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We are nearing the end of the NFL playoffs, with the Super Bowl matchup to be decided this Sunday. It is now that time of the year where MVP's and all pro teams become final.
The Football Scout 365 High Impact Rookie Team of The Year is our version of the NFL All-Rookie Team. We use a stat driven analysis with metrics from our High Impact Play Rate Analysis.
2020 NFL High Impact Offensive Rookie Team
QB Justin Herbert, Chargers Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Potential Upside
Herbert realized his upside quickly when he was named the starter. When called the starter, Anthony Lynn made clear that Tyrod Taylor would remain the number one once he returned from injury. Herbert would never relinquish the job and would put on a show breaking several rookie passing records on his way to a historic rookie year. Herbert threw for 4300+ yards, 31 TD's to 10 INT's. His QBR of 69.6 ranked 13th among all NFL QB's. Among NFL QB's with at least 100 pass attempts, Herbert was 4th in completion percentage when under pressure (57.0%).
RB J.K. Dobbins, Ravens
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
It took some time for the Ravens to get comfortable with the idea of rookie J.K. Dobbins carrying the load. Still, it was apparent that Mark Ingram is not the Ingram of old, and when Dobbins relied upon more, the Ravens offense began its ascension back to 2019 levels. Dobbins became a threat as a runner and a receiver for the Ravens. Dobbins picked up 834 yards rushing and paced the NFL in rush yds per attempt (6.0).
RB Jonathon Taylor, Colts
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
Taylor entered the 2020 NFL season as a High Impact Player, but he started slow and at one point appeared poised to fall down the depth chart. Through Taylors first eight games, he picked up 389 yards and averaged 3.9 yards per carrying. In the 2nd half of the season, Taylor ranked number two in rush yards with 753 outpacing Nick Chubb and only sitting behind Derrick Henry. Taylor also increased his yards per attempt average to 6.0 yds per.
WR Justin Jefferson, Vikings
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
Jefferson had an argument to be the rookie of the year. Like Herbert, Jefferson broke rookie records in his first season. Jefferson ranked 18th in passer rate when targeted (116.4), he ranked 3rd in total receiving yards (1400), he picked up over 400 yards passes beyond 20+ yards (4th).
WR Chase Claypool, Steelers
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
Claypool became a staple in the Steelers offense after a week five breakout against the eagles, where he was targeted 11 times, picked up seven receptions for 110 yds and three receiving TD's. He would also pick up a rushing TD—his 121.5 passer rate when targeted among players with 50 targets or more ranked 11th. Claypool garnered 800+ yards and 9 TD's in year one.
TE Harrison Bryant, Browns
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Potential Upside
The Rookie TE class was less than stellar, but it was Harrison Bryant who flashed his potential upside posting 238 receiving yards and 3 scores.
RT Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
Wirfs has ten-year all-pro written all over him. His one sack and 22 pressures are great for a first-year NFL tackle. The Bucs average 5.0 yards per rush attempt in his direction and stay ahead of the chains 53% of the time when rushing his way. Aside from his excellent year one stats, he played a full 16 games as a rookie and has consistently improved week over week.
IOL Damien Lewis, Seahawks
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Developmental
Lewis was the best among a less than stellar IOL 2020 class performance. He was terrific in the run game but struggled in pass pro, allowing 33 pressures (highest among all rookie guards).
2020 NFL High Impact Defensive Rookie Team
Edge Chase Young, Football Team
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
Chase Young entered the NFL as coveted as they come. Young lived up to the hype as a rookie leading all rookies with 7.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
IDL Derrick Brown Panthers
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
Brown entered the NFL with a few question marks, but we believed he had instant impact ability. He proved it in year one by amassing 35 pressures 2nd to only chase young among rookies.
LB Kenneth Murray, Chargers
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Instant Impact Player
Murray did not do anything spectacular in 2020, but he did display why we believed he was an instant impact player coming out of Oklahoma. He is a sideline to sideline player with great pursuit ability. Murray was involved in 33 plays that resulted in negative yardage, ranking 2nd among all rookie LB's.
CB L'Jarius Sneed, Chiefs
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Developmental
Sneed is one player we certainly missed during the pre-draft evaluation process. He has been outstanding in his rookie season for the Chiefs. He has three picks and two sacks. Sneed has been versatile in year one, playing both outside and at the nickel. Sneed was a home run picked up in the 4th round.
S Antoine Winfield Jr., Buccaneers
Football Scout 2020 Pre NFL Draft Grade: Potential Upside
He is his dad's son, without a doubt, especially as a football player. Winfield is a gritty player who is a good run defender and proved it in year one. He is also a ball hawk; he picked off one ball and forced two fumbles in the regular season. Winfield made a game-changing play forcing a fumble in the NFC divisional round against the Saints.
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