Almost beyond belief, the NFL regular season is complete. It sure took some twists and turns, to say the least, but we have arrived at the finish line. In this edition, we will count down the top seven rookie seasons from 2020. These players occupy the penthouse and are the best of the best. Their teams and fantasy managers alike were thrilled for the fortune of them being on their roster. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the fantasy football final rookie ranking, shall we?

Number Seven: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens

It took some time for J.K. Dobbins to get his feet under him. However, once he did, he was gold, especially during the fantasy playoffs. After scoring two touchdowns in week one, Dobbins was kept out of the end zone for the next eight weeks. However, beginning in week 11, Dobbins scored a touchdown in six straight games. He finished the season with 134 rushes for 805 yards and nine touchdowns.

Admittedly, I’m a bit rusty with my math skills. However, I came up with a 6.0 yards per carry upon checking Dobbins’ numbers. That is just plain insane. As great a runner as Derrick Henry is, he averaged 5.4 yards per carry on the season. Those that had Dobbins on their rosters during the fantasy playoffs were almost certainly successful. Clearly, he will be high on the list next season when the draft comes back around, especially in standard leagues.

Number Six: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

CeeDee Lamb was one of the receivers from the acclaimed 2020 rookie class. He was taken in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys and was one of the few that lived up to the billing. Many of his peers wound up in the outhouse, but that is perhaps an article for another day. Lamb was the only rookie WR in the top 25 in receiving yards besides Justin Jefferson (see below).

During the season, Lamb caught 74 passes on 111 targets for 935 yards and five TDs. He might have ranked higher except for his nine drops. Of course, he also suffered through inconsistent (at best) QB play after Dak Prescott suffered his season ending injury. The Cowboy offense should be all systems go next season and Lamb will almost certainly climb higher up the wide receiver ranks.

Number Five: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor announced his arrival in the NFL in his second career game, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota. He finished the year with 232 carries for 1,169 yards, 11 TDs and a 5.0 yards per carry average. He was third in the NFL in rushing.

In addition, he caught 36 passes for 299 yards and another touchdown. Taylor would be higher in this fantasy football rookie ranking except for a mid season slump. During that slump, Taylor rushed for just 61 yards in three games. However, those managers that were patient with Taylor were rewarded down the stretch.

His final game of the season was a barn burner. Taylor rushed 30 times for a massive 253 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Colts seal a playoff spot. Additionally, Taylor also had 150 yards and two TDs against the Raiders in week 14. With a season of experience under his belt, the sky is the limit in 2021.

Number Four: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Since his injury, we seem to have forgotten just how good Joe Burrow was as a rookie this season. In 10 games, Burrow completed 264 of 404 passes for 2,688 yards with 13 TDs. Burrow had five 300 yard games and four games with two or more touchdown passes. As we all know, on November 22, Burrow suffered a season ending knee injury. Burrow is expected to make a full recovery.

Instead of focusing on the injury, though, we will look at just how great Burrow was this season. He announced his presence in a big way in week two against Cleveland, throwing for 316 yards and three touchdowns. Burrow went on to throw for over 300 yards in his next two games with three TDs.

The game against the Browns was only a fore shadowing of his capabilities, though. In week seven, also against Cleveland, Burrow threw for 409 yards and three touchdowns. If fully healthy in 2021, Burrow will be at the top of the QB pyramid. There is no question about that. Draft accordingly.

Number Three: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

It didn’t take long for Justin Jefferson to make his presence known this season. In week three against Tennessee, Jefferson caught seven passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. It was all glory from then on out for the former LSU star. Just check these stats- Jefferson ranked 15th in the league with 121 targets. He was tied for 13th with 88 catches. Best of all, Jefferson was third in receiving yards with 1400, and had a 15.9 yards per catch average and scored seven touchdowns.

There have been a ton of star rookie wide receivers throughout the history of the NFL. None, though, were as brilliant as Jefferson was this season, as he broke the record for the most receiving yards by a rookie. EVER. There were four wide receivers taken in the draft this past season before the Vikings called Jefferson’s name.

There can be no question, however, that none came anywhere close to the penthouse suite that Jefferson occupied this year. With the exception of Lamb, those selected above him were searching for the doorknob to escape the outhouse. In any other season, Jefferson would have been the clear rookie of the year. That is, except for….

Number Two: James Robinson, RB Jacksonville Jaguars

It was a meteoric rise of gargantuan proportions this season for James Robinson. He was thrust into the lead running back role after Jacksonville released veteran Leonard Fournette. Right away, Robinson grabbed the reins and never looked back. Robinson ranked fifth in the NFL with 1,070 yards rushing on 240 carries, scoring seven TDs on the ground.

Additionally, he caught 49 passes for 344 yards and another three TDs. It is hard to think of a rookie that had a better season while playing for the worst team in the NFL. With his rushing and receiving abilities, Robinson’s star is on the rise next season. That will be true no matter who the coach is or if Jacksonville truly does select Trevor Lawrence with the number one pick. During any other season, Robinson would be the sure rookie of the year. That is, except for….

Number One: Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

It took a bit before Justin Herbert crashed the rookie party, but once he did, he took the league by storm. It took an unfortunate malfunction on the part of the Chargers’ medical staff for Herbert to take over as the starter. However, once Herbert was in control, he never looked back.

He ranked fourth in pass attempts with 595, sixth in yards with 4,336, tenth in touchdowns with 31, setting the NFL rookie record. He completed 396 of his passes. By any measure, Herbert’s season was a smashing success.

Herbert is another player unsure of his coach in 2021. Even so, he will undoubtedly be one of the top quarterbacks fantasy managers will be looking to draft next season. There can be no question Herbert is at the top of the fantasy football rookie ranking. As such, he is the clear selection as the rookie of the year.

Thanks all for joining me for this 2020 fantasy football rookie ranking. As always feel free to leave a comment or suggestion on the players that should be added to or removed from the list or the ranking that they are in. I welcome input.

In addition, hope everyone had a wonderful New Year’s Eve! We are all looking forward to 2021! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea, and be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Picks for all the latest NFL and sports news!