Williams has looked solid when on the field, but he's missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury. So, the nod goes to fifth-round kicker Austin Seibert, who's hit all eight of his field-goal attempts while missing just one extra point.
22. Tennessee Titans (2-3)Previous Rank: 21
Second-round pick A.J. Brown was one of the gems in a stacked 2019 receiving class. Brown ranks fourth among rookies in receiving yards, second in missed tackles forced, and second in yards after the catch.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)Previous Rank: 22
Has any NFL rookie made more of an impact than Gardner Minshew through five weeks? The sixth-round QB took the reins after Nick Foles went down and is playing the game like a savvy veteran. After all hope appeared lost in Week 1, Minshew has the Jaguars in the hunt for a playoff spot.
24. New York Giants (2-3)
Steven Ryan / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 23
Daniel Jones wasn't even supposed to play in 2019, yet the rookie quarterback has led the Giants to two victories in three starts despite an inferior supporting cast beset by injuries.
25. Denver Broncos (1-4)Previous Rank: 27
Dalton Risner has given the Broncos a much-needed boost on the offensive line, thriving particularly in pass protection. Denver moved the former Kansas State tackle to guard after drafting him and the move is paying dividends.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4)Previous Rank: 26
Devin Bush has finally filled the void in the center of Pittsburgh's defense that was left by Ryan Shazier. The positives have been few and far between for the Steelers this season, but the linebacker's quick transition to the NFL level is a major one. Bush leads all rookies in tackles while stuffing the rest of the stat sheet.
27. Atlanta Falcons (1-4)Previous Rank: 24
After battling a heart condition this summer, Kaleb McGary has started all five games for Atlanta at right tackle. McGary, the Falcons' second first-round pick this year, has flashed strength and technique as a run-blocker and a pass-protector despite a number of tough early-season matchups.
28. Arizona Cardinals (1-3-1)Previous Rank: 28
All eyes in the desert have been on No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, but second-round pick Byron Murphy has produced the better season to date. The cornerback leads Arizona with four pass breakups, and he's earned the right to start opposite Patrick Peterson when the latter returns from suspension.
29. Washington Redskins (0-5)
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious Rank: 29
Third-round pick Terry McLaurin leads the Redskins in receiving yards (308) and touchdowns (three) despite playing in just four games. He trails Marquise Brown for the league lead among rookie pass-catchers by just 18 yards.
30. Cincinnati Bengals (0-5)Previous Rank: 31
Winless through five weeks, Cincinnati doesn't have many players performing well, let alone rookies. But linebacker Germaine Pratt deserves more snaps after impressing in limited action.
31. New York Jets (0-4)Previous Rank: 30
Through four games, the Jets have almost nothing to show from a draft class that included the No. 3 overall pick. Jachai Polite was released, Chuma Edoga allowed two sacks in one game, and Quinnen Williams has five tackles in two contests. The winner, by default, is fifth-round linebacker Blake Cashman, who has 15 tackles and four quarterback hurries, though he's also allowed eight catches and a touchdown in coverage.
32. Miami Dolphins (0-4)Previous Rank: 32
Underscoring the litany of Dolphins issues is that their best rookie through five weeks went undrafted. Receiver Preston Williams has been perhaps the lone bright spot for the struggling Fins, as he leads the team in all receiving categories with 15 catches, 201 yards, and a touchdown.
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