NFL Rookie of the Year candidates for 2015

Abdullah looked like a star in the making after a breakout Week 1, but a struggling Lions offensive line has made things difficult for him. Still, the Nebraska alum has over 700 yards from scrimmage through 15 games.

Lovie Smith's defense is building its core at linebacker, with Alexander joining Lavonte David this season. The fourth-round pick had 59 solo tackles and three sacks before a four-game PEDs suspension in December.

Baltimore has called more on Allen since Justin Forsett fractured his arm. The Ravens have been upset with his fumbles, but Allen has been a versatile back with nearly 800 yards from scrimmage in 15 games. He should carve out a larger role in 2016.

Anderson played only nine games due to a knee injury, but he contributed well with 31 tackles and one sack. 

Anthony has been at the center of the Saints defense in his rookie season, with 107 total tackles in 15 games. He's one piece the struggling defense can build around.

Cooper was acclaimed for his polish out of Alabama, and he's been one of the biggest reasons for Oakland's improvements offensively. He's caught 70 passes for 1,050 yards and six scores through 15 games.

Crowder made a fine contribution for Washington, especially when DeSean Jackson was sidelined. In total, he has 54 catches for 495 yards in 15 games.

Darby is quickly developing into a shutdown corner for the Bills after being drafted in the second round. He's racked up two picks and 61 solo tackles in 14 games.

The Vikings hoped Mike Wallace would provide a spark for their passing offense, but it's been Diggs who's made the biggest contribution. The fifth-round pick from Maryland has 51 catches for 712 yards through 12 games played.

Arizona wanted to upgrade its pass rush this offseason, and Golden has helped do that early in his career. He's started only six games but has four sacks.

The Titans knew DGB would be a work in progress when they drafted him after a year off, but he's shown big-play ability. The second-round pick has averaged 17.6 yards per reception.

Gurley started his rookie season late while recovering from knee surgery, but he's been worth the wait for the Rams. Through 13 games, he's rushed for 1,108 yards, 10 scores and averaged 4.8 yards per carry behind a banged-up offensive line.

Johnson has added explosion to Arizona's offense late in the year, with 4.9 yards per carry and 33 receptions despite only four starts in 15 games. The third-round pick's performance should convince the Cardinals to stick with him as their starter in 2016.

Browns fans are willing to hang their hats on anything positive this year, and Johnson has been one asset. The third-round pick has been a strong third-down back, with 57 catches in 15 games.

A second-round pick, Kendricks has been everywhere for Minnesota's defense. The linebacker has four sacks and 83 tackles in 13 games.

New Orleans' defense has been historically awful again, but Kikaha at least gives the Saints a building block. He's been a capable pass rusher, with four sacks and solo 32 solo tackles in 14 games.

Lambo has shown a strong leg and made 80 percent of his field goals through 15 games. All of his struggles have come from beyond 40 yards.

Some thought tight end Jimmy Graham would provide a huge boost to Seattle's passing offense this season, but Locket has done just as much. The speedy third-round pick has 49 catches for 628 yards and six scores through 15 games, and he's added two scores as a returner.

Mariota has done his best with a subpar Titans roster, completing 62.2 percent of his passes and producing a 61.01 QBR in 12 games. Knee injuries caused him to miss significant time.

KC's rushing offense has been able to stand up despite the loss of Jamaal Charles, and Morse's contribution is a big reason. The second-round pick has helped the Chiefs rank seventh in rushing yards through 15 games.

Peters dropped to 18th in the draft because of behavioral concerns, and the Chiefs are certainly happy that he did. He's helped their secondary immensely, with eight picks, two touchdowns and 52 solo tackles through 15 games.

Rawls was a godsend for the Seahawks with Marshawn Lynch sidelined for a large portion of 2015, averaging 5.6 yards per carry in 13 games. His season ended with a broken ankle, but Rawls' performance should convince Seattle to give him a large role in 2016.

The Jets showed an embarrassment of riches in their defensive line after drafting Williams sixth overall. He's been as advertised, with solo 26 solo tackles and three sacks in 15 games.

Winston has backed up the hype as the first overall pick in the draft, helping the Bucs to 6-9 with 3,717 passing yards and 22 touchdowns through 15 games.

The former Crimson Tide running back has added a much-needed dimension to Jacksonville's offense, rushing for 740 yards in 12 games. Adding in his 36 receptions, he's had more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage.