Grading the rookie classes for every NFL team
NFL Nation reporters give the rookie classes for all 32 teams a grade and pick the best, most improved and most disappointing rookies of the season. Click the links after each team to view the full posts.
Grade: A
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are looking at one of their best draft classes. Much of the focus is on Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott, but they have received better-than-expected contributions from others. Read more.
Grade: A-minus
New York Giants: The Giants have leaned heavily on their rookie class, including starting four of its members Sunday night against Dallas. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard has evolved into the team’s No. 2 target. Read more.
San Diego Chargers: Selected No. 3 overall, defensive end Joey Bosa was a surprise pick by the Chargers. He has 5.5 sacks in eight games and has been a key contributor to San Diego’s stout run defense. Read more.
Grade: B-plus
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens’ recent drafts haven’t lived up to the franchise’s gold standard. But the 2016 class is making an immediate impact and is a big reason why they are in the thick of the playoff race. Read more.
Chicago Bears: The Bears’ season went off the rails weeks ago, but the organization can take solace in the rookie class. Six rookies have started games, and three have all but locked up starting jobs for 2017. Read more.
Denver Broncos: All eight players in the Broncos’ draft class made the 53-man roster, and running back Devontae Booker, who is now the team’s primary back, is leading the way. Read more.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs’ rookie class has been better than expected, and second-round defensive lineman Chris Jones and fifth-round wide receiver Tyreek Hill both have made a major impact. Read more.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints appear to have hit on both of their 2016 second-rounders, and this class has the potential to become one of the strongest draft classes in the Sean Payton-Mickey Loomis era. Read more.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders had 14 rookies on their 53-man roster entering Game 13, including all seven draft picks. In fact, five of the seven picks have started at least two games. Read more.
Pittsburgh Steelers: That early-1970s Steelers defensive lineup was harder to crack, but what corner Artie Burns, safety Sean Davis and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave are doing is still quite impressive. Read more.
Grade: B
Buffalo Bills: The Bills’ rookie class has been the NFL’s toughest to evaluate because of injuries to first-round pick Shaq Lawson and second-round pick Reggie Ragland. Read more.
Detroit Lions: Bob Quinn’s first draft class as Lions general manager featured a lot of linemen, a backup quarterback for the future and a long snapper. But so far, it has…
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