Hardly anyone knows each annual crop of NFL rookies than Daniel Jeremiah, who covers the draft for NFL.com.

And with the 2020 season at the halfway point, the well-respected draft analyst and former scout released his rookie rankings through Week 9.

Unsurprisingly, Justin Jefferson was high on his list, coming in sixth on the 25-player list.

Jeremiah wrote:

Jefferson is a detailed, precise route runner and he has provided big plays for the Vikings.

Through eight games, Jefferson has a team-best 627 yards on 34 catches with three touchdowns.

He also received praise from ESPN's Courtney Cronin, who said the 22nd overall pick in the draft is “a star in the making.”

She wrote:

Jefferson is an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate with 627 receiving yards in his first eight games, topping Randy Moss' record through that same stretch as a rookie (593) in 1998.

Jefferson ranks first among all NFL rookies in receiving yards and is second in receptions and touchdowns.

Cronin assess Vikings in midseason report

The Vikings have won two straight games to get to 3-5. They will finish off a three-game stretch against NFC North teams in Week 10 at Chicago.

Cronin recently assessed the Vikings at the halfway point of their 2020 season, and said Monday night's game against the Bears is a pivotal one for how the remainder of Minnesota's schedule could play out.

She wrote:

The Vikings didn't make any moves at the trade deadline, which signified their belief that they can remain competitive and fight to get into the playoff picture. We'll determine whether Minnesota is back by how it closes out this three-game stretch of NFC North opponents with a Week 10 showdown against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Monday night.

The Vikings need to beat teams like Chicago and Detroit to help their standing in the division and grab victories over the likes of Dallas, Jacksonville and Carolina to improve their record for a shot at the final playoff seed.

Minnesota has eight games remaining, four of which are against teams that currently have winning records. That includes two games against the Bears, who are 5-4 entering Week 10.

Cronin projected Minnesota to finish its 2019 season at 7-9.

She wrote:

The Vikings have a favorable schedule the rest of the way, but it's unrealistic to think they're going to beat every bad team that comes their way. The Vikings don't control their playoff destiny and will need to rely on the 49ers, Rams, Bears and even Falcons faltering down the stretch to guarantee their spot in the postseason.

McDaniel's online fundraiser begins Friday

Like a lot of other events, The Randall McDaniel Charity Golf Classic wasn't able to be held in person this year.

But the Hall of Fame left guard is still able to make an impact with a nine-day virtual event that begins Friday.

McDaniel has typically held two golf outings — one in Minnesota and another in his home state of Arizona.

They benefit Open Arms Home for Children, which is located in Komga, South Africa. The home currently supports 58 children who have been orphaned by AIDS.

The virtual event begins at 6 p.m. (CT) Friday. Participants can bid on auction items and also donate to specific funding needs for Open Arms Home for Children.

More information can be found here.