NFL Rookie of the Year Race: Terrance West At It Again
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 draft class is having a major impact on the NFL season thus far. Which players can be called frontrunners for Rookie of the Year?
Terrance West – RB – Cleveland Browns
Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel get all the attention, but a big reason the Cleveland Browns offense has found success is because of their running game. A huge of part of that has been rookie Terrance West. Having carried the small school of Towson to prominence, he is used to putting a team on his back and with 204 yards and two touchdowns he leads all rookie running backs in production.
Kelvin Benjamin – WR – Carolina Panthers
All anybody could talk about with Kelvin Benjamin was what was wrong with him when he came out for the draft instead of what was right. The Florida State product is a freak of nature with his 6’5″ frame and huge wing span. He’s put both to great use for the Carolina Panthers. At 253 yards receiving he leads the pack by a considerable margin while also posting two touchdowns, good enough for second.
Anthony Barr – OLB – Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are going through some struggles at the moment but their defense has played well and a big reason for it has been the play of their 1st round pick, linebacker Anthony Barr. He’s proven his versatility from the start, collecting 17 tackles and a sack in three games. There are still growing pains to work through but there’s little doubt with his physical talent that Barr should be a fixture in Minnesota for a long time to come.
Kyle Fuller – CB – Chicago Bears
The same may go for divisional rival Kyle Fuller. First round pick of the Chicago Bears, the Virginia Tech product was expected to back up veterans Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings while preparing to become a future starter. Unfortunately an injury to Tillman has accelerated that process, but Fuller eased fears when he hauled in two interceptions in his first significant action as a regular starter. Never mind the other four passes he’s defended and the 12 tackles he’s made. It’s rare for corners to win NFL Rookie of the Year, but Fuller is certainly out of the blocks fast.