What a week of action it was in the NFL as Week 3 comes to a close. We saw some incredible performances, highlight plays and 16 games later there is more change. Changes in the standings, changes in the stat boxes and of course changes to the rookie rankings. While a few players cling to their spots in the rankings, a few pushed their way up the list while some dropped out completely. As we head into the fourth week of the season and bye weeks start to come into play, here are your top-10 rookie rankings after Week 3.
10. Johnathan Franklin Running Back, Green Bay Packers
Heading into the 2013 NFL Draft, Franklin was considered by many to be one of the top three running back prospects. When he fell all the way to the fourth round, the Packers traded up for him and it looked like one of the steals of the draft. But Franklin struggled in preseason and fell behind James Starks on the depth chart. After not seeing the field in the first two games, injuries opened the door for Franklin this week against the Bengals.
Running back Eddie Lacy and fullback John Kuhn were ruled out before the game, leaving the Packers with just two running backs on the roster. So when Starks went down with a leg injury in the second quarter, Franklin was thrown onto the stage. Playing against a strong Bengals defense that rarely gives up 100 rushing yards in a single game. Franklin would also be running behind a very bad offensive line that struggled to get any push in the first half. But that all didn’t matter as Franklin carried the ball 13 times for 103 yards and a touchdown. Franklin showed shiftiness in the backfield and made defenders miss. He also contributed as a receiver, hauling in three receptions for 27 yards. Unfortunately, the lasting memory for Franklin will be the fumble on 4th and inches, which Cincinnati returned for a touchdown and the deciding score. But that was just a poor play call by Mike McCarthy to run it up the middle against a stellar offensive line with a running back not known for his power running. It ultimately cost Green Bay the game but Franklin stepped up in a big way in a game where Aaron Rodgers was just awful
9. Sheldon Richardson Defensive Tackle, New York Jets
These players are all rookies and sometimes they make mistakes, but Richardson’s blunder will certainly be remembered thanks to GIF’s and YouTube. But despite the costly mental blunder, Richardson still managed to have a good game.
We will start off with the blunder and it was ugly and resulted in a big play for the Bills. Richardson thought he had stopped Bills running back Fred Jackson and started to celebrate, but Jackson wasn’t down and he ran right past Wilkerson for a 59-yard run. The rookie celebrated too early and didn’t finish the play, fortunately it didn’t cost the Jets the game. Wilkerson made up for it though, by bringing great pressure and sacking E.J. Manuel and stuffing C.J. Spiller on multiple occasions. He also has helped Muhammad Wilkerson see fewer double teams and has allowed him to make more plays. We are just three weeks into the season but this is looking like a strong rookie class for the Jets.
8. Geno Smith Quarterback, New York Jets
As Mark Sanchez continues to rehab his shoulder to try and come back and get the job he “earned”, the Jets may hand him his walking papers once he gets back. The Jets have hit some rough patches for the first three weeks of the season, but Smith has stepped up and shown positive signs for the future.
Smith nearly climbed his way into the rankings last week but three interceptions including two late in the game against the New England Patriots cost him. But in a division battle with Manuel, Smith rose to the occasion and showed the Bills why he should have been a first round selection. While Smith completed just 16 of his 29 passes, he was effective throwing for 331 yards with two passing touchdowns and two interceptions. Smith also added a rushing touchdown on a scramble up the middle that gave the Jets their first lead of the game. Turnovers remain a problem for Smith, but he has done well considering the limited weapons he is working with. He has given New York a real bright taste for its future and momentum to build on this season.
7. Eric Reid Free Safety, San Francisco 49ers
While the 49ers deal with problems at linebacker, they hope other young players on this team can step up. While NaVorro Bowman should do a fine job filling in for Patrick Willis, San Francisco needs its secondary to step up and make some plays.
One man who they have been relying upon to begin the season is their rookie free safety. Reid missed most of last week’s game with a concussion but was able to play against the Colts. While his interception streak ended, he still made some big plays for a defense that struggled all game long. Reid broke up another pass with a deflection and prevented a lot of big plays. It was a good game for Reid and despite it being a losing effort, enough to keep him seventh on this list. Now with the defense hurting, Reid must step up and prepare for the 49ers Thursday night game against the Rams. If he can rise to the occasion and force some turnovers, he will shoot up the rookie rankings.
6. Giovani Bernard Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals
The first running back selected in the 2013 NFL Draft continues to shine, even with his coaches trying to hold him back. We saw what Bernard is capable again this week against the Green Bay Packers, even with his limited role in Jay Gruden’s offense. But when he was handed the ball on Sunday, Bernard made plays and was a difference-maker in the Bengals victory.
Bernard split 20 carries with BenJarvus Green-Ellis with each running back getting 10. Bernard was clearly the more effective back picking up 50 yards and a rushing touchdown, with his longest run going for 17 yards. Green-Ellis was pedestrian with 29 yards and a touchdown, but a costly fumble that resulted in points for the Packers. We saw Bernard’s ability as a receiver where he tied atop the stat sheet with four receptions for 49 yards. What makes his performance even more incredible is the fact that there were long stretches in the second and third quarter where Bernard wasn’t involved with the offense at all. But once he came back in with the Bengals struggling, his impact was felt after a big run that set up a play-action touchdown to pull the game closer. Bernard was the first running back selected for a reason, but the Bengals coaching staff needs to wake up and make him the center of their running game.
5. DeAndre Hopkins Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
While he may not have been the first receiver selected in the draft, Hopkins has already turned into a trusted weapon for Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. The rookie was the go-to guy this week for the Texans, unfortunately it came in a losing effort.
Some thought Hopkins would be the Texans top receiver this week with Andre Johnson dealing with a concussion, but Johnson suited up and played against the Ravens. But after four quarters it was Hopkins who finished as the leading receiver for Houston and was targeted the most by Schaub. Hopkins again helped the Texans move the chains, finishing the day with six receptions for 60 yards with his longest play going for just 18 yards. He caught six of his seven targets and really played well despite how poorly the Texans played in a 30-9 defeat. Now Hopkins is set to face his toughest test of the season, a match-up against the Seahawks defense. Richard Sherman will be locked in on Johnson, which may open a few things up for Hopkins unfortunately for him, Brandon Browner is now healthy. It will be a fun battle to watch and a strong performance can push Hopkins back up this list.
4. Kiko Alonso Middle Linebacker, Buffalo Bills
While the Bills first-round quarterback falls outside the top-10, their rookie linebacker has vaulted himself into the top-five and to the fourth spot on our list. Alonso has given Buffalo more than it could have ever imagined at middle linebacker with well-rounded play and the ability to disrupt an offense.
While Alonso didn’t get a sack this week we saw again that he isn’t afraid to bring pressure up the middle and get in the face of the quarterback. He forced Smith into some bad throws and really made his presence felt in the backfield. Alonso made his presence felt in other ways as well, picking off Smith and returning it 32 yards to set up a Bills touchdown. He showed great awareness and anticipation, reading Smith’s eyes and jumping a short pass. It’s rare you see a linebacker who is this instinctive immediately as a rookie and makes plays like a veteran, but that is exactly what Alonso has done. While Manuel should bounce back and the quarterback is the most important position, Alonso is looking like the best rookie for the Bills so far. His next test will come Sunday against the Ravens and give him another chance to make some plays and continue his interception streak.
3. Tyrann Mathieu Free Safety, Arizona Cardinals
It has become a common occurrence, something that we now expect to happen every single week. Once again Mathieu came up big for the Cardinals and showed why he was so loved at LSU. Making his return to Louisiana where he dazzled for the LSU Tigers, Mathieu again amazed the New Orleans crowd.
Mathieu was all over the field this week for the Cardinals and against a high-powered Saints offense, this was the perfect stage for him to show everyone what they missed out on. We saw him fly across the field from sideline to sideline making tackles and chasing down receivers when his cornerbacks would get beat. He finished with a career high 10 tackles, nine of them solo tackles and also deflected a pass. But Mathieu’s biggest play was a perfect display of athleticism as he leaned back in the end zone and made a great catch to intercept Drew Brees. While he didn’t have the chance to return it from the end zone, it was the first interception of his career and it came against a future hall of fame quarterback. Mathieu continues to show week after week why the Cardinals weren’t afraid to draft him and he is quickly becoming a defensive rookie of the year favorite.
2. Tavon Austin Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams
It was not a pretty sight for the Rams on Sunday and that blame goes on every player including Austin. Sam Bradford could never get into a rhythm thanks to a fearsome Cowboys pass rush and because of that Austin didn’t have the chance to stand out on Sunday.
Austin’s biggest play of the game actually was called back thanks to a penalty, but we did see a display of his versatility as a receiver and return man. We still saw his speed and quick moves in the open field but it won’t show up on the box score. He did add six receptions for the third week in a row, but for just 30 yards with his biggest play only picking up nine yards. When he gets the ball in open space Austin can be dangerous, but this week the Cowboys defense just dominated on both sides of the ball. I’m still a believer in Austin and he will have some big games, but he falls from the top spot this week.
1. Kyle Long Offensive Guard, Chicago Bears
After six weeks of rookie rankings, there is a new man at the top and it is the former Duck and now Bears right guard. Long has not only become the best rookie in football but he is turning into one of the best interior offensive linemen in all of football. While new Bears coach Marc Trestman deserves plenty of credit for turning around this offense, but the right side of the offensive line deserves a lot more attention.
Long was an athletic freak coming out of Oregon, but what his teammates have raved about is his physicality and toughness. Long has dominated on the right side and you have seen Trestman’s confidence on his rookie right side has grown as the Bears continue to run the ball more on that side. In pass protection Long has also been very good, keeping Jay Cutler upright and letting this offense really get rolling. We were wrong when we questioned the Bears for taking Long with the 20th pick, he has become a draft day steal and a big reason why the Bears are atop the NFC North.