Power Ranking the SEC Rookies in the NFL

by Harris Oates

It may seem early in the NFL, but we are already a quarter of the way through the regular season…time sure does fly when football is back. While some rookies are still learning their team’s playbook and waiting for their opportunity, a select few have been absolutely balling out. Below I will give you my take as to the best rookies (so far) from the best conference in college football.   

1. Calvin Ridley – WR – Atlanta Falcons (Alabama)

Ridley has had an astonishing start that absolutely nobody predicted. He has already caught 15 passes for 264 yards and 6 touchdowns and is a clear-cut favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. This list should’ve been titled: Calvin Ridley and Everyone Else…

No Rookie even close to Ridley. Image from AL.com

2. Kerryon Johnson – RB – Detroit Lions (Auburn)

Johnson’s biggest struggle this year has been touches, which shouldn’t be much of a factor moving forward. All indications lead me to believe that he is very close to breaking out as the Lion’s franchise RB going forward. Look for Johnson’s touches to increase moving forward on the ground and in the air. Even with the limited touches he has still run for over 200 yards averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick – CB/S – Miami Dolphins (Alabama)

Fitzpatrick has had a solid start to his career and seems to be the best player in the Dolphin’s secondary. He has not boasted huge stats but has helped out tremendously in both the run and pass game. Fitzpatrick is a key reason why the Dolphins have gotten off to a hot 3-1 start and lead the AFC East (for now).

4. Nick Chubb – RB – Cleveland Browns (Georgia)

If there is anything else you can add to Hue Jackson’s the long list of mistakes it’s not giving the rock to their second round running back. Cleveland’s anemic run game has only featured 10 rushes from number 24 and he has turned that into 146 yards and 2 touchdowns. Look for more carries from Chubb going forward.

5.Frank Ragnow – G – Detroit Lions (Arkansas)

Ragnow has become a star on one of the weakest offensive line units from last season. Look for Ragnow and Johnson to become two stars on this team for years to come.

6. Donte Jackson – CB – Carolina Panthers (LSU)

“Action” Jackson has put up outstanding number through only three weeks of NFL action. He already leads the NFL in interceptions (3) and is the second leading tackler on an excellent run defense. He also has 6 pass deflections to go with his interceptions.

Jackson has made some noise for the Panthers. Image from the Advocate.

7. Lorenzo Carter – LB/Edge – New York Giants (Georgia)

Carter has had a great start on the much improved Giants defense. He has proven to be a great pass rusher who they can potentially build around in the future.

Lorenzo Carter is off to a great start. Image from USA Today.

8. Christian Kirk – WR – Arizona Cardinals (A&M)

Kirk has unfortunately been paired up with two of the worst QB’s in the NFL thus far, however he has made the most of it. He is leading all rookies with 16 receptions and has taken those for 149 yards. Look for Kirk to improve while rookie Josh Rosen gets more comfortable with the Cardinals offense.

9. Roquan Smith – LB – Chicago Bears (Georgia)

Smith only played in 8 snaps of the Bears week one matchup with the packers, however has averaged 50+ in the following three games. Smith has proven to be a great compliment to the Bears defense.

10. Sony Michel – RB – New England Patriots (Georgia)

Michel has played a big role in the Patriots run game, however like most New England running backs he has not been able to put up huge numbers. He has only found the endzone once and is average under 50 yards a game. Nonetheless, Michel has already had one of the biggest workloads on the team and seems to be a great fit with the offense.

Harris is a recent graduate of Birmingham-Southern College. He now works in Birmingham as well as coaches lacrosse for Mountain Brook High School. He loves following SEC football, and covering fantasy football and the NFL Draft. He is also a lifelong Carolina Panthers fan.