It's difficult to make any sweeping conclusions about who exactly an NFL player will be after his rookie season. Everyone gets drafted into a different situation and develops on a different curve. But the bigger picture is starting to become clearer as we near the end of the second regular season for the 2020 draft class. We are starting to understand the role these players have on their respective teams.
The Cincinnati Bengals picked quarterback Joe Burrow No. 1 overall, then Washington took defensive end Chase Young and Detroit Lions got cornerback Jeff Okudah. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs -- two standouts this season -- were taken in the second round. Many players from the 2020 class have made a mark since being drafted.
With help from Pro Football Focus grading, here's a look at the top second-year players at each position through 12 weeks of the 2021 season. Following our picks for each position are honorable mentions who just missed the cut. Earning a spot on this list is more of an accomplishment at some positions than others, and it kicks off with one of the toughest categories for crowning a winner: quarterback.
Jump to:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G/C
DT | EDGE | LB | CB | S
Honorable mentions
