Yardbarker's NFL mid-season All-Rookie team

Former NFL scout Matt Williamson writes a weekly column about the league from an X's and O's perspective. 

Here are the rookies who have played best at each position. Compared with recent rookie classes, the 2019 class is underwhelming.  (Go here for Yardbarker's mid-season All-Pro team.)

OFFENSE

QB: Gardner Minshew, Jaguars | Rd. 6 (Washington State)

One of the best stories of the season, Minshew (1,976 yards passing, 13 TDs, 2 picks) has played better than any of the more highly regarded rookie quarterbacks. He’s an accurate passer (61.9 % completion percentage) with great patience and poise. He's also surprisingly good at extending plays.

RB: Josh Jacobs, Raiders | Rd. 1 (Alabama)

He soon will be considered one of the best running backs in football. Naturally gifted. Just wait until he reaches his potential in the passing game.

RB: David Montgomery, Bears | Rd. 3 (Iowa State)

Outside of Jacobs, the rookie running backs are disappointing. This choice was a coin flip between Montgomery and Philadelphia’s Miles Sanders. Both are starting to hit their stride, but Montgomery gets the nod because he was excellent in Chicago’s narrow loss to the Chargers in Week 8 (135 yards rushing).

WR: Terry McLaurin, Redskins | Rd. 3 (Ohio State)

McLaurin has dropped a few passes, but he is one of the best deep threats in the league (28 catches, 458 yards). He has boosted one of the Redskins' worst position groups. Perhaps his familiarity with Dwayne Haskins, McLaurin's college teammate, will pay off for the rookie quarterback’s development.

WR: DK Metcalf, Seahawks | Rd. 2 (Mississippi)

A  physical freak, Metcalf has acclimated well to the NFL (23 catches for 402 yards). Of course he can get deep downfield, but he has also quickly become Russell Wilson’s favorite target in the red zone.

TIGHT END: TJ Hockenson, Lions | Rd. 1 (Iowa)

He is inconsistent (19 catches for 240 yards), but head coach Matt Patricia, a former Patriots defensive coordinator, must see some Rob Gronkowski in this young man. The Lions use him like Gronk. An immense talent.

TACKLE: Justin Skule, 49ers | Rd. 6 (Vanderbilt)

With Mike McGlinchey and Joe Staley entrenched as starting tackles, there is no way San Francisco envisioned Skule as a starter. But with McGlinchey and Staley hurt, the 183rd player drafted has filled in nicely.

TACKLE: Jawaan Taylor, Jaguars | Rd. 2 (Florida)

Finding a worthy second tackle was difficult because there's not much to choose from. The first tackle off the draft board, Jonah Williams of Alabama, is injured and won’t play this season. Taylor is inconsistent but has shown flashes of talent.

GUARD: Dalton Risner, Broncos | Rd. 2 (Kansas State)

The Broncos have struggled offensively, but Risner is a bright spot. He has the look of a longtime fixture.

GUARD: Elgton Jenkins, Packers | Rd. 2 (Mississippi State)

He's steady in the run and pass game, something you rarely see from rookie offensive linemen. He was especially dominant in Week 8 against the Chiefs. 

CENTER: Erik McCoy, Saints | Rd. 2 (Texas A&M)

McCoy gets beat here and there, but he has played well in the run and pass game. New Orleans values interior offensive linemen perhaps more than any other franchise.