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Ranking the top NFL rookies at midseason: Nos. 1-3

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.


At the halfway point of the NFL season, it’s time to take a look at the top 15 NFL rookies and how we scouted and rated them out of high school. Today we look at the top three, led by a rookie quarterback sensation recently injured.

ROOKIE RANKINGS: Nos. 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-15

3. Marshon Lattimore – Ohio State (New Orleans)

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The skinny: Lattimore took official visits to Ohio State, Alabama and Georgia Tech, but his recruitment came down to the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide. He made his commitment to Ohio State during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. In Columbus, Lattimore didn’t really make an impact until his redshirt sophomore season in 2016, but it was more than enough to catch the eye of NFL scouts. Selected with the 11th overall pick by New Orleans, Lattimore has quickly become dominant with the Saints. Currently with 31 tackles, two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, one forced fumble and eight pass breakups, Lattimore’s play has sparked an improving New Orleans defense.

Farrell’s take: We had Lattimore as an athlete coming out of high school because we felt he could play offense or defense in college, but he struggled a bit down the stretch against top competition at the U.S. Army Bowl and was surpassed by teammate and fellow defensive back Erick Smith in the state rankings. Now Lattimore has clearly come into his own and emerged as not only a college star and first-rounder but as a clear future NFL star as well.

2. Kareem Hunt – Toledo (Kansas City) 

The skinny: Hunt committed to Toledo in early January, after originally planning to take official visits to Pittsburgh and Minnesota later in the month. With the Rockets, Hunt had a memorable four seasons, totaling 4,945 yards and 44 touchdowns on the ground. Despite the impressive play at Toledo, he still slipped into the third round of this year’s NFL Draft where he was selected by Kansas City. Hunt has made an immediate impact with the Chiefs, as he has sparked their offense with 800 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, plus 331 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

Farrell’s take: Hunt was a low three-star kid with great size and a terrific highlight tape but we worried about his top-end speed, as did many schools that passed. Boy, were we wrong to worry about that as his speed has never been a problem and is a great addition to the natural balance and power in his running style.

1. Deshaun Watson – Clemson (Houston)

The skinny: Watson had no drama in his recruiting process as he committed to Clemson on National Signing Day in 2012, a full year before he actually signed his own papers. His collegiate career at Clemson was legendary, as he earned multiple All-American honors and led the Tigers to the national championship after the 2016 season. After being selected with the 12th overall pick by Houston, he started the season behind Tom Savage. However, Watson quickly took control of the offense and immediately sparked the Texans with 1,699 yards and 19 touchdown passes in seven games before his season came to an end with a torn ACL suffered in practice.

Farrell’s take: Watson is a two-time Heisman finalist and has had an amazing career. We loved his run-pass ability in high school, obviously, based on his ranking, and he grew into a solid decision-maker and one of the most dangerous weapons in college football. And now, prior to his injury, he’s taken the NFL by storm as we expected. We were the only site to have him as a five-star, but it was his character that really struck me when he was in high school. He’s still one of the highest-character kids I’ve ever scouted, and all those who questioned his arm strength and accuracy are looking silly now.

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