NFL rookie rankings: Rams’ Todd Gurley sprints to top

The development of Marcus Maritoa and Jameis Winston will continue to be the focal point, but the 2015 rookie class may go down as the “Year of the Running Back.” Five of the top 15 rookies play the position, not including talented runners T.J. Yeldon, Ameer Abdullah and David Johnson.

In this week’s rookie rankings, Todd Gurley has a meteoric rise to the top, Winston and Mariota head in different directions, and two defensive backs emerge as shutdown corners.

1 Todd Gurley, Rams

© Provided by Sporting NewsIt’s taken just two weeks for Gurley to go from question mark to best rookie in the NFL. With back-to-back 140-yard games, he’s on pace for over 1,200 yards this season despite not starting the first three weeks.

But what’s most impressive: He’s putting up numbers despite mediocre play by his offensive line, immediate pressure in the backfield, limited opportunities, and good (not great) second-level blocks by tight ends and receivers. The Rams’ bye week should only help their offensive balance and cohesion.

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