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NFL Rookie Power Rankings 9/16

Find out who the very best first-year players are through two weeks.

Charlie Bernstein

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The most comprehensive set of weekly power rankings anywhere on the web now moves to the rookies, as we look at our top offensive and defensive first-year players.

Offensive Rookie Power Rankings

1. Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills– The first receiver taken in the draft hasn’t disappointed as he is the best receiver on the undefeated Bills. Watkins has elite speed and he can turn a seven-yard hitch into a big play. Watkins immediately earned the trust of E.J. Manuel and he’s making him a better quarterback and also helping the running game.

2. Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers– The scouting report on Benjamin is that he was a little raw, but physically talented. Benjamin looks like a number one receiver already and has made acrobatic catches in each of Carolina’s first two games. The man who caught the game-winning pass in the national title game isn’t afraid of a big moment and it’s going to be exciting to watch him grow with Cam Newton.

3. Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints– Saints quarterback Drew Brees hasn’t missed the departed Lance Moore as his newest toy, Cooks, has been nothing short of spectacular. Cooks can line up anywhere and is used in the running game as well, much like Seattle does with Percy Harvin.

Defensive Rookie Power Rankings

1. Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears– Fuller was the most talented cornerback in this draft, but injury question marks kept him from being the first off the board at his position. Fuller has showed his athleticism and hands as he was one of Colin Kaepernick’s favorite targets on Sunday night as he picked off two passes. Fuller will be a starter now that Peanut Tillman is lost for the season.

2. Preston Brown, Buffalo Bills– The Bills are having an early resurgence and one of the biggest reasons has been the play of former Louisville Cardinal Preston Brown. Brown has filled in admirably for last year’s rookie stud Kiko Alonso, who was lost for the season. Brown is one of the leading tacklers in the league and his Buffalo defense has played two great games and is currently ranked sixth against the run.

3. C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens– Not every Alabama defensive player has worked out at the next level, but C.J. Mosley certainly looks like the real deal. Mosley has secured 16 tackles and recovered a big fumble in just two games. He has taken one of the worst defenses in football last year and helped them to a top 10 ranking in rush defense.

Charlie Bernstein is the managing football editor for Football Insiders and has covered the NFL for over a decade.  Charlie has hosted drive time radio for NBC and ESPN affiliates in different markets around the country, along with being an NFL correspondent for ESPN Radio and WFAN.  He has been featured on the NFL Network as well as Sirius/XM NFL Radio and has been published on Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated, ESPN as well as numerous other publications.

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