Because this ranking reflects the work of players over the entire season, and not merely how they've looked over the past couple of weeks, a few of the names at the top haven't moved since the last ranking. But it's fun to see a lot more rookies seeing time at this point, with the downside being that attrition certainly plays a role.
Here are the parameters, same as always:
This is a measure for all games this season, not just last week.
Total snap count matters. Staying on the field is a measure of value.
Positional value matters, but overall performance and impact on the team matter more.
Relative value matters. I ask: Would this player be a starter on most teams or on a good team?
Here's my latest ranking of the top 25 rookies in the NFL, plus another group of guys who were close.
1. Ronald Darby, CB, Buffalo Bills
He actually has struggled a little bit over the past few weeks, but this is about the overall body of work, and some hiccups don't erase the fact that he has been one of the top dozen cornerbacks in the NFL this season. He's still tied for third in the NFL with 14 pass breakups.
2. Leonard Williams, DE, New York Jets
Don't look at his sack total and assume Williams hasn't been a big cause for the disruption the Jets have created. His ability to work inside has freed up Muhammad Wilkerson and others, and his work against the run remains strong.