Ranking the top NFL rookies at midseason: Nos. 1-3
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
The midpoint of the NFL season is upon us, and a look at the top rookies and where they came from is due. We continue our Top 15 today with Nos. 1-3, with our No. 1 a member of the Colts.
RANKING THE NFL'S BEST ROOKIES: Nos. 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-15
The skinny: Barkley initially committed to Rutgers, but after a junior day visit to Penn State, and some pushing from the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff, he flipped. He became one of the top offensive players in the country during his time in Happy Valley, finishing with 3,843 yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground during his three seasons. Selected with the 2nd overall pick by the New York Giants, Barkley has continued to excel despite the overall offensive struggles by the team. Currently with 519 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, plus 497 yards and two touchdowns through the air, he has already proven himself to be a multi-purpose weapon.
Farrell’s take: Barkley was an upright slasher who showed good receiving skills out of high school, so it's not a huge surprise he made a big impact in his first three years. But to this level? That’s a bit of a surprise, as he became the dominant Big Ten back and was in my top five players overall during his last season with Penn State. His lower-body strength and power to run through some arm tackles has improved greatly. A very athletic kid, Barkley was a guy who pushed for Rivals100 status but is showing us he should have been ranked higher. Much higher. The Giants are thrilled to have him as the linchpin of their offense for years to come.
*****
The skinny: During a junior day visit to Florida State during his freshman year, James committed to the Seminoles. Despite heavy pursuit from many top programs for the next three years, James stayed true to his word and signed with the Seminoles. James dealt with an injury during his sophomore season in Tallahassee, but he still established himself as an elite safety during his time at Florida State. Drafted with the 17th overall pick by San Diego, James has started all season for the Chargers at strong safety. Already turning into a team leader on defense, he has totaled 55 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and an interception for the improved San Diego secondary.
Farrell’s take: I’ve said it before and I will say it again: James is the most athletic and dynamic safety I have ever scouted, and that’s saying something. After an average start, he came on and became a dominant defensive back - as expected - his freshman season. His sophomore season was a washout due to injury, but he rebounded his junior year. He can blitz, tackle in space and support the run, and he can cover a ton of ground in the passing game. This is only the beginning, as he will be an absolute star beyond college football. The Chargers got one of the steals of the draft, and it’s showing.
*****
The skinny: With his brother having played at Clemson, Darius Leonard dreamed of following his footsteps. However that never materialized. With limited options, Leonard found his way to South Carolina State, where he still flourished against top competition, including a 16-tackle performance against Clemson in 2016. After a dominant showing at the Senior Bowl, Leonard was selected early in the second round by Indianapolis. He has flourished with the Colts this season, with 88 tackles, (which leads the NFL), seven tackles-for-loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Farrell’s take: FCS options led to a lack of evaluation by Rivals for Leonard, who wanted to be a Clemson Tiger but fell far short of that goal out of high school. He’s become the best rookie in the NFL, and doesn’t even have a Rivals.com profile. Clemson made a big mistake passing on him, and he’s playing with that chip on his shoulder.