NFL Week 13 All Rookie Team
By Ben Natan
The best part about the draft evaluation process is finally getting to see the prospects make plays during a game. Some of the guys have been better than expected, some worse and some are doing exactly what we thought. Here are the best rookies from week thirteen of the NFL season.
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater
Minnesota Vikings
2nd Overall Prospect, 1st Quarterback, 1st Round Grade
Despite atrocious play by the offensive line that has got progressively worse throughout the season, Bridgewater continues to improve and display the poise that made him such a special college player. This week was no different, as Teddy stood strong in the pocket and dealt in the passing game. He played very smart and showed very good accuracy in the middle of the field the entire game. This was another encouraging game for Teddy and the Vikings should be thrilled with his progress.
Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) looks on during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back
Tre Mason
St. Louis Rams
229th Overall Prospect, 21st Running Back, 6th Round Grade
A bit of a product of great run blocking, Mason had a very productive game running the ball. He did a good job hitting the open holes and working in the open in the open field, busting an 89 yard gain on one run. Along with an explosive day running the football, Mason also contributed nicely in the passing game, picking up yards after the catch and notching a nice touchdown.
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receiver
Donte Moncrief
Indianapolis Colts
64th Overall Prospect, 11th Wide Receiver, 2nd Round Grade
Along with the rest of the Colts, Moncrief put on a show against the Washington secondary. His immense speed was just too much for the defensive backs and he consistently took the top off of their defense. Moncrief was one of the most gifted receivers in last year’s draft and this is just the tip of his potential. There should be many more games like this to come for him.
Nov 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Washington 49-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Davante Adams
Green Bay Packers
45th Overall Prospect, 7th Wide Receiver, 2nd Round Grade
This was exactly the type of game that the Packers needed from the rookie and he delivered. He ran well the entire day and his hands looked superb like usual. He played the catch point well and almost had an impressive touchdown grab. This Packers offense is so dangerous, and when teams try to stop Randall Cobb or Jordy Nelson, Adams is going to burn them.
Tight End
CJ Fierodorowiscz
Houston Texans
104th Overall Prospect, 8th Tight End, 3rd Round Grade
This rookie tight end class is very underwhelming this year, so the little things continue to get guys recognized. Fierodorowiscz did not contribute much in the passing game, but he had another strong game run blocking. Not that is was the biggest impact, but it was still an impact.
Offensive Tackle
Cornelius Lucas
Detroit Lions
168th Overall Prospect, 17th Tackle, 5th Round Grade
Part of Detroit’s Thanksgiving domination of the Bears was strong play for the offensive line and it started with rookie tackle, Cornelius Lucas. Lucas was always a wall to get around in pass protection in college and this game was no different. He absolutely bullied the Bears defensive line and made it easy for Matt Stafford to throw all over the field. Lucas still has his struggles in run blocking, but his presence was definitely felt on Thursday.
Ju’Wuan James
Miami Dolphins
105th Overall Prospect, 14th Tackle, 3rd Round Grade
James continues his strong rookie season with a big game against a talented Jets defensive front. James’ strength and length were huge parts of his ability to slow down the Jets pass rush and keep his quarterback clean. His play has been huge in the absence of Branden Albert and is helping the Dolphins offense stay competitive.
Offensive Guard
Brandon Linder
Jacksonville Jaguars
199th Player, 16th IOL, 6th Round Grade
Linder is playing very well right now and was a big part of the Jaguars offensive success on Sunday. Linder was outstanding is pass protection and let Blake Bortles make plays in the passing game. Linder has turned into a cornerstone of this team’s future. He is their best offensive lineman and a key to making that offense move.
Joel Bitonio
Cleveland Browns
12th Overall Player, 3rd Offensive Lineman, 1st Round Grade
Another good game for Bitonio despite facing one of the best defensive lines in the league. He did not have his signature day in the run game, with a few slip ups, but he continued to pass block like an All Pro. He and Joe Thomas are really keeping this Cleveland offense stable and they are key to the team’s future success.
Center
Corey Linsley
Green Bay Packers
Unranked
Aaron Rodgers is playing at a historical level and Linsely has been a huge part of that. Sunday’s game against New England was no different. He was outstanding in pass protection and played in the run game very well. His ability to keep his quarterback clean allowed Rodgers to pick apart the Patriots defense.
Interior Defensive Line
Aaron Donald
St. Louis Rams
46th Overall Prospect, 7th IDL, 2nd Round Grade
Donald has been nothing short of dominant this season and Sunday was no different. He destroyed the Raiders offensive line with his immense quickness and power. He wreaked havoc in the running game and made Derek Carr’s life hell in the pocket. Aaron Donald is a special talent.
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Schaub (8) is sacked by St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Ellis
Oakland Raiders
149th Overall Prospect, 17th IDL, 4th Round Grade
Despite his team getting blown out, Ellis still had himself a decent game. He was strong at the point of attack and was still able to clog up run lanes. He was not contributing much as a pass rusher, but was still able to impact the Ram’s rushing game.
Edge Defender
Khalil Mack
Oakland Raiders
5th Overall Prospect, 2nd Linebacker, 1st Round Grade
Like Ellis, Mack was still able to play a solid game despite his team getting blown out. He did a good job disrupting the run game, but did not get an opportunity to impact the passing game due to how quickly things got out of hand. This might have been Mack’s worst game of the season and he was still able to make a positive impact. That is telling.
Jonathan Newsome
Indianapolis Colts
181st Overall Player, 20th Edge defender, 6th Round Grade
Newsome has really come on lately and his game against Washington was another strong showing. He continued to show quickness off the edge and notched two sacks and some more disruptions. He had a decent showing against the run, but his best work comes as a pass rusher. The Colts should be excited for their rookie pass rusher. He looks like a good one.
Linebacker
Avery Williamson
Tennessee Titans
132nd Overall Player, 14th Linebacker, 4th Round Grade
Even though his team struggled overall, Williamson was still able to play a very good game. He did a good job diagnosing running plays and attacking the line of scrimmage to make stops. Not only did he defend the run well, he did a good job holding his own in coverage the entire game. Williamson has been a bright spot on a weak Titans defense this year.
Preston Brown
Buffalo Bills
Unranked
Brown is really playing well recently and has been a force in the middle of that Buffalo defense. On Sunday, he continued to show off his awesome run defending skills, consistently attacking the line of scrimmage and limiting the Browns running game. He did not have a great day in coverage, where he has played well this year, but he makes the list based on how disruptive he was against the run.
Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) carries the ball as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Preston Brown (52) defends during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Devon Kennard
New York Giants
214th Overall Prospect, 24th Edge Player, 6th Round Grade
Kennard is having a good rookie season playing on a weak Giants defense. Sunday, he made an impact as a run defender, doing a good job of diagnosing and get into plays. He is also making an impact as a pass rusher, as he did in college. He has been a nice player for the Giants. Definitely has a bright future.
Cornerback
EJ Gaines
St. Louis Rams
81st Overall Prospect, 10th Corneback, 2nd Round Grade
Gaines absolutely dominated his man in this game. He did a great job moving in man and zone coverage the entire day, allowed very little yards after the catch, had a pass defended and a pick. He was also able to play the run very well. The Rams have found a stud in Gaines.
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines (33) intercepts a pass from Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (not pictured) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Colvin
Jacksonville Jaguars
Unranked
In only his second game back from an ACL injury, Colvin put on a show and was a huge part of the Jaguars winning. He was good in coverage all day, moving really well and limited yards after the catch. His biggest play was picking up an Eli Manning fumble and bringing it to the house. That score was integral in the Jaguars comeback win. It is really exciting to see a rookie have games like these, especially after recovering from an ACL tear.
Nov 30, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Aaron Colvin (22) returns a fumble for a 41-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Safety
Deone Bucannon
Arizona Cardinals
96th Overall Player, 8th Safety, 3rd Round Grade
Bucannon may have had one of his best games of the season and unfortunately it came in a loss. Bucannon played very smart in coverage and was able to limit plays in his zones all day. He did not have a great day defending against the run, but his strong play in coverage gets him a spot here.
Ha Ha Clinton Dix
Green Bay Packers
9th Overall Player, 1st Safety, 1st Round Grade
Not his best day, but he still did a very good job in coverage limiting receptions when he was targeted. He was out of position a few times, but he played well against the pass. He had some strong play against the run, which is encouraging. Dix has been much steadier recent, which is exciting going forward.
Rookie Of the Week: Aaron Colvin
Only in his second game back from ACL rehab and he takes over. His strong play in coverage and his big scoop and score was the biggest part of the Jaguars pulling out their second win of the season. It is truly awesome to see this play from a guy in Colvin’s situation. I am looking forward to more big plays in the future.
Nov 30, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball in front of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Aaron Colvin (22) during the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports