1. Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III
Statistics: 67.1% completions, 2,193 pass yards, 12 TD, 3 INT; 93 rushes, 613 yards, 6 TD
Griffin came off his bye and absolutely shredded the Eagles defense, throwing just one incompletion in 15 attempts for 200 yards and 4 touchdown passes. Oh yeah, he also ran for 84 yards in the game. While Luck is putting up big yardage numbers and the Colts have a better record, Griffin has taken better care of the football, and has a sterling quarterback rating (101.0).
Previous Ranking: 2nd
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin
Statistics: 197 rushes, 1,000 yards, 7 TD; 27 catches, 319 yards, 1 TD
Martin's lost fumble at the goalline against the Panthers nearly cost his team the game, and while Tampa prevailed, it put a bit of a damper on his otherwise strong performance (138 rush yards, 23 receiving yards).
Previous Ranking: 1st
3. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck
Statistics: 57.1% completions, 2,965 yards, 12 TD, 12 INT; 35 rushes, 153 yards, 5 TD
Luck dropped back to Earth against the Patriots, though he did throw for over 300+ yards again (his fifth time), setting a new NFL rookie record for games with over 300 yards through the air. Luck has his team in position to reach the postseason, but will need him to take better care of the ball.
Previous Ranking: 3rd
4. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson
Statistics: 62.1% completions, 1,827 pass yards, 15 TD, 8 INT; 52 rushes, 189 yards
Wilson's season would be likely be good for considerable ROY talk, but RGIII and Andrew Luck have big names and put up ridiculous numbers, making Wilson severely underrated. Wilson also isn't necessarily asked to pass 30-40 times, as he has one of the league's premiere running backs in Marshawn Lynch behind him in the backfield.
Previous Ranking: 5th
5. Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson
Statistics: 180 rushes, 670 yards, 5 TD; 37 catches, 289 yards, 1 TD
After totaling 149 yards from scrimmage against a stout Cowboys defense, Richardson has pushed himself back into the conversation for the second best rookie runner. If it weren't for a slow start due to a preseason knee injury, he could very well be right there with Doug Martin in terms of production. Also impressive is the fact that Richardson has been able to do this despite opponents loading up the box and challenging a below-average Browns passing game.
Previous Ranking: 8th
6. Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward
Statistics: 37 tackles, 5 interceptions, 14 passes defensed
Hayward doesn't get a lot of the same recognition as some of the other rookies, but he's tied for second in the league with five interceptions, and is third in passes defensed.
Previous Ranking: 9th
7. Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris
Statistics: 184 rushes, 869 yards, 5 TD; 6 catches, 42 yards
Morris gets almost no publicity, as he's not even the best rookie on his team. Largely a two down back, Morris has been very productive in that role, but would do well to work on his pass-catching skills this offseason.
Previous Ranking: 4th
8. New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones
Statistics: 34 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Jones sat out last week's win over the Colts, and recorded just one tackle in their previous game against the Bills. Despite all that, he still is on pace for just under 10 sacks this season, and has also forced three fumbles.
Previous Ranking: 6th
9. Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin
Statistics: 10 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
I ding Irvin a little bit for the fact he's almost exclusively a situational pass rusher, but Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has utilized his speed rushing skills perfectly. Despite the fact I thought the Seahawks reached for him in last April's draft, he's clearly provided a major boost to their pass rush.
Previous Ranking: 7th
10. New England Patriots safety Tavon Wilson
Statistics: 31 tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 passes defensed
Wilson has shown great ball skills for a safety, and has also played well against the run. The Patriots had perhaps one of the best defensive drafts in recent memory, grabbing Jones and Wilson, as well as cornerback Alfonzo Dennard and linebacker Dont'a Hightower.
Previous Ranking: unranked
In the Mix: Jacksonville WR Justin Blackmon, Carolina LB Luke Kuechly, Cleveland WR Josh Gordon, New England CB Alfonzo Dennard
Showing posts with label Robert Griffin III. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robert Griffin III. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Buccaneers' Martin leads new NFL rookie rankings
When my initial rookie rankings debuted a couple of weeks ago, Doug Martin came in at #7. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and Martin has emerged as a front runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and has slid up six spots to take the previous top spot from Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III. For the rest of the rookie rankings, read below.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
2012 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
With 30 of the 32 teams draft positions now determined and the early entrant deadline has passed, now is a good time to unveil the second edition of my 2012 Mock Draft.
1. Indianapolis Colts - QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
With longtime franchise cornerstone Peyton Manning's health still in question after missing the entire 2011 season, the odds that owner Jim Irsay will pay Manning his $28 million roster bonus seems more unlikely by the day. After a front office purging that included Bill and Chris Polian, as well as head coach Jim Caldwell, it appears as though the Colts may enter full-fledged rebuilding mode. Luck is as low-risk a quarterback prospect you can possibly hope for, and should be able to start immediately should Manning not return to Indy.
2. St. Louis Rams - OT Matt Kalil, Southern California
The Rams pass protection was simply awful this year, as St. Louis quarterbacks were sacked a league-worst 55 times. 2009 first round pick Jason Smith has not been able to stay healthy, has struggled in pass protection when healthy, and the staff could look at moving him inside to play guard. The team also could use another pass-catching weapon, especially if Brandon Lloyd departs via free agency.
3. Minnesota Vikings - CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
Vikings defenders intercepted just eight passes all season despite having a very good pass rush. Claiborne has very good measureables, as well as fluid hips and solid ball skills that should make him a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in a couple of years. My gut tells me that the Vikings trade down from here, but if they do stay, Claiborne should be the pick.
4. Cleveland Browns - RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
Despite more teams employing two-back systems, Richardson is the best running back prospect of the past couple of years. Fast enough to break long runs, Richardson also has solid hands as a receiver, and is very good in pass protection as well. With Peyton Hillis likely done in Cleveland, this pick should be a no-brainer for Mike Holmgren.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - S Mark Barron, Alabama
The Bucs defense was atrocious this past season, and allowed a league-worst 156.1 yards/game on the ground. While Barron may only have average ball skills, he's a physically gifted, well-coached safety that is very strong in run support.
6. Washington Redskins - QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Mike Shanahan loves physically gifted quarterbacks, and everyone knows neither Rex Grossman or John Beck are not starting-caliber quarterbacks. The Heisman winner has shown improved mechanics, as well as a strong arm that is capable of throwing with touch when necessary. I'd expect him to start under center in week one.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
Jacksonville averaged a league-worst 136.2 yards per game passing this past season with rookie Blaine Gabbert under center. While Gabbert struggled to make reads and often had to check down due to pressure, he didn't really have a true #1 receiving option. Blackmon likely won't have the eye-popping Combine numbers that Calvin Johnson did, he's a solid route-runner that's physical enough to beat press coverage and is fast enough to be a yards-after-catch monster.
8. Carolina Panthers - OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
The Panthers offense was very good this past season, but undrafted rookie Byron Bell was forced into 12 starts this season at right tackle. While Bell wasn't terrible, Reiff is a safe pick that does a good job of anchoring against the bull rush, and has good footwork in pass protection, as all of Kirk Ferentz's offensive lineman seem to be.
9. Miami Dolphins - OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
New head coach Joe Philbin comes over from the Packers, and will likely bring both his spread offense and QB Matt Flynn from Green Bay. In order to have success in that offense, they'll need to improve their pass blocking, which yielded 52 sacks this past season. While Martin isn't the most physical blocker in the class, he has good athleticism and footwork, and should make be a solid compliment to Jake Long as bookends on the offensive line.
10. Buffalo Bills - DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
While there are questions about his motor, nobody doubts his physical skill set. Comparisons to fellow Tar Heel alum Julius Peppers are a bit of a reach, but Coples has prototypical size for a 4-3 defensive end. The Bills totaled just 29 sacks this season, and with new defensive coordinator likely switching to a 4-3 front, Coples (if still on the board) would make sense for Buffalo.
1. Indianapolis Colts - QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
With longtime franchise cornerstone Peyton Manning's health still in question after missing the entire 2011 season, the odds that owner Jim Irsay will pay Manning his $28 million roster bonus seems more unlikely by the day. After a front office purging that included Bill and Chris Polian, as well as head coach Jim Caldwell, it appears as though the Colts may enter full-fledged rebuilding mode. Luck is as low-risk a quarterback prospect you can possibly hope for, and should be able to start immediately should Manning not return to Indy.
2. St. Louis Rams - OT Matt Kalil, Southern California
The Rams pass protection was simply awful this year, as St. Louis quarterbacks were sacked a league-worst 55 times. 2009 first round pick Jason Smith has not been able to stay healthy, has struggled in pass protection when healthy, and the staff could look at moving him inside to play guard. The team also could use another pass-catching weapon, especially if Brandon Lloyd departs via free agency.
3. Minnesota Vikings - CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
Vikings defenders intercepted just eight passes all season despite having a very good pass rush. Claiborne has very good measureables, as well as fluid hips and solid ball skills that should make him a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in a couple of years. My gut tells me that the Vikings trade down from here, but if they do stay, Claiborne should be the pick.
4. Cleveland Browns - RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
Despite more teams employing two-back systems, Richardson is the best running back prospect of the past couple of years. Fast enough to break long runs, Richardson also has solid hands as a receiver, and is very good in pass protection as well. With Peyton Hillis likely done in Cleveland, this pick should be a no-brainer for Mike Holmgren.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - S Mark Barron, Alabama
The Bucs defense was atrocious this past season, and allowed a league-worst 156.1 yards/game on the ground. While Barron may only have average ball skills, he's a physically gifted, well-coached safety that is very strong in run support.
6. Washington Redskins - QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Mike Shanahan loves physically gifted quarterbacks, and everyone knows neither Rex Grossman or John Beck are not starting-caliber quarterbacks. The Heisman winner has shown improved mechanics, as well as a strong arm that is capable of throwing with touch when necessary. I'd expect him to start under center in week one.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
Jacksonville averaged a league-worst 136.2 yards per game passing this past season with rookie Blaine Gabbert under center. While Gabbert struggled to make reads and often had to check down due to pressure, he didn't really have a true #1 receiving option. Blackmon likely won't have the eye-popping Combine numbers that Calvin Johnson did, he's a solid route-runner that's physical enough to beat press coverage and is fast enough to be a yards-after-catch monster.
8. Carolina Panthers - OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
The Panthers offense was very good this past season, but undrafted rookie Byron Bell was forced into 12 starts this season at right tackle. While Bell wasn't terrible, Reiff is a safe pick that does a good job of anchoring against the bull rush, and has good footwork in pass protection, as all of Kirk Ferentz's offensive lineman seem to be.
9. Miami Dolphins - OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
New head coach Joe Philbin comes over from the Packers, and will likely bring both his spread offense and QB Matt Flynn from Green Bay. In order to have success in that offense, they'll need to improve their pass blocking, which yielded 52 sacks this past season. While Martin isn't the most physical blocker in the class, he has good athleticism and footwork, and should make be a solid compliment to Jake Long as bookends on the offensive line.
10. Buffalo Bills - DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
While there are questions about his motor, nobody doubts his physical skill set. Comparisons to fellow Tar Heel alum Julius Peppers are a bit of a reach, but Coples has prototypical size for a 4-3 defensive end. The Bills totaled just 29 sacks this season, and with new defensive coordinator likely switching to a 4-3 front, Coples (if still on the board) would make sense for Buffalo.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
My (Unofficial) Heisman Ballot
Although I don't have an actual vote for the Heisman (though it would be pretty cool), I'm giving ya'all my top five Heisman candidates.
5. QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
Statistics:
Passing - 261-373 (70.0% completions), 3,170 yards, 35 TD, 9 INT
Rushing - 43 rushes, 153 yards, 2 TD
Resume: Luck entered this season with all the hype, and deservedly so. Despite having a target on his back as "The Golden Boy", he performed exceedingly well. His hiccup of a game against Oregon (their only loss) is the main reason he's not number one on my list. Stanford finished the season 11-1, and will likely be playing in the Fiesta Bowl as an at-large BCS participant. The Heisman doesn't necessarily go to the player that will be the best pro.
5. QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
Statistics:
Passing - 261-373 (70.0% completions), 3,170 yards, 35 TD, 9 INT
Rushing - 43 rushes, 153 yards, 2 TD
Resume: Luck entered this season with all the hype, and deservedly so. Despite having a target on his back as "The Golden Boy", he performed exceedingly well. His hiccup of a game against Oregon (their only loss) is the main reason he's not number one on my list. Stanford finished the season 11-1, and will likely be playing in the Fiesta Bowl as an at-large BCS participant. The Heisman doesn't necessarily go to the player that will be the best pro.
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