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October 31, 2014 at 1:50 pm #10908
znModeratorRace for Rookie of the Year, Week 8
Khaled Elsayed | October 29, 2014
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/10/29/race-for-rookie-of-the-year-week-8-3/
Last time out on the PFF Race for Rookie of the Year it was Joel Bitonio who led the way. Part of a fantastic line in Cleveland, he was riding high working between Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. But with Mack going down, but a lineup change up slow down his sprint to the win?
Would one of the defensive standouts nipping at his heels surpass him? The likes of Khalil Mack, Aaron Donald and C.J. Mosley have used the past two weeks to make plenty of noise with their on the field play. Now let’s find out where it sees them land after eight weeks of action.
1. Khalil Mack, LB, OAK: +23.0
We have a new top dog. With zero sacks to his name there are those thinking that Mack isn’t getting the job done. But with phenomenal work in the run game and a very healthy five hits and 17 hurries, Mack is delivering on high expectations.
2. Aaron Donald, DT, SL: +16.7Would Donald be winning this race if not for spending more time on the bench than on the field until Week 6? We can speculate about that, but there’s no speculation as to how well Donald is playing. His ability to penetrate the run really is something to watch.
3. Joel Bitonio, LG, CLE: +10.9
The entire Cleveland line (except for the wonder that is Joe Thomas) has taken a back step in recent weeks and Bitonio is no exception. Now that doesn’t mean he’s played poorly, but he’s not wowing as was.
4. C.J. Mosley, LB, BAL: +11.7
How happy do you think the Ravens are with Mosley? Linebackers can come into the league and pad stats without making a consistent impact. Mosley is not that guy. Our top-ranked inside linebacker on the year now.
5. Zack Martin, RG, DAL: +10.1
Has used the past two weeks to close the gap to Bitonio in the “Who is the best rookie guard” contest with now five green grades on the bounce. A vindication of the Cowboys’ efforts to improve up front.
6. Anthony Barr, LB, MIN: +7.3
Strip sack come overtime touchdown aside, Barr is still playing very well. Indeed, he’s much more than that one play, proving an effective defender against the run on early downs and generating pressure when given the chance to rush the passer.
7. Jason Verrett, CB, SD: +8.1
Team missed him when he left injured against the Broncos. That’s been the drawback to Verrett where he’s been limited to 230 snaps, which for a corner is always going to keep you away from the top spots.
8. Taylor Lewan, LT, TEN: +6.1
A new entry and one that is quietly making a very good impression. The Titans may be struggling at the moment but the adjustment Lewan has made is a big positive.
9. Sammy Watkins, WR, BUF: +0.9
Has the potential to shoot up this list. Is on something of a hot streak now after a cold opening, benefiting from more consistent quarterback play. Really a case that if you eliminate some of his struggles in the first four weeks of the year he’d be pushing the Top 5.
10. Corey Linsley, C, GB: +6.9
Won’t move up until he gives up less pressure, but his work in the run game ensures him worthy of a spot in the Top 10.
Dropping Out
Branden Oliver, RB, SD: Someone had to make way for Lewan and Watkins. Oliver may struggle to get his spot back once the Chargers’ backfield becomes crowded with those returning from injury.
Aaron Lynch, OLB, SF: Has seen his playing time increase but will that last with Aldon Smith returning?
Five to Watch
Jarvis Landry, WR, MIA: Worth keeping an eye on to see if his role can grow. Doesn’t hurt that he contributes well on special teams.
Brandon Linder, RG, JAX: The Jaguars have to like the immediate upgrade Linder has provided. His game is getting better week on week.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, CAR: Talent is unquestionable and his ability to make big plays eye-catching. Just needs to tidy some things up to back-up the numbers.
E.J. Gaines, CB, SL: Coming off his roughest game as a pro but if he can rebound then he’s not far off the Top 10.Derek Carr, QB, OAK: Highest-graded rookie quarterback. That he’s playing as well as he is (mistakes and all) on a subpar Raiders team bodes well for the future.
October 31, 2014 at 8:04 pm #10922znModeratorKiper’s mid season rookie ratings
1. C.J. Mosley, ILB, Baltimore Ravens
(Midseason defensive rookie of the year)The temptation here is to push Mosley down a bit because he’s playing a position that, at least traditionally, has been one where guys have the chance to transition quickly and succeed if you put enough talent in front of them and keep blockers occupied. But Mosley has been even better than good. I think he’s been in the neighborhood of Luke Kuechly, Patrick Willis, Bobby Wagner — in other words, playing his position as well as anybody in the NFL plays his position. He leads all rookies in tackles, and leads his team. He also has a pair of interceptions.
2. Zack Martin, OG, Dallas Cowboys
(Midseason offensive rookie of the year)Although the Dallas rushing game has been a huge part of the team’s success this season, Martin hasn’t just been good in creating a push there; he’s also been good in providing protection in the passing game. The former Notre Dame tackle has adjusted with ease to the move to guard, and I’ve seen enough failures in that move over the years to simply pass it off as an easy adjustment. He’s been great, and it has directly affected the fortunes of his team.
3. Khalil Mack, OLB, Oakland Raiders
I know I’m going to hear arguments that I have Mack too low, which shows just how good he’s been. Although he has delivered plenty of pressure, I’ll be a little old-school and dock him just slightly for not yet having a sack to his name; but other than that, it’s hard to have any complaints. Where Mack has really been fantastic is against the run. When I go through Oakland games on a play-to-play basis, I’m seeing the most consistent player on that defense.
4. Joel Bitonio, OG, Cleveland Browns
He’s already one of the better run-blocking guards in the NFL, and I don’t think the fact that Cleveland’s rushing average per carry has dipped this season has anything to do with him. The loss of Alex Mack has hurt, and minus Josh Gordon — and with a green QB — teams are simply stacking the box. Bitonio has been great, and he should continue on this path.
5. Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills
I realize there are other rookies in this class who have more catches (Brandin Cooks) or just as many touchdowns (Kelvin Benjamin). But I have Watkins a tick ahead of both because he’s leading the rookie class in receiving yards and has 16 more targets than any other player on his team — which is now a 5-3 team. He also has fewer drops than Benjamin, who’s in a similar argument for alpha-receiver status in his team’s offense. Watkins has had ups and downs, but he also has made huge plays, and those have helped Buffalo win.
6. Jason Verrett, CB, San Diego Chargers
Snap count matters, and the fact that Verrett’s is now down from the last time we did these rankings is reflected in his drop. He’s been outstanding when he’s on the field, showing the chops of a veteran, but he’s under 250 total snaps for the season, and could dip here further as he works through a shoulder injury. That said, when he plays, Verrett hasn’t been far off a Pro Bowl level.
7. Aaron Donald, DT, St. Louis Rams
It was only a matter of time for Donald. Through five weeks, he hadn’t played more than 30 snaps in a game, and I wrote a few weeks ago that, if he was simply on the field more, the production would accelerate. He has 2.0 sacks and already leads the team in tackles for loss. What I think is really notable is how he clearly occupies defenders and frees things up for others. He’s a force and could be at the top of this list by season’s end.
8. Anthony Barr, OLB, Minnesota Vikings
Anybody who watched the NFL last week saw Barr’s overtime play that got Minnesota the win: a strip of Austin Seferian-Jenkins that Barr picked up and returned for a touchdown in overtime. Although that might have been a welcome moment for some, Barr has been good all year in what’s been a fantastic performance because he has had to adjust to a different role — playing 4-3 OLB instead of doing the pass rushing he was at UCLA.
9. Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers
Benjamin is similar to Watkins in that he’s been both inconsistent and absolutely essential to his team. The Panthers drafted him and asked him to step in and be a No. 1 right away, and he has led them in targets and is second only to veteran tight end Greg Olsen in receptions. He also has nine receptions of 20-plus yards, providing Cam Newton the downfield threat he needs.
10. Corey Linsley, C, Green Bay Packers
He’s been on the field every snap of the season and has been solid taking over at center for the Packers. Although I wouldn’t say he’s been dominant, what’s impressive about Linsley is that he looks as if he’s been playing for a handful of years and, aside from Josh Sitton, is as dependable as anybody the Packers have up front. He is looking like a steal, having been selected in the fifth round.
11. Preston Brown, OLB, Buffalo Bills
Not only does he lead the Bills in tackles, with 60, but he’s been flying around in coverage.
12. Brandin Cooks, WR, New Orleans Saints
He doesn’t have the yardage so far, but Cooks is a main target of Drew Brees — he has 52 targets, next to Jimmy Graham’s 54.
13. E.J. Gaines, CB, St. Louis Rams
He leads the Rams in passes defensed and is an every-down player at this point. He could keep rising.
14. Kyle Fuller, CB, Chicago BearsHe has dropped because he’s not playing as many snaps as he had, but the Bears’ secondary problems go beyond him — mainly to safety.
15. Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
Given what’s going on with the Jets and Jaguars, you could argue Carr is no longer a QB who could start for only one team. The Raiders aren’t consistently competitive, but he’s been decent.
Notables in the mix, in no particular order
• Taylor Lewan, OT, Tennessee Titans: He has played full snaps the past few weeks and has played well. Moving up.• Bashaud Breeland, CB, Washington Redskins: Was outstanding in defending Dez Bryant on Monday night. Lots of natural talent.
• Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: Has 39 receptions; nobody else on the Jags has more than 23.
• Branden Oliver, RB, San Diego Chargers: A tremendous two-week stretch when called upon, he has proved he can stick around.
• Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Maybe the best overall athlete in the entire draft; he won’t disappoint when he’s a true No. 1.
• Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quietly, he has just one fewer reception than Vincent Jackson.
• Chandler Catanzaro, K, Arizona Cardinals: Hasn’t missed a kick, including going 6-for-6 from beyond 40 yards.
• Bradley Roby, CB, Denver Broncos: Hasn’t been great the past couple of weeks, but he has had a solid start to his career.
• Calvin Pryor, S, New York Jets: Will get better in coverage, but he’s not afraid to come downhill.
• Avery Williamson, ILB, Tennessee Titans: Didn’t play to start the season, but now is a guy the Titans rely upon.
• Deone Bucannon, S, Arizona Cardinals: He has had a couple of stinkers, but the guy will lay a hit and is going to be pretty good in coverage. He makes plays.
• Aaron Lynch, OLB, San Francisco 49ers: Has flashed as a pass-rusher. Bright future.
• John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals: Just 22 catches so far, but his role is expanding. More big plays to come.
• Jack Mewhort, OG, Indianapolis Colts: Effective if not outstanding when he’s been on the field.
• Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers: With him now third on the Packers in receptions, you can see Aaron Rodgers’ chemistry with him improving.
• Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Minnesota Vikings: A big-time drive got the Vikings a tie in a game they ultimately won Sunday. He’s getting close to really being comfortable.
• Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: Now has 29 receptions, and could more than double that with his second-half tally.
• Ja’Wuan James, OT, Miami Dolphins: Has had some ups and downs, but I think the Dolphins are pleased with his performance so far.
• Jace Amaro, TE, New York Jets: Who knows what he’ll see in terms of targets, given the QB situation, but it’s clear he’ll be on the field.
• Lamarcus Joyner, CB, St. Louis Rams: He was a versatile player in college, and provides value to the Rams’ defense even as he’s getting adjusted. -
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