Rookie Hot List (Rookie Watch): Is Von Miller Challenging Cam Newton?
This is our fourth installment of our rookie hot list, a play on the Heisman watch for the rookie of the year race. So far this competition has been dominated by Cam Newton has absolutely taking the league by storm. (Here’s our heisman watch, which Robert Griffin is currently leading). Can anyone challenge Cam Newton?
10. Jacquian Williams, LB, New York Giants
The third week in a row he holds onto the “under the radar” ranking I’ve designated the 10th and final spot for. Williams had another 6 tackles on Sunday vs the Cardinals as well as a fumble recovery. Williams had a temporary lead over Mason Foster for the lead in tackles for rookies.
9. Mason Foster
Foster’s 22 tackles (heading into week 4’s Monday night game) is second to all rookies, he trails Williams by three. He also has two sacks and a forced fumble.
8 .Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins
This is if he can get healthy. He hasn’t played much this year, but when he did he looked pretty darn good. Unfortunately he won’t play this week either because the Dolphins have a bye, how he does in the rookie hot list will depend on what he does after he gets healthy and returns after the bye week. Still even though he missed Sunday’s game and has only played in two games this year, he leads all rookie running backs in rushing.
7. Phil Taylor, DL, Cleveland Browns
The Browns defense has looked absolutely awful at times, but don’t blame that on Phil Taylor. 20 tackles from the defensive tackle position is impressive. Taylor has clogged up space and wrapped up ball carriers. Taylor also has a sack on the season. The Browns caught some flack for this pick, but so far it is panning out.
6. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons
He’s going to eventually find the end-zone I’m sure of it. It just hasn’t happened yet. Jones had a big game on Sunday going over a 100 yards for the first time in his career. His 342 receiving yards leads all rookies. Jones is an all around player and a great fit in Atlanta. He has size, speed, and he can block. He has been slightly less impressive than A.J. Green because he’s on a much better team and has much better surrounding offensive weapons and Quarterback play.