2011 NFL Rookie Hot List: Top 10 Rookie Performances in Week 1 of the 2011 NFL Season

This is essentially a Rookie Watch, which is a play on the Hesiman Watch for the N.F.L. Rookies. I’m looking for an even better name than that, which I hope to stumble upon. This is a feature that was started with the previous editor here at NFLmocks and I thought I would continue it because it’s a fun feature.

Here are the top ten best rookies so far…very early this season.

10. Phil Taylor, Cleveland Browns

I questioned the pick when the Browns made it, but he looked pretty good vs the Bengals on Sunday. 6 tackles from the DT position, which is impressive.

9. Tyron Smith, T, Dallas Cowboys

I orignially had Jimmy Smith slated here, but prefaced that with saying this is actually game I didn’t watch, because I didn’t want to be a liar. And then a reader let me know he got hurt and didn’t play past the opening kickoff. I did, however watch Tyron Smith of the Cowboys play vs the Jets and he was impressive. The Jets eventually found a way to generate pressure at times, but when Smith had a man one on one, Smith won the battle. The Cowboys look to have a very nice player for a long time in RT Tyron Smith.

(Previously Jimmy Smith, Baltimore Ravens)

I actually did not watch any of this game (It just got brutal too early for me to watch that game) so I feel guilty for putting Smith here, but he deserves mention (I believe). I was expecting a good day from Big Ben with the Ravens starting so much inexperience at cornerback, but he wasn’t able to get anything starterd. He also deserves a mention here for winning a starting job for the season opener. Smith is uber talented and will have a nice long career in the N.F.L….as long as he can keep his head on straight. 8.

7. Von Miller, Denver Broncos*

I live on the East Coast so I’m not sure I”m going to make it through the Broncos and Raiders game considering it’s still the first quarter and already past 11 o’clock. But early in the game Miller has a big forced fumble and a couple of tackles. Miller is part of the problem on run defense for the Broncos though, it seems, early. If Miller plays even better than he has so far I may move him up in an update.

Early he’s shown his explosive step. It’s Demarcus Ware-esque. The Broncos have themselves a weapon in Miller.

6. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Who? I’d put money on him not being here all season, but on the season opener he shined. 4 receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. He was actually the most productive rookie WR (statistcally) this weekend. But not the most impressive.

5. Chris Neild-Washington Redskins

The Redskins have been notorious for being bad at drafting for many years, but they look very good early. Neild had a huge game, even though his big game was in part due to an inability of the New York Giants to solve their communication issues in the middle of the line with two new starters (Diehl starting at LG if new, and David Bass from the 49ers). Neild had 4 tackles and 2 sacks. The only rookie player to have a sack in the first week.

4. Ryan Kerrigan-Washington Redskins

Kerrigan had a big game vs the Giants this past weekend, which was made even more impressive considering he is transitoning to a 34 OLB. Kerrigan made a great play to tip up a quick screen pass and then intercept it and return it for a touchdown. On top of that Kerrigan also had 5 tackles (at least 1 T.F.L.) and another pass defensed. Good game by Kerrigan.

3. Julio Jones-Atlanta Falcons

Jones had 5 receptions totaling 71 yards. He got three first downs and averaged 14 yards per reception. Not a huge game, but everyonme expects big things from Jones (with good reason). Jones is a monster in the run game too as a blocker (and in collerge on reverses).

2. Randall Cobb-Green Bay Packers

Cobb had the added pressure of playing in the debut game of the N.F.L. seaosn. Even though it was primetime, Cobb was able to step up and play big. Cobb had a huge return touchdown for the Broncos and also a 32 yard receiving touchdowns. He totaled 35 receptions yards on 2 catches. Cobb is in a great situation in Green Bay with a dynamite quarterback and a brilliant offensive minded head coach. I don’t think he’ll end the season number two on this list, but should battle to remain in the top 10.

1. Cam Newton-Carolina Panthers

The easiest decision one can make is to give this out to Cam Newton. Newton had a monster game. In fact he had the best game ever, statistically for a rookie starting quarterback or any quarterback in their N.F.L. debut. Newton passed for 422 yards and two touchdowns while completing nearly 65 percent of his passes and only 1 interception. He was also sacked four times.

Just missed the cut:

Akeem Ayers, Tennessee Titans, Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals, Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys (Expect all of them to be in this list soon).

Thoughts?

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