Rookie Report: Half Season Awards
by Luke Paul Chandler
The NFL’s season is slightly more than half over, it’s time to see who have the best in class.
With all NFL teams past the halfway point of their season, the time has come to look at Class of 2008.
Offensive Rookie of the First Half
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
146 carries, 715 yards (4.9 avg), 5 TD; 24 rec, 164 yards, 1 TD
Pre-draft predictions focused on Johnson’s versatility to line up as an all-purpose back who could be put in space, a la Reggie Bush, to create plays with his speed. When the Titans drafted him in the first round, it was thought of as a wasted pick due to the other high picks the Titans had invested in the position. Selecting the East Carolina product has paid off.
Johnson has become a workhorse back who grinds out defenses and runs well between the tackles. No longer looking like a gimmick running back who needs to have plays tailored to suit his speed and elusiveness, Johnson has quickly adapted to being an NFL every-down back. The Titans changed little about their zone-blocking run game for Johnson, and he’s taken well to running between the tackles. While his speed is still an asset, Johnson has gone from potential role player in April to focal point of the offense in November.
Best of the Rest
2. Steve Slaton, RB, Texans - The dynamic Slaton is quickly becoming the best all-purpose back of the group. He is a great fit for Houston’s zone running scheme, and he has shown an ability to convert to an NFL style running game. Playing in West Virginia’s spread option offense hurt Slaton in the draft, but he is doing an excellent job of avoiding hits and staying fresh.
3. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles - Leading all rookies in receptions and receiving yards, Jackson is on pace for 1000 yards receiving. His route running skills have improved greatly in the NFL, and he is playing a sharp game. Jackson’s speed has blended well with McNabb’s arm strength, and the two have solid rapport.
4. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons - Coming into this season, Ryan was expected to play behind a suspect line and to have rookie jitters. Ryan has been poised in the pocket, and he is not playing like many rookie quarterbacks. He has had four games with a passer rating over 100.00, and he is making the Falcons offense legitimate.
5. Sam Baker, OT, Falcons - While his quarterback draws all of the praise, Baker’s performance cannot go unsung. Baker has been a powerful run blocker, leading a young Atlanta line that has given up 12 sacks this season. Scouts questioned Baker’s ability to play on the blind side heading into the draft, but he has performed well this year in pass protection.
Defensive Rookie of the First Half
Chris Horton, SS, Redskins
42 tackles (33 solo), 5 PD, 3 INT
A seventh-round selection out of UCLA, Horton has taken the Redskins defense by storm. Horton originally earned playing time due to the injury to Reed Doughty, who is out for the year on IR. Horton took quickly to the aggressive scheme of the Redskins.
Horton’s ability to make decisions quickly and attack the ball has been his greatest asset. He is able to dissect plays quickly, and he can play in a high-zone coverage role or down in the box. His hustle also been a key, as he has chased down many plays from the backside. Horton teams well with LaRon Landry because the two can interchange roles on any play, keeping the opposing offense guessing.
Best of the Rest
2. Jerod Mayo, ILB, Patriots - The tenth overall pick in the draft has become a defensive centerpiece for the Patriots. He leads the team, and all rookies, in tackles and has shown a good nose for the ball. Mayo can play all three downs and gets good depth in his pass drops. Mayo is still working on developing big plays, but he is improving.
3. Brandon Carr, CB, Chiefs - While he was drafted two rounds later than his rookie partner, Brandon Flowers, Carr has exceeded expectations for the Chiefs. He is a big, physical corner who can matchup in bump-and-run or zone coverage. His ability to make plays on the ball in mid-air has been exceptional.
4. Chris Long, DE, Rams - Long’s adaptation to a 4-3 defense and the right end position started slow, but he improved his play starting in Week 8. Long is still learning the finer technique of the position, and he has not been as natural and aggressive as he was in college. Long may not be a premier pass rusher in the NFL, but he has shown an ability to play both the run and the pass well.
4. Brandon Flowers, CB, Chiefs - The second-round pick from Virginia Tech has played up to pre-draft expectations. Flowers is a solid man-cover corner who is able to play aggressively and disrupt a wide receiver’s timing. Flowers is not afraid to step up in run support either. He and Carr will make a very solid duo for years to come.
Top Rookies to Breakout in the Second Half
Offense
1. Donnie Avery, WR, Rams
2. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens
3. Chaz Schilens, WR, Raiders
4. Chris Williams, OT, Bears
5. Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals
Defense
1. Bryan Kehl, OLB, Giants
2. Lawrence Jackson, DE, Seahawks
3. Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Cardinals
4. Red Bryant, DT, Seahawks
5. Mike Jenkins, CB, Cowboys
All Rookie First Team
QB - Matt Ryan, Falcons
RB - Chris Johnson, Titans
RB - Steve Slaton, Texans
WR - DeSean Jackson, Eagles
WR - Eddie Royal, Broncos
TE - John Carlson, Seahawks
OL - Jake Long, Dolphins
OL - Jeremy Zuttah, Buccaneers
OL - Branden Albert, Chiefs
OL - Sam Baker, Falcons
OL- Jamey Richard, Colts
DL - Chris Long, Rams
DL - Kendall Langford, Dolphins
DL - Quentin Groves, Jaguars
DL - Marcus Harrison, Bears
LB - Curtis Lofton, Falcons
LB - Jerod Mayo, Patriots
LB - Keith Rivers, Bengals
CB - Dwight Lowery, Jets
CB - Brandon Flowers, Chiefs
S - Chris Horton, Redskins
S - Charles Godfrey, Panthers
K- Dan Carpenter, Dolphins
P - Brett Kern, Broncos
KR - Brian Witherspoon, Jaguars
PR - DeSean Jackson, Eagles
All Rookie Second Team
QB - Joe Flacco, Ravens
RB - Matt Forte, Bears
RB - Tim Hightower, Cardinals
WR - Donnie Avery, Rams
WR - Jordy Nelson, Packers
TE - Dustin Keller, Jets
OL - Duane Brown, Texans
OL - Carl Nicks, Saints
OL - Josh Sitton, Packers
OL - Mike Pollak, Colts
OL - Kory Lichtensteiger, Broncos
DL - Calais Campbell, Cardinals
DL - Philip Merling, Dolphins
DL - Glenn Dorsey, Chiefs
DL - Trevor Scott, Raiders
LB - Alex Hall, Browns
LB - Brian Kehl, Giants
LB - Jordan Dizon, Lions
CB - Antoine Cason, Chargers
CB - Aqid Talib, Buccaneers
S - Tyrell Johnson, Vikings
S - Kenny Phillips, Giants
K- Tyler Mehlhaff, free agent
P - Durant Brooks, free agent
KR - Felix Jones, Cowboys
PR - Davonne Bess, Dolphins
2008 Rookie Class Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Miami Dolphins
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Houston Texans
5. Denver Broncos
6. Carolina Panthers
7. Dallas Cowboys
8. New York Giants
9. New England Patriots
10. Buffalo Bills
11. Tennessee Titans
12. Philadelphia Eagles
13. Seattle Seahawks
14. Indianapolis Colts
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Washington Redskins
17. Arizona Cardinals
18. San Diego Chargers
19. Cincinnati Bengals
20. Minnesota Vikings
21. St. Louis Rams
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
23. Chicago Bears
24. New Orleans Saints
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Oakland Raiders
27. Detroit Lions
28. New York Jets
29. Pittsburgh Steelers
30. Green Bay Packers
31. San Francisco 49ers
32. Cleveland Browns
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.