2009 Impact NFL Rookies

This article was written after the completion of all Week 6 games and the stats reflect that.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Stats: 4 games (4 started), 56.8%, 894 yards, 3 TD, 6 INT, 65.5 QB Rating, 1 rush TD

Stafford got off to a bumpy start, but one thing is clear: the talent is there and his game should come together. Even with a pedestrian rookie QB Rating of a 65.7, I can say with some confidence that Stafford will be a good one in the league. He’s developed a great rapport with Calvin Johnson and allowed the Lions to vertically challenge the field on a consistent basis. He’s learned the playbook and the Lions haven’t had to handcuff themselves because of a rookie quarterback. While Stafford is still learning to read defenses and will need an improvement in decision-making, he should continue to enjoy success once he returns from injury and help create a balanced offensive attack.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 52.1%, 1035 yards, 5 TD, 10 INT, 56.7 QB Rating, 1 rush TD

The Jets’ rookie signal caller has played as the Jets have. It’s been an early season of two halves. The first three games went really well. Sanchez has looked poised, made sound decisions, and threw accurate passes. The Jets won each of those three games. Through weeks 4-6, Sanchez’s accuracy has fluttered and made a couple of poor decisions leading to 8 interceptions in that span. He looked like a product of perfect weather California, struggling under the winds of the Meadowlands against Buffalo. He rarely looked off safeties and locked onto receivers leading to tighter and more aggressive coverage. Sanchez has the intangibles and calm demeanor to play the position under the bright lights of New York, but it may take him some time to adapt to the weather of the Northeast. One thing’s for sure: the Jets offense will continue to live and die by his ability to protect the ball and get the ball into the hands of his trio of playmakers (Edwards, Cotchery, and Keller).

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

Stats: 6 games (2 started), 381 yards, 3.8 avg, 1 TD, 9 rec, 68 yards, 1 TD

Moreno has split the carries with Correll Buckhalter close to a 2:1 ratio this year. While Buckhalter has been more efficient, it’s obvious the Broncos want to feed Moreno the ball and run the offense through him. Aside from Week 1 (vs. CIN) and Week 6 (vs. SD), Moreno has consistently averaged near 4.3 yards per carry. He’s a back capable of doing it all and it’s no surprise why the Broncos’ coaching staff wants him in the game. While a number of rookie receivers are having good years, Denver’s Moreno could be the early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Stats: 5 games (0 started), 154 yards, 3.5 avg, 2 TD, 7 rec, 138 yards

With the injury to Anthony Gonzalez, the rest of the offense has had to step up to produce offensively. Running Back Donald Brown has been one of them. As a back-up to Joseph Addai, he has shown that he’ll be a great fit in this offense. He’s a triple threat in the backfield with his ability to run, catch, and block. His mediocre 3.5 average is respectable considering the state of the offensive line. To put it into perspective, starter Joseph Addai averages 3.4 yards a pop. Brown should continue to improve as he gets situated in this unique offense and finish the year with over 800 total yards from scrimmage in the reserve role.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Stats: 5 games (2 started), 175 yards, 3.9 avg, TD, 8 rec, 62 yards

With Westbrook hampered by injuries, McCoy has been a serviceable option out of the backfield. The Eagles are a predominantly pass-oriented team, so his carries have been limited, but he’s been effective in a couple games earlier in the season. From here on out, he should be splitting time with Brian Westbrook finishing the season with 600-700 total yards from scrimmage.

Glen Coffee, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Stats: 5 games (2 started), 183 yards, 2.6 avg, 10 rec, 69 yards

With Frank Gore sidelined for a couple weeks early in the season, the 49ers have turned to Glen Coffee to be their workhorse back. Gore’s absence has heavily affected the offense’s production, but on the bright side, Coffee has improved his yards per carry each week. With the Niners’ premier running back returning in Week 7, Coffee will take a backseat again, but should continue to receive between 10-14 touches per game as long as the Niners don’t fall into early holes in games throughout the season.

Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Stats: 5 games (0 started), 124 yards, 3.5 avg, 1 rec, 7 yards

At this point, the Cardinals just don’t seem committed to the run game and with its’ ineffectiveness, it’s easy to see why. Tim Hightower is getting the brunt of the work largely because of his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Still, the Cardinals need to continue to get Beanie into the game because his physical attributes are among the best on the roster. If he can have a break out game somewhere along the line, it could install a lot more confidence into the Cardinals locker room, exactly what team needs from its’ ground game.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans

Stats: 6 games (0 started), 19 rec, 289 yards, 15.2 avg

Playing through lousy quarterback play, first round pick Kenny Britt has shown why some called him the most complete and polished receiver in the draft. Though he has dropped a couple passes early in the season, he’s demonstrated his ability to run a number of routes and enough speed to stretch the field. As the Titans get better production out of their quarterback, so should Kenny Britt as he gets promoted to the starting lineup. 16 of his 19 receptions have gone for first down, a category in which he leads rookie receivers.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Stats: 6 games (2 started), 20 rec, 243 yards, 2 TD, 28.8 KR avg, KR TD

Percy Harvin has been every bit as dangerous as expected and the opposite of what naysayers said about him and his character problems. The Vikings have done a great job of getting him touches in a number of ways and he’s made the most of his opportunities with 3 touchdowns. Playing through injury, Harvin should continue to improve and start adding even more explosive plays as the year rolls on.

Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Cleveland Browns

Stats: 6 games (4 started), 16 rec, 278 yards, 17.4 avg

Massaquoi emerged on the scene in week 4 against Cincinnati, almost leading his team to victory. He’s supplanted all incumbents and solidified himself as the team’s best receiving threat. As a good route runner, Massaquoi will help either quarterback elevate their play. If the Browns get more consistent production from either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, Massaquoi will reap dividends, pleading a strong case for a spot on the All-Rookie team.

Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Stats: 18 rec, 296 yards, 16.4 avg, TD

As the third receiver behind Ward and Holmes, speedster Mike Wallace has done significant damage down the field. Through 6 games, he leads all rookies in receiving yards and plays of 20 or more yards (6). As Big Ben continues his career year, expect Wallace to continue to get consistent looks because he’s caught at least 2 passes in each game this season.

Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears

Stats: 5 games (0 started), 17 rec, 224 yards, 13.2 avg, 3 TD, 33.7 KR avg, KR TD

The Bears may not have any Pro Bowlers at receiver, but they added another burner to play alongside Devin Hester. Knox is one of the fastest players in the league and has found a way to burn defenders for 3 plays of 20 yards or more and 3 offensive touchdowns. Knox has also taken over as the Bears’ kick returner adding a 4th touchdown on special teams.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Stats: 5 games (4 started), 13 rec, 193 yards, 14.8 avg, 2 TD Maclin is a lethal weapon waiting to be unleashed. He found a way to get past the defense using his speed in Week 5 against the Bucs for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns on 6 receptions. In Oakland he was overthrown on a couple passes in which he got behind his defender. The Eagles will continue to incorporate Maclin into the offense more now that he’s shown the league what kind of speed he possesses and the damage he can do if you sleep on him.

Austin Collie, WR, BYU

Stats: 5 games (1 started), 20 rec, 228 yards, 11.4 avg, 3 TD

Coming out of college, Collie was one of the most productive and polished receivers in the draft. Lacking great size and speed, he fell to the middle rounds. Due to the early injury of Anthony Gonzalez, Collie stepped up and proved with great route running and strong hands that he could be a great possession receiver for the future. As Gonzalez returns to the lineup in the next couple weeks, Collie’s playing time will likely diminish, but it should bring the team great comfort knowing they have superb depth at the position.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Stats: 4 games (0 started), 12 rec, 235 yards, 19.6 avg, 3 TD

Nicks has had great production, showcasing his big play ability and consistent hands. Nicks has done a great job of getting open and finishing plays, but most of his damage this season has come at the end of games in so-called “garbage time.” That’s not to take anything away from Nicks as this type of production should come earlier in games as the season continues.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 13 rec, 158 yards, 12.2 avg

Pettigrew has done an outstanding job through the early portion of the season. He’s proven to be every bit a blocker as hyped out of college, but to me has flashed the ability to be a premier receiving tight end as well. Using his size and frame, Pettigrew has created windows for the quarterback to get him the ball and made the most of his opportunities. He looks a lot more athletic and fluid than his official timed numbers at the Combine would indicate.

Michael Oher, OT, Baltimore Ravens

Stats: 6 games (6 started)

Oher has been lights out for the Ravens. With Jared Gaither’s injury, Oher made a seamless transition to left tackle from right tackle and played superbly. The Ravens have still given him a little help now and then with a chip, but Oher could easily start at left tackle once Gaither returns and never look back. That’s how well he’s played through 6 games so far.

Alex Mack, C, Cleveland Browns

Stats: 6 games (6 started)

Mack is improving each and every game and proving why he was worth the Browns’ first round selection. If he continues to show this vast improvement from week-to-week for the rest of the season and adds more weight in the offseason, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber center in just a year or two.

Max Unger, OG, Seattle Seahawks

Stats: 6 games (6 started)

On an unspectacular offensive line, the Seahawks have gotten some nice looks at Max Unger, a versatile lineman whose future on the team could be at either guard or center. Unger has been a bright spot up front and has a long future with the team.

Eric Wood, OG, Buffalo Bills

Stats: 6 games (6 started)

Wood was one of the three rookie starters on the Bills offensive line against the Jets. The entire unit held their own against Rex Ryan’s pressure-oriented scheme. Andy Levitre starts at LG, Jamon Meredith at RT, and Eric Wood at RG. The trio may suffer through some growing pains as they work together, but have a lot of talent and potential for the future.

Aaron Curry, OLB, Seattle Seahawks

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 37 tackles (33 solo), 2 sacks, 2 PD, 2 FF

Curry has been everything he was advertised to be prior to the draft and is proving why many believed he was the safest top 10 selection in years. He’s playing with a harnessed passion, while not backing down from any challenge. Through 6 games, Curry leads the team in tackles and also adding a couple big plays including a pair of sacks and forced fumbles. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Curry develop into one of the league’s best linebackers very soon.

Brian Cushing, OLB, Houston Texans

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 48 tackles (28 solo), 0.5 sacks, 5 PD, INT, 2 FF

For one reason or another, Texans’ linebacker Brian Cushing hasn’t gotten much publicity through the first couple weeks. He leads the team in tackles and forced fumbles and is tied for the team lead in deflected passes (5) and interceptions (1). Cushing is doing it all for the Texans from playing the run, to covering tight ends and occasional receiver, to just bringing some new life to the Texans front 7. The defense is still near the bottom of the middle of the pack, but Cushing’s play is a step in the right direction. As of now, his play justifies why he was the first USC linebacker taken over the likes of Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga, who have both also been very effective this season.

Brian Orakpo, OLB/DE, Washington Redskins

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 20 tackles (14 solo), 3.5 sacks, 1 PD

Getting accustomed to his position as a Strongside linebacker, Orakpo has looked more and more comfortable as the weeks have progressed. As a fast learner, Orakpo is limiting his mistakes and getting after the quarterback well in his more limited opportunities. Look for Orakpo to make a strong push for DPOY if he continues to get chances rushing the passer from his position.

James Laurinaitis, MLB, St. Louis Rams

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 45 tackles (36 solo), 2 PD, 2 INT, 1 FR

Despite moving from one of the nation’s best collegiate programs (Ohio State) to one of the league’s worst teams (Rams), Laurinaitis has kept a positive attitude and continued to improve his game. He’s making the defensive calls for the Rams and leads the team in tackles. When the Rams selected him in the second round (35th overall), they found their middle linebacker for now and the future. His impact is already being felt in St. Louis.

Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay Packers

Stats: 5 games (2 started), 12 tackles (7 solo), 3 sacks, 3 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD

Some criticized the Packers for giving up too much in a trade to acquire Clay Matthews, but everything so far indicates that he’s been worth it. He’s already the Packers best outside linebacker, now officially starting over Brady Poppinga. Matthews leads the team in sacks and has a number of other plays behind the line of scrimmage. He has been great in coverage and also had the big play on Monday Night of the strip and fumble return of Adrian Peterson.

Rey Maualuga, OLB, Cincinnati Bengals

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 28 tackles (16 solo), 1 sack, 1 PD, 2 FF

Maualuga has done an adequate job at strongside linebacker for the Bengals, though a little inconsistent. He’s a playmaker with bone-jarring hits, but has also been assignment-unsure and missed a couple tackles. It is to be expected from him early in his career where instincts were one of his weaknesses as a prospect, but as Maualuga continues to get situated in Cincinnati, his blown assignments should continue to diminish.

DeAndre Levy, OLB, Detroit Lions

Stats: 6 games (3 started), 29 tackles (23 solo), 2 PD, INT, FF

Starting in the place of Ernie Sims, the former University of Wisconsin standout has been very impressive. He’s come up with a couple big plays, including a pair near the goal line in the victory against the Redskins. He also recorded his first interception on a deep zone drop against the Packers this week. The Lions will need to continue to find a way to get Levy onto the field, even with a solid trio of Sims, Foote, and Julian Peterson on the roster.

Louis Delmas, S, Detroit Lions

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 37 tackles (31 solo), 1 sack, 3 PD, 1 FR, 1 TD

Earlier this month, rookie Louis Delmas secured a Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for his spectacular play in September. He’s already gained a reputation as a hard-hitting, defensive playmaker in the Lions’ secondary. Delmas hasn’t recorded his first interception yet, but his play looks like that of a seasoned veteran. As he continues to learn the position, his positioning should get him more opportunities for picks and even more big plays. This missile has been one of a couple bright spots for the Lions this year.

Jairus Byrd, S, Buffalo Bills

Stats: 6 games (4 started), 25 tackles (18 solo), 5 PD, 3 INT,

Former Oregon Duck, Jairus Byrd was drafted in the 2nd round because of his nose for the football. Through the early portion of the season, his instincts are translating well to the pro game. He added two more interceptions in the big divisional victory versus the Jets, bringing his total to three. Byrd first entered the lineup due to injury, but has kept his starting spot at free safety even after Bryan Scott returned to full health. It’s a position we could expect Byrd to keep for a while.

Derek Cox, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Stats: 6 games (6 started), 34 tackles (28 solo), 4 PD, 2 INT

“Who is Derek Cox?” many asked on draft day when the Jaguars moved up to take him in the 3rd round out of William & Mary. Many will still ask that question, but 6 games in, Cox is taking large strides into answering questioners with his solid play. Cox is proving that he’s worth the price the Jaguars paid to move up to nab him. Starting in every game, Cox continues to improve and prove why he will enjoy a long tenure in this league.

Sean Smith, CB, Miami Dolphins

Stats: 5 games (5 started), 9 tackles (7 solo), 6 PD

Both Sean Smith and Vontae Davis have shown flashes of why they can be an elite tandem in the future. Both have made incredible plays using their athleticism to deflect and pick off passes, but have still been somewhat inconsistent. Smith has been the team’s starting corner since the beginning of the preseason and has been particularly impressive considering his size (6’3). Davis hasn’t been a starter, but gotten plenty of time in nickel and dime subpackages. The pair should continue to excel given their size and athletic ability once they get further adapted to the pro game.