NFL Week Six 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 guys have been better than expected, some worse and some are doing exactly what we thought. Here are the best rookies from week six of the NFL season.
Quarterback
Derek Carr
Oakland Raiders
14th Overall Prospect, 2nd Quarterback, 1st Round Pick
Despite many people calling for a blowout, Derek Carr played a huge part in almost pulling off an upset over the Chargers. He was poised and aggressive pushing the ball down the field, tossing four touchdowns! He had some absolute dimes over the course of the game and continued to show off his immense upside. It is still a shock that the Raiders got Carr in the second round, but he is looking like the steal of the draft.
Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back for a pass against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back
Branden Oliver
San Diego Chargers
Unranked
Oliver did not have the explosive game he had the week before, but he still put up a very good game, grinding out tough yards and keeping the Raiders defense honest. He showed off good vision and leg drive during his runs and was able to get over the one hundred yard mark. With the talent he has shown in the last few weeks, it looks like the Chargers stumbled into a star.
Isaiah Crowell
Cleveland Browns
26th Overall Prospect, 1st Running Back, 1st Round Grade
First things first is that two fumbles in a game is a huge concern that needs to be addressed. Despite his turnovers, Crowell looked outstanding running the football again. He is a very talented and explosive runner which shows every time he touches the football. He needs to protect the ball, but the more carries he gets in the future, the better.
Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) carries the ball around Pittsburgh Steelers defense during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receiver
Jarvis Landry
Miami Dolphins
34th Overall Prospect, 5th Wide Receiver, 1st Round Grade
Landry finally had his breakout game against the Packers. He showed off his crisp route running and awesome hands. He had a gorgeous touchdown pass where Ryan Tannehill put the ball up in the air for Landry and he snatched the ball in a contested situation. He is doing what he did so well at LSU and the Dolphins have to be excited about a receiver with hands on their team.
Michael Campanaro
Baltimore Ravens
58th Overall Prospect, 7th Wide Receiver, Early 2nd Round Grade
Despite only catching two passes, Campanaro was able to make an impression with a fantastic contested touchdown grab in the end zone. He looked good in his limited snaps, showing off his fantastic route running and good run blocking. The Ravens would be smart to get Campanaro on the field more with his ability to get open and catch the ball.
Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Michael Campanaro (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tight End
Jace Amaro
New York Jets
59th Overall Prospect, 5th Tight End, 2nd Round Grade
Jace Amaro has arrived! After the coaching staff finally realizing they needed to put the ball in his hands, Amaro rewarded the team with a great game. Despite a drop, Amaro was the Jet’s best receiver, getting open at every level and hauling in a touchdown grab. Amaro is an awesome match up nightmare and the Jets need to take advantage of his ability.
Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) scores a touchdown defended by Denver Broncos strong safety T.J. Ward (43) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Tackle
Taylor Lewan
Tennessee Titans
43rd Overall Prospect, 6th Tackle, 2nd Round Grade
In his first start, Taylor Lewan showed off his immense physical talent against the Jaguars. He looked good in pass protection for the most part, but he dominated in the run game, paving the way and putting defenders on the ground. He still needs to clean up some technical things, but he looks like a bully on the field.
Justin Britt
Seattle Seahawks
Unranked
Britt had another good game despite a team loss against the Cowboys. Britt did not have an outstanding game in pass protection, but he had a very good game run blocking. He showed off an aggressive mentality and good strength coming down hill and pushing guys around. Despite how many thought at the time, the Seahawks have gotten a good player in Britt.
Offensive Guard
Joel Bitonio
Cleveland Browns
12th Overall Player, 3rd Offensive Lineman, 1st Round Grade
Another week, another good game from Joel Bitonio. While he did not match his outstanding previous week, Bitonio had another good game run blocking and did a decent job in pass protection. Bitoni has been outstanding for the Browns and I doubt this level of play falls off.
Greg Robinson
St. Louis Rams
18th Overall Player, 4th Offensive Lineman, 1st Round Grade
The former second overall pick finally got to see the field after spending the beginning of the season on the bench and he did not disappoint. Despite some expected deficiencies in pass protection, Greg Robinson was killing guys in the running game. His ridiculous ability was on display as he bullied guys into the ground. He still needs to clean up a lot of things, but his talent was on display and it was very encouraging.
Center
Jonotthan Harrison
Indianapolis Colts
Unranked
In his second start, Harrison did an outstanding job run blocking against a very talented defensive line. He moved well and showed off great strength pushing guys around in the running game, including a play in which he pancaked JJ Watt! This is outstanding progress being shown by the undrafted rookie and the Colts have to be pleased.
Interior Defensive Line
Aaron Donald
St. Louis Rams
46th Overall Prospect, 7th IDL, Early 2nd Round Grade
Donald had a decent game against the 49ers. He looked good locating the running play and moving quickly to the ball. He is a very smart player and that was on full display. Against the pass, Donald got manhandled from time to time, but was able to notch his first career sack. He has his issues, but Donald is having a good rookie season for the Rams.
Beau Allen
Philadelphia Eagles
189th Overall Prospect, 19th IDL, 6th Round Grade
One of the bigger surprises of the season, the Eagles defensive lineman is having himself quite a year despite being in a rotational role. He is making an impact against the run when he is on the field and even shows surprising explosiveness as a pass rusher. The Eagles have a good rotation up front, but they may want to find more ways to get Allen onto the field with the way he is playing.
Edge Defender
Khalil Mack
Oakland Raiders
5th Overall Player, 2nd Linebacker, 1st Round Grade
Mack had another outstanding game on Sunday. He generated an immense amount of pressure in the passing game, notching 7 hurries! (Per Pro Football Focus) As good as he was as a pass rusher he did a phenomenal job disrupting running plays. Mack has been outstanding and looks like a star only 6 weeks into the season.
Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) rushes for a gain against Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) and free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Lynch
San Francisco 49ers
75th Overall Prospect, 6th Edge Defender, 2nd Round Grade
Lynch notched another good game as his snap count increased. He is rushing the passer very well in his limited role. He is an athletic specimen and it is on full display when he can pin his ears back and rush. 49ers truly got a gem taking him later in the draft and he could make a bigger impact for the 9ers in the future.
Linebacker
Anthony Barr
Minnesota Vikings
94th Overall prospect, 9th Linebacker, Early 3rd Round Grade
Barr had a very good overall game for the Vikings. He flashed in all facets, showing off his speed in coverage, against the run and blitzing. Mike Zimmer has done a fantastic job of using Barr’s speed in space to maximize him. Barr looks electric attacking the ball and is an incredibly exciting player going forward.
Chris Borland
San Francisco 49ers
76th Overall Prospect, 7th Linebacker, 2nd Round Grade
In limited snaps, Borland had an outstanding game on Monday against the Rams. He had a fantastic game as a blitzer, using his strength and first step to create pressure immediately. He also looked decent against the run and pass. Despite his diminutive size, Borland’s strength and quickness could help him be quite the player for the 49ers.
Avery Williamson
Tennessee Titans
132nd Overall Prospect, 14th Linebacker, 4th Round Grade
In his second game getting a majority amount of snaps, Williamson had a fantastic outing against Jacksonville. He looked awesome coming downhill against the run, showing off speed and aggressiveness. His rangy ability was also on display in coverage as he looked very good there. Williamson is a feisty linebacker and should be seeing more starting time going forward.
Oct 12, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson (54) carries the ball after picking up a fumble against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at LP Field. The Titans beat the Jaguars 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback
Jason Verrett
San Diego Chargers
10th Overall Prospect, 1st Corner, 1st Round Grade
The man who brought Derek Carr’s great day to an end. Verrett had an outstanding day in coverage, almost shutting down his man in coverage the entire game. His feistiness and awesome athletic ability gave the Raiders trouble. He also had a good day against the run, being able to come downhill and make stops. To cap off his spectacular day, he picked off Derek Carr to avoid a massive upset. Verrett was knocked for his size during the draft, but there is no corner playing bigger than him right now.
Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) intercepts a pass intended for Oakland Raiders receiver Brice Butler (12) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
TJ Carrie
Oakland
Unranked
The 7th round pick out of Ohio had an outstanding game against an electric Chargers offense. He looked very fluid and aware in coverage and barely allowed the ball to be caught his way. He is way outplaying his draft position at a phenomenal level and the Raiders have to be pleased.
Safety
Terrence Brooks
Baltimore Ravens
66th Overall Player, 4th Safety, 2nd Round Grade
Brooks had another decent game in coverage, showing off his range and smarts. He had issues against the run, however, taking bad angles and taking himself out of plays. He is a supremely talented player, but he needs to clean up his angles before he can play at a truly high level.
Ha Ha Clinton Dix
Green Bay Packers
9th Overall Player, 1st Safety, 1st Round Grade
Dix has been getting better and better over the course of the season and capped it off last week with an outstanding performance against the Dolphins. He looked fantastic in coverage and even better stopping the run. He played smart and fast coming downhill and making an impact against the Dolphin’s running game. His versatility and athletic ability have been great assets to the Packers and he looks like he will be quite the player.
Rookie Of the Week: Jason Verrett
This was almost Derek Carr until Jason Verrett picked him off to prevent a comeback and seal the game. Chargers have to be excited about their rookie who already looks like one of the best corners in the league.
Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) celebrates with tight end John Phillips (83) after an interception in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports