10 NFL Rookies That Have Exceeded Expectations This Year

These ten NFL rookies have exceeded expectations this year.

These ten NFL rookies have exceeded their expectations this season. They’re not necessarily the ten best rookies, but their teams have to be thrilled about the seasons they have had.

Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver Jordan Whittington

The stats (18 catches, 201 yards, 0 touchdowns) won’t blow you away. But, when Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were both out earlier in the season, Whittington stepped in admirably. He had 18 catches for 151 yards in a two-game span. He’s a sixth-round pick, and the fact that he’s going to be sticking on an NFL roster for a while means he’s a good draft pick.

New York Giants Cornerback Andru Phillips

The Giants are atrocious. But, Phillips has been a bright spot. He’s been one of the highest-graded rookies all year according to Pro Football Focus, and the third-rounder looks to be a long-term starter for the G-Men.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Bucky Irving

Irving has been playing great football lately as the Buccaneers have recaptured first place in the NFC South. The 4th-round pick has 852 yards rushing on the season, and should have a 1000-yard season. His 5.6 yards per carry place him among the league’s leaders.

New York Giants Running Back Tyrone Tracy

Saquon Barkley has been arguably the best player in football for the Philadelphia Eagles. But, Tyrone Tracy has done his best to soften the blow. The fifth-round rookie has 695 yards rushing and three 100-yard games despite playing with one of the league’s worst offensive lines.

San Francisco 49ers Guard Dominick Puni

It’s been a frustrating season for San Francisco. But, Puni has dominated up front, and looks like he has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s been one of the league’s best interior offensive linemen this year.

Los Angeles Rams Defensive Lineman Braden Fiske

Fiske, a 2nd-rounder out of Florida State, has six sacks on the year from the interior. No one can replace Aaron Donald, but the Rams appear to have a future star on the interior of their defensive line.

Los Angeles Rams Edge Jared Verse

While Verse’s 4.5 sacks on the season might not seem like much, he’s been a much better player than that number suggest. Verse has been disruptive all season long in both the run game and the pass game, and looks like a future star. The first-rounder is playing like he should’ve been drafted in the top ten.

Los Angeles Chargers Wide Receiver Ladd McConkey

McConkey has been sensational for the Chargers. Despite LA being a low-volume passing attack, McConkey has 69 catches for 960 yards and 5 touchdowns. The 2nd-rounder can really play.

Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell

Quinyon Mitchell is a shutdown cornerback as a rookie. That’s a title that not many players get. It’s not an over-exaggeration to say he has Hall of Fame potential.

Denver Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix

Many mocked the Broncos for their selection of Bo Nix. But, he’s been rock solid for most of the year, throwing for 3235 yards and 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Most importantly, he has Denver on the cusp of a playoff berth.