The rankings from my 2019 NFL Draft Big Board is listed in parenthesis.

 

Josh Allen, Jaguars DE (1)

Last week (v IND)

4 tackles, 0.5 sack

Season stats

44 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles

Despite not being a full-time player (fewer than 60% of the team’s defensive snaps played in every game since Week 5), Allen led all rookies in sacks, and it was encouraging that his production was spread throughout the season rather than coming in a burst and then being invisible for long stretches. Yannick Ngakoue seems to want out of Jacksonville, so Allen will step in as the clear star for Jacksonville in 2020.

 

Christian Wilkins, Dolphins DL (3)

Last week (@ NE)

3 tackles

Season stats

56 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended

There was no rookie report after Week 16 because of Christmas, but Wilkins caught a one-yard touchdown in Miami’s win over the Bengals, which shouldn’t have been a huge surprise after the athleticism he showed at Clemson (three touchdowns on six offensive touches). He also recorded a sack in that game, and I would bet Wilkins’ leadership was a key factor in the Dolphins finishing 5-4 over the final nine games.

 

Deandre Baker, Giants CB (6)

Last week (v PHI)

1 tackle

Season stats

61 tackles, 8 passes defended, 2 tackles for loss

Baker underestimated Carson Wentz’s arm strength on a cross-field touchdown pass in the season finale by letting tight end Joshua Perkins behind him in zone coverage, but overall, the rookie made great strides after a shaky start this year. Ideally, the next defensive scheme for the Giants will allow Baker to play press, man-to-man coverage.

 

Dexter Lawrence, Giants DL (7)

Last week (v PHI)

1 tackle

Season stats

38 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, 1 blocked kick

The 2019 rookie class for New York was probably a significant factor in giving general manager Dave Gettleman another year to run the team, and Lawrence—who was widely criticized as not being worth the No. 17 overall pick—was clearly worth that and more. Whether the Giants stick with a 3-4 front or switch to a 4-3 alignment, Lawrence should be one of the NFL’s best interior players next season.

 

A.J. Brown, Titans WR (9)

Last week (@ HOU)

4 receptions, 124 yards, 1 touchdown

Season stats

52 receptions, 1,051 yards, 8 touchdowns // 3 rushes, 60 yards, 1 touchdown

It is still unbelievable that Brown was available in the middle of the second round, as he was not only the best rookie wideout in the league (and the potential NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year), but also a legitimate All-Pro-level wideout already. Saturday night will be an awesome battle between Brown and Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

 

Brian Burns, Panthers OLB (10)

Last week (@ NO)

2 tackles, 1.0 sack

Season stats

25 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown

Burns saw increased playing time over the final two games after a season-low seven snaps in Week 15, and it resulted in a couple of sacks to give him 7.5 on the year. A wrist injury and seeming to fall out of favor with the coaching staff held Burns back, but his versatility/upside should be a selling point for candidates to be the team’s next head coach.

 

Daniel Jones, Giants QB (18)

Last week (v PHI)

28/47 (59.6%), 301 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT // 3 attempts, 26 yards

Season stats

61.9%, 3,027 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT // 45 attempts, 279 yards, 2 TD

The turnovers need to be cleaned up (23 in 13 games), but Jones showed enough in 2019 to feel confident about as a top-tier quarterback, and I would say he makes the Giants arguably the most desirable job opening of the offseason. Had he been the starter all season, there is a really good chance Jones would have broken the record for touchdown passes by a rookie.

 

Justin Layne, Steelers CB (19)

Last week (@ BAL)

1 tackle

Season stats

3 tackles

Layne didn’t get a shot on defense this season, but that had more to do with Pittsburgh staying healthy and productive on the backend more than it does the rookie’s NFL outlook (second-rounder Joejuan Williams is in a similar position with the Patriots). On special teams, Layne was great for Pittsburgh, and his best game likely came in the finale as he took down De’Anthony Thomas for a loss and downed a punt at the two-yard line.

 

Jaquan Johnson, Bills S (23)

Last week (v NYJ)

3 tackles

Season stats

8 tackles

Johnson finally got a shot on defense with Buffalo resting their key players in Week 17, and he was excellent on the backend. It unfortunately didn’t count, but the highlight was a toe-tapping interception (overturned by a meaningless personal foul) on which Johnson displayed his range, intelligence, and ball skills from centerfield. He will be back on special teams this weekend and through the postseason, but I think the Bills will find a way to get Johnson significant defensive snaps in 2020.

 

Chase Winovich, Patriots DE (32)

Last week (v MIA)

1 tackle

Season stats

26 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 touchdown

Playing time was limited all year for Winovich, but he still made his way into the box score every week in one way or another, and that’s not a surprise based on his relentless style of play. I have a feeling he will get to Ryan Tannehill for a crucial sack at some point this week.