With the 2018 regular season set to kick off on Thursday, former pro scout Daniel Jeremiah has reviewed his notes from the most meaningful preseason snaps and training camp to rank the top 25 rookies in the NFL today.
Darnold was the most impressive rookie passer during the preseason. He earned the starting job with his sound decision-making, accuracy and mobility.
Barkley barely played in the preseason (six total snaps), but he showed his talent on his very first carry. He will be a home run hitter for the Giants this fall.
James was all over the field during the preseason. He can match up with tight ends in the passing game and he's an enforcer against the run.
I still can't believe Chubb fell to the Broncos with the fifth pick of the draft. He's already shown glimpses of dominance as a point-of-attack run defender and pass rusher.
Jackson has continued to do what he did in college at Iowa: locate the football and make plays. His instincts are outstanding.
Mayfield was extremely accurate and his pocket presence jumped off the screen during the preseason. He won't begin the season as the Browns' starter, but I imagine we'll see him inserted into the lineup before the season is over.
Nelson can move people in the run game and he has the anchor to hold up versus power rushers. He should quickly emerge as one of the NFL's best interior linemen.
Rosen didn't win the starting job, but he was impressive in the preseason. He anticipates well and throws a beautiful ball.
Davenport missed the early portion of training camp with a thumb injury, but he made his presence known as soon as he took the field. He has a rare blend of size, power and agility.
Fitzpatrick is mature beyond his years and his position flexibility is a big asset for the Dolphins' defense. I love his size and playmaking skills.
I don't normally include a punter on these lists, but Dickson has been too good to ignore. He might already be the most talented punter in the NFL.
Kirk is a marvelous route runner and he also adds value in the return game. The second-round pick will end up being a steal in this draft class.
Freeman has already been named the Broncos' starter and he's poised for a big year. He runs with patience, balance and toughness.
Green has shown the ability to generate pressure from the outside and the interior. He is a perfect fit in Pete Carroll's defense.
The Steelers have a special gift when it comes to evaluating/drafting/developing wide receivers. Washington plays much bigger than his size (5-foot-11, 213 pounds) and he will provide some highlight-reel plays this fall.
Leonard is an explosive linebacker and his range has been very impressive. He gives the Colts some much-needed speed and playmaking at the position.
Allen flashed some big-time throws and impressive mobility during the preseason. Unfortunately, the Bills' porous offensive line put him in a rough spot in Week 3 of the preseason.
Landry looks like the same guy we saw at Boston College -- when he was healthy. He has Gumby-like flexibility coming off the edge and could eclipse double-digit sacks this season.
Nwosu was one of my favorite players to follow during the preseason. He's an explosive blitzer and continues to improve in coverage.
Hernandez is a mauler in the run game and he's held up well in pass protection. He has Pro Bowl potential.
The Eagles have a lot of weapons on offense, but Goedert has earned quality playing time with his preseason performance. His catch radius is enormous.
Griffin is a tackling machine on both defense and special teams. He has elite sideline-to-sideline speed and his motor is always running hot.
Sutton has displayed a unique ability to track and adjust to the ball down the field. Given his great size (6-4, 216), he should be a force in the red zone.
Cole has been a steady hand in the preseason, taking over for an injured starter (A.Q. Shipley) at center. He has position flexibility, but he's in the right spot right now.
Gallup will likely emerge as Dak Prescott's favorite target during the 2018 season. He runs clean routes and attacks the football.
Follow Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter @MoveTheSticks.
