The Rookie Report: Week 10
by Luke Paul Chandler
It doesn’t always matter what round a player was drafted, or if he was drafted at all.
The results speak for themselves after Week 10: undrafted free agents ruled. The offensive and defensive rookies of the week were both undrafted free agents, testaments to their teams’ dedication and patience with their development. The reason the Patriots and Colts are annually battling for AFC supremacy is because their drafts don’t end in Round 7.
While it may seem easier for an undrafted free agent to adapt to playing for a veteran-heavy team, it’s actually quite the opposite. In the case of both Green-Ellis and Foster, a spot was vacated by a productive veteran, and a drop off was not going to be accepted. Both players had to be ready to assume themselves into the playbook fully.
Watching the transaction wire, a handful of players a week are upgraded from the practice squad to the active roster. The time spent with the practice squad could get a player a feature role in the coming weeks.
Offensive Rookie of the Week
Benjarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots
26 carries, 105 yards rushing, 1 TD
The Patriots’ running game is without its top three backs due to injury and had to dip into the practice squad to activate Green-Ellis, a rookie free agent from Mississippi. New England’s ground game hardly missed a beat with him, and he formed a nice duo with veteran Kevin Faulk. Green-Ellis is a sturdy back without great breakaway speed, but he is able to churn out yardage similar to how Laurence Maroney does. He is more than just a power back, as he was kept in on some passing plays and showed good awareness in running his routes and in protection. If the injuries to Sammy Morris and Lamont Jordan linger, the Patriots need not worry as Green-Ellis has played like a veteran over the past month for the reigning AFC Champions.
Best of the Rest
2. Dustin Keller, TE, Jets — His 107-yard receiving game represents more than 40% of his total yardage on the season. The athletic Keller and future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre found a great rhythm Sunday against a Rams defense that is soft in the middle. Keller’s speed and ability to pressure the safeties was clear this week, and that could be a sign of things to come down the stretch for the Purdue Boilermaker.
3. Kevin Smith, RB, Lions — With his offensive line struggling to get him daylight this season, Smith has struggled. Once thought to be a rookie of the year candidate, his play has struggled. The workhorse Smith showed effectiveness against a tough Jacksonville front seven, where he was able to grind out tough yardage. As Smith’s season wears on, he should be fresh due to low carries, but he needs to become more efficient with the room he’s getting.
Defensive Rookie of the Week
Eric Foster, DT, Colts
4 tackles, 3 solo
All it takes is one play on some weeks, and for Eric Foster it came Sunday in Pittsburgh. On back-to-back plays, he stuffed Steelers running back Mewelde Moore for no gain at the one yard line with the game tied at 17 a piece. On the third down play, Foster was able to get good leverage to split a double team and slam Moore down near the line of scrimmage. His quickness was clear off the snap against the slower Chris Kemoeatu of Pittsburgh. With the trouble the Colts have had defending the run from the nose tackle position, Foster’s past two games have been a breath of fresh air.
Best of the Rest
2. Chevis Jackson, CB, Falcons — Steppinng in against a spread out Saints offense, Jackson had a huge day that included a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown and three defended passes. Jackson has excelled playing in the nickel all season, but he has another big test ahead of him this week in Denver.
3. Xavier Adibi, OLB, Texans — When starter Morlon Greenwood sprained his ankle against the Ravens this week, Adibi saw his first live action of the year. He was active against the run on the inside, and he showed good toughness and technique as he brought down the Ravens ball carriers. Adibi’s speed and tracking ability helped him greatly against a much more physical Ravens line.
Special Teams Rookie of the Week
Kevin Robinson, WR, Chiefs
4 kick returns, 105 yards total (36 long)
The Chiefs young roster has featured five players return more than one kick. When fellow rookie Dantrell Savage was thrust into the lineup at running back due to injuries, Robinson took over for him and performed well. A sixth-round selection from Utah State, Robinson had not been active until this week because he was on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Robinson looked smooth in and out of his cuts, and he was able to see the blocks form ahead of him. So long as Savage continues to be featured at running back, Robinson will be the primary kick returner.
Rookie on Rookie
Chevis Jackson, CB, Falcons vs. Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos
With the Broncos passing game picking up new strength in Cleveland this week, Royal was able to get back on track after a slow patch. Royal plays primarily at split end, but the Broncos will move him into the slot if the matchup is there. Royal’s ability to shake a defender with a double move doesn’t bode well for Jackson, who’s not as fluid an athlete. If the two are matched up in the slot, Jackson may struggle without a sideline as a natural barrier. Royal should end up having a productive day, even though the Atlanta secondary plays well as a unit.
Tough Assignment
Leodis McKelvin, CB/KR, Bills, vs. Browns Kickoff Coverage Unit
Since taking over the kick return job full time, McKelvin has been producing with little fanfare. His ability to reach top speed quickly and follow blocks makes him a lethal threat on any return. Ironically, the player who may cause the most trouble for McKelvin is the Browns equally dangerous return specialist Joshua Cribbs, who also excels on coverage units. Cribbs is the Browns top gunner, and he has been a dangerous force this year against his fellow return men. No matter how this matchup shakes out, it will be entertaining.
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.