Ranking the top NFL Rookies: Nos. 1-3

CLASS OF 2019 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position | Team

CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

With the Super Bowl looming, it’s time to look at the top NFL rookies from this past season and where they ranked when evaluated by Rivals in high school. Today we look at Nos. 1-3.

NFL ROOKIES: Nos. 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-15

FRESHMAN 15: Nos. 1-3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-15

FARRELL 50: Nos. 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-35 | 36-40 | 41-45 | 46-50

NO. 3 - BAKER MAYFIELD, BROWNS

AP

The skinny: Mayfield walked on at Texas Tech despite holding offers from Washington State, Rice and Florida Atlantic. He immediately became the starter for the Red Raiders and earned Big 12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year honors. However, he left the team at the end of the regular season and eventually decided to transfer to Oklahoma. He continued his tremendous success with the Sooners, which culminated in the Heisman Trophy last year.

Selected with the first overall selection by Cleveland, Mayfield started the season on the bench, but then led the revitalized Browns attack through the end of the season with 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Farrell’s take: With a gunslinger’s mentality, Mayfield had a great high school career, but many felt he was a system kid and he didn’t get a ton of offers. That looks crazy now. He’s a Heisman winner and No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and off to a great start in the NFL after an excellent rookie season.

I’m happy with his three-star ranking, since we saw something none of the local schools did at least (he was a walk-on, after all), but he has clearly outplayed his ranking and his leadership skills are off the charts.

NO. 2 - SAQUON BARKLEY, GIANTS

AP

The skinny: Barkley initially committed to Rutgers, but after a junior day visit to Penn State, and some pushing from the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff, he flipped. He became one of the top offensive players in the country during his time in Happy Valley, finishing with 3,843 yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground during his three seasons.

Selected with the 2nd overall pick by the New York Giants, Barkley continued his impressive play as a rookie with 1,307 yards on the ground, 721 yards through the air and 15 total touchdowns. He was also one of only two players in the league with 2,000+ yards from scrimmage, joining Ezekiel Elliott.

Farrell’s take: Barkley was an upright slasher who showed good receiving skills out of high school, so it's not a huge surprise he made a big impact in his first three years. But to this level? That’s a bit of a surprise, as he became the dominant Big Ten back and was in my top five players overall during his last season with Penn State. His lower-body strength and power to run through some arm tackles has improved greatly. A very athletic kid, Barkley was a guy who pushed for Rivals100 status but is showing us he should have been ranked higher. Much higher. The Giants are thrilled to have him as the linchpin of their offense for years to come.

NO. 1 - QUENTON NELSON, COLTS

AP

The skinny: Nelson trimmed his list to Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, Boston College and Rutgers, but always considered the Irish as his leader. A spring visit to South Bend put the Irish over the top and a commitment followed in early May. Becoming a starter in 2016, Nelson became one of the top overall offensive linemen in the country over his last two seasons in South Bend.

With the Colts, he became part of the reason that Andrew Luck and the offense once again flourished. Playing like a veteran, he dominated opponents in the run game, while improving steadily as a pass blocker.

Farrell’s take: I really liked Nelson on film out of high school, but when I first saw him in person at our New Jersey RCS Camp, I remember being wowed and felt he was a five-star prospect. He was huge, had good feet and physical. It’s not shocking to see him working inside at the next level, but he could play tackle as well if needed. He was raw as a prospect out of high school, but he has developed so nicely and there is still more room for growth in his game. He was always trying to prove he should be higher ranked as a prep and I would imagine he’s still trying to improve his stock now. I felt he was the safest pick in the draft and he’s proving me right.