My first inclination in doing this article was to list 22 players who represent the best of the best so far in the 20232 NFL Rookie class. But I soon realized that was going to be unfair to a significant number of players. So I have added a few extra spots on the list, like WR where I have 4 players instead of 2 or 3. So here we go…
Pigskin Paul’s Mid-Season All-Rookie Team
OFFENSE
QB   C.J. STROUD   Texans  By a wide margin right now, although others are picking up steam.
RB   JAHMYR GIBBS    Lions    He runs catches & scores. But must share touches with MONTGOMERY. Â
DEVIN ACHANE   Dolphins  Is on the Injured list right now but should be back soon. Averaging over 10 ypc.
BIJAN ROBINSON   Falcons  Has shown flashes but is also sharing touches. Has 500+ yards though.
WR  PUCA NACUA    Rams    Is 3rd in the League with 64 receptions. Was a lifesaver during KUPP’s absence.
JORDAN ADDISON Â Vikings Have fit right in as a slot guy and are picking up the slack with JEFFERSON hurt.
ZAY FLOWERS   Ravens   Key factor in LAMAR’s uptick in their modified Offense under Monken.
JOSH DOWNS   Colts   Despite losing their 1st string QB, this guy is solid finally filling HILTON in the slot.
TE  SAM LaPORTA   Lions  Has been a perfect fit replacing HOCKENSON. Both Iowa guys.Blocks better.
DALTON KINCAID   Bills   Getting touches with the injury to Knox and stepping up big.
OL STEVE AVILA Rams   Plug and play from Day One after the Draft. Monster big with agility.
JON HARRISON  Jaguars  Starter at LT during Robinson’s suspension, now starting at RT.
PARIS JOHNSON  Cards  Talked in Camp about moving him inside, but no need he’s fine @ OT.
CODY MAUCH Bucs   Moved right into place at RG and gets better with every game.Â
JOHN-MICHAEL SCHMITZ Giants  Their OL is still not good but this man gets the job done at OC.
DARNELL WRIGHT Bears   After a stellar 2022 season with VOLS he was plug & play.
MATTHEW BERGERON Falcons   Made a move inside and has not missed a beat. A solid pro.
DEFENSE
EDGE  BYRON YOUNG   Rams   Has looked every bit the young replacement for Leonard Floyd in the rebuild.
WILL ANDERSON   Texans   Not the booming star that STROUD has been, but starts &  produces.
DL   JALEN CARTER   Eagles   Carter has to share snaps in DL rotation but is an impact force.Â
BRYAN BRESEE  Saints   Productive, athletic inside force in their DT group rebuild.
KEEANU BENTON   Steelers  Tomlin doesn’t often play Rookies, but HEYWARD’s injury changed that.
LB  HENRY TO’OTO’O   Texans   Has been in the lineup since the start of the season. Athletic with very high FBI.Â
JACK CAMPBELL   Lions   Has some rough edges to smooth out but is athletic & flies to the ball.
TULI TUIPULOTU   Chargers  Doesn’t always start but sees plenty of play time as a QB chaser.
CB  DEVON WITHERSPOON  Seahawks  Everything that hoped he’d be. Ball skills, tackling skills, et al.
 DEONTE BANKS   Giants    Best all-around CB the Giants have had in years. Hits a ton, ball skills.
 JOEY PORTER Steelers Long-limbed, athletic player who now starts. Needs polish but is an upgrade.
S   BRIAN BRANCH   Lions   Can play anywhere in secondary. Elite tackler, with ball skills to boot.
SYDNEY BROWN Â Eagles Were starting til BYARD was acquired. Now a versatile hitter in sub packages.
PK  BRANDEN AUBREY   Cowboys   Soccer star in college, starred in USFL re-boot. Has yet to miss a FG try.
P BRYCE BARINGER  Patriots   Tough choice in crowded P group. Has a chance to average 50+ yds/gross.
RS/WR   MARVIN MIMS   Broncos   As of mid-season he is averaging over 20 yards/return. Also KR.
I also want to mention two highly regarded Rookies who failed to last beyond September but should be back next season after injuries ended this year with both of them as starters.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON/QB/COLTS Â Â CHRIS GONZALEZ/CB/PATRIOTS
There are already additional Rookies getting more and more playing time as the second half of the season begins this weekend. Thus expect changes by the end of the regular season when I will revisit this list.
Cheers