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Ranking the top NFL rookies: Nos. 4-6

CLASS OF 2019 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position | Team

CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position

Derwin James
Derwin James (AP Images)
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Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

With the Super Bowl looming, it’s time to look at the top NFL rookies from this past season and where they ranked in Rivals.com history. Today we look at Nos. 4-6.

NFL ROOKIES: Nos. 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-15

FRESHMAN 15: Nos. 1-3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-15

FARRELL 50: Nos. 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-35 | 36-40 | 41-45 | 46-50

6. BRADLEY CHUBB, BRONCOS

The skinny: Chubb committed to NC State over several programs, including Duke, Iowa, Georgia Tech and Mississippi State. He had visited NC State only a couple of weeks prior to his decision. Chubb enjoyed an All-American career with the Wolfpack before being drafted with the fifth overall pick by Denver. With the Broncos he steadily improved his level of play as the season progressed, finishing with 60 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries and a rookie-leading 12 sacks.

Farrell’s take: Chubb missed much of his junior season of high school due to an ACL injury, so he was under-recruited a bit and perhaps underrated because of it. He had a solid senior season and showed athleticism as a pass rusher, but also someone who could drop into coverage. His lack of natural length kept him rated a bit lower, but his relentless motor and technique make him an elite pass rusher in college and the best defensive end around. Now he’s already becoming one of the top linebackers in the NFL and had a great season as a pass rusher.

5. DARIUS LEONARD, COLTS

The skinny: With his brother having played at Clemson, 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. Leonard became an immediate starter with the Colts, becoming a playmaker from day one with a league-leading 163 tackles, plus 12 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, four forced fumbled and two interceptions.

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. Now he’s one of the best linebackers in the NFL as a rookie.

4. DERWIN JAMES, CHARGERS

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 started all season for the Chargers at strong safety. Equally impressive against both the pass and run, he finished his rookie season with 105 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and 13 pass break-ups.

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. The Chargers got one of the steals of the draft, and it’s showing.

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