NE Ohio natives Lattimore, Hunt among top rookies

Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore give the New Orleans Saints a chance to become the first team in 50 years to collect NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in the same season.

The only time it ever happened? When Mel Farr and Lem Barney of the 1967 Detroit Lions did it.

Kamara, a running back, and Lattimore, a cornerback, are just two of the many rookies around the league who have made significant contributions this season.

Not every newcomer pans out as planned right away, of course.

A a look at some of the best members of the 2017 rookie class: • Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints Stats: 608 rushing yards for a 7.0 average; 62 catches; league-high 11 TDs

Scouting Report: One way to understand Kamara’s significance is what happened Thursday night. He left in the first quarter because of a concussion, and New Orleans’ big-scoring offense ground to a halt in what became a 20-17 loss to Atlanta.

• Marshon Lattimore, CB, Saints Stats: 3 interceptions Scouting Report: Already a top cover corner, his importance became obvious when he left early against the Redskins in Week 11, and a defense that had been allowing an average of 12 points over the previous four games suddenly gave up 31.

• Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers

Stats: 284 rushing yards, 64 catches for 501 yards; 6 TDs

Scouting Report: Leading his team in receptions and third in rushing, he brings some versatility that helped Cam Newton make the offense go while Greg Olsen was injured.

• Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs

Stats: 930 yards, fourth in the NFL

Scouting Report: Has slowed down since topping 100 yards in four of his first five games. • Evan Engram, TE, Giants Stats: 51 catches rank seventh among tight ends, just behind Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, tied with Jason Witten, and ahead of Kyle Rudolph and Benjamin Watson.