As we enter Week 17, it's time to look back to the regular season that was. Most of us armchair scouts looked at the 2013 NFL draft as one that was filled with defensive playmakers and not much talent at the skill positions. This ended up coming true for the most part, but some really talented youngsters made their way on the offensive side of the ball. Let's check in on the top-25 rookies from the 2013 regular season. 

25. Corey Lemonier, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

2013 Statistics: 11 tackles, three passes defended, one sack, one forced fumble and one safety

Lemonier may not be a sexy name in the rookie ranks, but he stepped up big time when Aldon Smith left the 49ers for rehab. He recorded seven tackles, one sack, four quarterback pressures and forced a safety during a three-game span in late October and early November. This may allow the 49ers to move on from recent Pro Bowl selection Ahmad Brooks at some point in the not-so-distant future without fear of regression opposite Smith at outside linebacker. Great value in the third round. 

24. Jordan Reed, Tight End, Washington Redskins

2013 Statistics: 45 receptions, 499 yards and three touchdowns (nine games)

Reed would be much higher on this list if he actually played a full season. In the nine games that the Florida product suited up, he was one of Robert Griffin III's favorite targets, averaging five receptions and nearly 60 yards per outing. Moving forward, Reed will enable the Redskins to move on from the enigma that has been Fred Davis at tight end. Another solid second-day pick. 

23. Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals

2013 Statistics: 39 receptions, 445 yards and two touchdowns

This Golden Domer has been more of a product of Jay Gruden's inept offensive scheme. He's averaging less than four targets per game and hasn't been the important cog in the red zone that we all expected coming into the season. Eifert, however, has caught nearly 70 percent of the passes thrown in his direction and promises to take over for Jermaine Gresham as the Bengals' primary receiving tight end in 2014. He's going to be a top-five tight end when all is said and done. 

22. Joplo Bartu, Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons 

2013 Statistics: 78 tackles and 3.5 sacks

Forced into the lineup as an undrafted rookie, Bartu has impressed a great deal. Where he has struggled against the pass, Bartu has been one of the best rookie linebackers against the run. Pro Football Focus grades him out at a plus-5.6 in that category, which ranks him eighth in the NFL among 4-3 outside linebackers. Not too shabby for a Texas State product that came into training camp as nothing more than a body. 

21. Alec Ogletree, Linebacker, St. Louis Rams

2013 Statistics: 110 tackles, eight passes defended, six forced fumbles, one interception, one touchdown and 1.5 sacks

Talk about filling up the stat line. The first-round pick from Georgia has been a mainstay in one of the most improved front seven's in the entire NFL, starting all 15 games this season and leading the team in tackles. He has struggled making tackles at times, and isn't too good against the run. With that said, Ogletree promises to improve in that category once he gains more experience. 

20. Robert Woods, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills

2013 Statistics: 39 receptions, 560 yards and three touchdowns

Put in a less-than-stellar situation due to the Bills' quarterback issues, Woods has performed much better than I thought he would as a rookie. He's acted the part of the perfect complement to Stevie Johnson. While he has caught only half of the passes thrown in his direction, Woods has showed incredible hands and an ability to drop down on intermediate routes...two things that are a young quarterback's best friend. He may never be a No. 1 on a good team, but Woods is a starter-quality receiver. 

19. Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, Detroit Lions 

2013 Statistics: 29 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles 

Color me surprised. Ansah was nothing more than a workout warrior in my mind when the Lions "reached" for him in the top-five of the 2013 NFL draft. Foolish of me to question his talent. The BYU product has recorded eight sacks as pretty much a pass-rush specialist this season. His performance as a rookie reminds me of Aldon Smith from a few seasons back, which is mighty high praise. The interesting dynamic here, however, is that Ansah has been better against the run than most people give him credit for. This leads me to believe that he will be an every-down player in 2014. 

18. DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans

2013 Statistics: 48 receptions, 767 yards and two touchdowns

The Texans went with high upside when they made Hopkins a first-round pick this past April. His ceiling was seen as incredibly high, while his bottom was viewed as pretty low. The Clemson product has proven all of his skeptics wrong, including myself, as a rookie. Forced to catch passes from a variety of bad quarterbacks, Hopkins has been a stellar option opposite Andre Johnson in the Texans' passing game. He ranks second on the team in both receptions and yards. Hopkins has also dropped just one pass on the season. 

17. Zac Stacy, Running Back, St. Louis Rams

2013 Statistics: 958 rushing yards, 4.1 average, 22 receptions, 118 yards and eight touchdowns

Anyone who scouted Stacy coming out of Vanderbilt shouldn't be surprised with his performance as a rookie. While the youngster lacks flashy ability, he's more than a capable starting running back due to a strong build and great down-hill running ability. After struggling in the running game early, Jeff Fisher and Co. turned to their No. 3 running back heading into the season. Stacy has responded by averaging nearly 100 yards and 0.8 touchdowns in his last 11 outings. Not bad for a fifth-round pick. 

16. Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers 

2013 Statistics: 40 tackles and two sacks 

Not too often can one player come in as a rookie and make the difference that Star has thus far this season. Acting as a cog in the middle of Carolina's elite defensive line, he has helped the Panthers improve a great deal against the run from the previous year. Pro Football Focus grades the Utah product out as the seventh-best interior defensive lineman against the run this season. That's mighty solid production from someone who fell in the draft due to issues about his health. 

15. Desmond Trufant, Cornerback, Atlanta Falcons 

2013 Statistics: 65 tackles, 16 passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble

Rookie cornerbacks tend to struggle when they are thrown into the fire early on. Trufant has started every game this season and has been tested big time throughout the duration. He has been targeted a team-hugh 82 times and is allowing a 56.4 completion percentage and 79.4 quarterback rating when thrown at. That's Pro Bowl-quality numbers right there. Moving forward, Trufant only promises to get better. In fact, he could turn into the next great shutdown NFL cornerback. 

14. Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, New Orleans Saints 

2013 Statistics: 77 tackles, seven passes defended, one interception, one sack and one forced fumble 

Vaccaro was the second-highest ranked safety I have ever scouted, behind only Earl Thomas. That tells you exactly what you need to know about my man crush. The Texas product didn't disappoint in 2013, either. Taking over for Roman Harper as the Saints starting strong safety, Vaccaro played extremely well against both the run and the pass before breaking his ankle this past week. Pro Football Focus gave Vaccaro a positive grade in both categories, while he struggled with penalties and from a pass-rush standpoint. Both of those issues will be fixed in time, making Vaccaro a likely Pro Bowl candidate in 2014 and beyond. 

13. Travis Frederick, Center, Dallas Cowboys

I gave the Cowboys' selection of Frederick a "F" when it was made. At the time, there was absolutely no reason to reach for a third-round talent after trading down from the middle of the first round with the San Francisco 49ers to No. 31 overall. I couldn't have been more wrong. Frederick has been one of the most impressive rookies this season, starting all 15 games and playing at a Pro Bowl level. According to Pro Football Focus, Frederick is the No. 1 run-blocking center in the NFL this season. Oh, and the Cowboys acquired Terrance Williams in the 49ers' deal. Think about that for a second. 

12. Marcus Cooper, Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs

2013 Statistics: 37 tackles, 18 passes defended, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one touchdown 

Originally a seventh-round selection of the 49ers, Cooper was one of the final cuts in training camp. He was quickly picked up off the proverbial street by Kansas City and has been a mainstay in its defense since. Despite struggles here and there, Cooper is arguably the Chiefs best cornerback right now. Targeted early and often, Cooper came through big time early in the season. His struggles as of late can be directly linked to rookie inexeperience and an issues with technique. Expect the Chiefs to fix these issues in the offseason. It also helps that he has Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers, among others, to learn from in the secondary. 

11. Paul Worrilow, Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons 

2013 Statistics: 114 tackles and one sack 

Yet another undrafted free agent on the Falcons defense, Worrilow has been one of the most surprising players in the entire NFL this season. He hasn't put up sexy numbers and continues to struggle big time in coverage, but that is to be expected from a small-school product that wasn't one of the top-260 players heading into the 2013 NFL draft. Expect these growing pains to go away during the offseason and Worrilow to make an even stronger impact in 2014. I am high on this kid. 

10. Kyle Long, Guard, Chicago Bears

No one in their right mind believed that Long would be this good as a rookie. As a perceived reach in the first round this past April, the Oregon product has proved all of his skeptics wrong and has been Chicago's best offensive linemen in a unit that is vastly improved from a season ago. Despite recent struggles in pass protection, Long has a bright future ahead of himself. His ceiling is as a Pro Bowler in 2014. 

9. Andre Ellington, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals 

2013 Statistics: 622 rushing yards, 5.7 average, 36 receptions, 359 yards and four touchdowns

One of my biggest issues with head coach Bruce Arians is that he's failed miserably in the utilization of Ellington, who has put up some dazzling performances this season. The rookie from Clemson is averaging 6.8 yards per touch this season but is touching the ball about 10 times per game. That just makes no sense. As it is, Ellington will take over as the Cardinals primary ball carrier in 2014, especially when/if Rashard Mendenhall moves on as a free agent. Either way you put it, Ellington has a 1,500-yard season in him in the not-so-distant future. 

8. Giovani Bernard, Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals

2013 Statistics: 673 rushing yards, 4.3 average, 51 receptions, 463 yards and eight touchdowns

My favorite all-around running back in the 2013 NFL draft hasn't been utilized correctly by offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, who continues to rely too much on veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis at running back. The simple fact that Green-Ellis has more touches than Bernard this season is pure stupidity in my mind. With that said, Bernard has seen his snap count increase in recent weeks. After averaging just 35 plays per game in his previous three outings, the North Carolina product is averaging 51 plays in his last two outings. It's not a coincidence that the Bengals are averaging 31 points per game in those last two games. 

Overall, Bernard is averaging 5.5 yards per touch this season and is Pro Football Focus' No. 3 overall running back on the season. As much as Gruden has done everything in his power to bring Bernard along slowly, he's going to play a huge role in the 2013 Playoffs and beyond. Expect him to be a top-five running back in 2014. 

7. Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers

2013 Statistics: 66 receptions, 957 yards and eight touchdowns

By rookie standards, Allen is having himself a Hall of Fame season. After nearly quiting football in training camp, the CAL product has morphed into Philip Rivers' favorite target in the passing game. Allen put up just 30 receiving yards in his first three games, but is averaging a ridiculous 84.3 receiving yards in his last 11 outings. He's also catching nearly 72 percent of the passes thrown in his direction on the season, which ranks him No. 6 overall among wide receivers. With just 43 yards on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen will become San Diego's first 1,000-yard receiver since Vincent Jackson back in 2011. 

Moving forward, the third-round pick has everything you look for in a Pro Bowl receiver. He runs precise routes, possesses great hands and can beat defenders to the ball. While more of a possession guy, Allen will not struggle opening up the passing game down the field. He's going to be a consistent 1,200-yard receiver throughout his NFL career. Not bad for a late day-two pick. 

6. Eric Reid, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

2013 Statistics: 61 tackles, 10 passes defended, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries

My intial reaction when the 49ers traded up for Reid in the first round of April's draft? "Horrible, just horrible." Apparently I don't know everything. The LSU product has been an upgrade in every way over high-priced free-agent departure Dashon Goldson at free safety this season. Relying on plus athleticism and tremendous natural instincts, Reid has been in on six forced turnovers and has been utterly ridiculous in coverage over the top. Despite struggling in this aspect of the game last week, Reid was an important player in NaVorro Bowman's playoff-clinching interception against Matt Ryan and Co. This play-making ability is one of the reasons San Francisco thought so highly of him leading up to the 2013 NFL draft. 

Reid didn't make the Pro Bowl this season, but  he will be making multiple trips to Hawaii throughout what promises to be a long career in Santa Clara. That much you can bank on. 

5. Tyrann Mathieu, Defensive Back, Arizona Cardinals 

2013 Statistics: 67 tackles, nine passes defended, one sack, two interceptions and one forced fumble

Oh, the Honey Badger came through big time for the Cardinals before tearing up his ACL in Week 14. Playing nearly every position in the defensive secondary, Mathieu put up a ridiculous season in coverage as a rookie. According to Pro Football Focus, the troubled but talented youngster ranks second behind only Darrelle Revis among NFL cornerbacks this season. Just think about that for a second. 

Despite the devastating injury, Mathieu's future is bright in the desert. He has mad ball skills, can stick with any receiver in the NFL and has the ultimate package in terms of play-making ability. Don't look now, but Mathieu may end up becoming the best overall defender from the 2013 draft class. Let's just hope he stays out of trouble moving forward. If 2013 is any indication, especially under the leadership of Patrick Peterson, Mathieu's off-field problems are a thing of the past. 

4. Eddie Lacy, Running Back, Green Bay Packers

2013 Statistics: 1,112 rushing yards, 4.2 average, 33 receptions, 242 yards and 10 touchdowns

"Fat guy touchdowns for everyone." Okay now that I have gotten that out of the way, what in the ever hell, Mr. Lacy? the Alabama product has been a downright monster for the Packers thus far this season. He leads all rookie running backs with over 1,350 total yards and 10 touchdowns. These statistics don't even beging to tell the story. Lacy has helped keep the Packers offense afloat without Aaron Rodgers over the course of the last several weeks and is a primary reason that Green Bay is still in the NFC North race heading into its win-or-go-home matchup with the Chicago Bears on Sunday. 

Lacy currently ranks No. 3 among all NFL running backs, according to Pro Football Focus. He's been stellar in both the pass protection and receiving game as well. Once again, I missed on a prospect that I concluded to be purely one dimensional.

3. Larry Warford, Guard, Detroit Lions 

Is it possible that a non skill-position player wins Offensive Rookie of the Year? If anyone is going to do it, Warford stands the best chance. He's been a top-10 interior lineman as a rookie and is coming off a stretch of games that made him look like an All-Pro performer. While no offensive lineman has ever won the award, I would seriously consider voting for Warford over Lacy, Allen or Bernard.

He's Pro Football Focus' third-ranked pass-protecting guard and ranks No. 5 overall at that position in the NFL. Warford is also a primary reason that Reggie Bush has had so much success in his first season with the Lions. While guards fly under the radar due to a perceived lack of importance for that position, Warford has been a difference maker in every possible way. 

2. Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Line, New York Jets

2013 Statistics: 76 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble

If it wasn't for the guy ranked ahead of Richardson in this article, the Missouri product would be the consensus pick to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. While playing a less glamorous position than Kiko Alonso, Richardson is one of the primary reasons that the Jets have exceeded every preseason prediction this year. Equally as good getting to the quarterback as stopping the run, Richardson is a five-tool player. He can bull rush with the best of them, does a stellar job creating gaps for outside pass rushers, can get to the quarterback himself, stuffs the run like no other rookie I have seen and is a play-maker in every possible way. 

While I am busy gushing over Richardson, consider this. Pro Football Focus grades Richardson out as the second-best 3-4 defensive end against the run, behind the one and only J.J. Watt. Talk about being in mighty fine, shall I say elite company? 

1. Kiko Alonso, Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

2013 Statistics: 145 tackles, five passes defended, four interceptions, two sacks and one forced fumble

Forget about Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, I personally believe that Alonso will receiver Defensive Player of the Year votes this season. He has helped lead a vastly improved Bills defense in 2013, mainly as the one guy who goes out there and finds the ball on a consistent basis. He hunts down pass catchers and ball carriers sideline-to-sideline and has racked up 145 tackles on the season. Despite struggles here and there, Alonso has been one of the most impressive defensive rookies I have EVER seen play. That's coming just eight months after I had the Oregon product pegged as a career back up. Shame on me.