Top NFL Rookies: Nos. 5-8

MORE TOP NFL ROOKIES: Nos. 13-16 | Nos. 9-12

With the NFL season at its midpoint, it’s time to take a look at how the league's top rookies are faring and how far they came since high school. We rank the top 16 rookies in the NFL, continuing today with Nos. 5-8.

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

The skinny: With his late father and other family members having played for Oklahoma, it did not come as much of a surprise when Shepard committed to the Sooners over Clemson, Kansas State, Missouri, Notre Dame and Oklahoma State. Selected in the second round by the New York Giants, Shepard has teamed up with Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz to form one of the better receiving trios in the league. Shepard currently has 31 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns, and has gained the confidence of his teammates and especially Eli Manning.

Farrell’s take: Shepard was not the biggest receiver in high school, but he was one of the best route runners and a master at setting up defenders. I felt confident that he would excel in a spread offense despite size and injury concerns. At the NFL level I wasn’t sold on him making such a quick impact, but again that route running and those trustworthy hands have made him a reliable target.

The skinny: While Brown was very productive in high school, his lack of size seemed to scare off a number of schools. After taking official visits to Youngstown State and Southern in January, a late offer by Akron was enough for Brown to sign with the Zips. Brown’s size once again proved to be a negative for NFL teams, as he slid to the fifth round during the spring despite having an impressive career at Akron. Signed by San Diego as a free agent, Brown has burst onto the scene this fall. Moving into a starting role after Manti Te’o was lost for the season with a torn Achilles, Brown has totaled 51 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and five pass break-ups.

Farrell’s take: A two-star prospect, Brown was an undersized linebacker in high school. He was a tackling machine but didn’t translate to major programs as a big-time guy because he was a 'tweener. He obviously excelled in the MAC, earned his spot as an undrafted free agent and is now off to a great start in place of the injured Te’o.

The skinny: Thomas played his high school ball in California, but spent a prep season at Fork Union Military Academy before making his way to Ohio State. At Fork Union, Thomas roomed with Cardale Jones, who ended up being his quarterback with the Buckeyes. After being drafted in the second round by New Orleans, Thomas quickly established a connection with Drew Brees. This connection has helped him grab 42 receptions for 500 yards and three touchdowns through the first seven games of the season.

Farrell’s take: Thomas was a college-ready receiver as a four-star out of prep school in 2012. He added something to his repertoire every season at Ohio State. As a big and physical receiver, Thomas was coveted in the draft because there were so many smaller, slot guys. A very confident kid who always wanted the ball and had a great inner drive, Thomas is already thriving.

The skinny: Joseph took official visits to West Virginia, Cincinnati and Central Florida, but committed to the Mountaineers a week after his trip to Morgantown. Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury last season, Joseph was still selected with the 14th overall pick by Oakland. Fully recovered from his injury, Joseph has dominated during his last six games, totaling 43 tackles, one interception, five pass break-ups and one fumble recovery.

Farrell’s take: Joseph was a high three-star whose size kept him from being ranked higher. He was also under-recruited. Miami offered but Florida State and Florida passed among others in the Southeast. Joseph was always a hitter. It was his ability to cover bigger receivers that was the question. He proved his worth at the college level and is doing so again in the NFL.