Most valuable rookie
As the 2009-10 season ends in the NFL, we have several very talented rookies vying for the honor of being respectfully called Offensive and Defensive “Rookie of the Year.” When the season started I had Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings as the clear favorite for the award, I must admit I was a huge fan of his during his college days at the University of Florida. Percy Harvin is by far the most versatile of all the rookies in the NFL, he’s capable of catching and running the ball while lining up in multiple positions. There are other players who are having an impact on their teams as well, like the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lesean McCoy, who ranks second among all rookies to rush the ball with 528 yards from the scrimmage line. Lesean McCoy also has 27 receptions and 206 receiving yards, which is the most of any freshman running back. Knowshon Moreno of the Denver Broncos is another player who has also been very productive in his short NFL career, with his 688 yards rushing he has outscored all other first-year players thus far at this point in the season. Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets has looked good at times as has Matt Stafford of the Detroit Lions.
Now let’s take a look at the possible nominees for the “Defensive Rookie of the Year” award, there have been some good players, some regular players, and some have been flops. But this handful of defensive players have made a huge impact not only on their respective teams, but on the NFL as well. Let’s start our conversation by talking about Brian Orakpo, outside linebacker for the Washington Redskins, he’s had a great year on a losing team, but his 7 sacks lead all players in that category. Another player with potential to be very good in the long run is Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, currently second among all rookies in sacks with 5. Clay Matthews’ former varsity teammate Brian Cushing, outside linebacker Houston The Texans have also had a great year like any other rookie with their rookie leading 99 combined tackles. Brian is also second among all first-year players with 3 interceptions. This next rookie isn’t getting a lot of press, but he has quietly put out some very impressive stats; I mean free safety Jarius Byrd of the Buffalo Bills who leads all first-year players with 8 interceptions. And last but not least to round out this fantastic group of defensive rookies is middle linebacker James Larenitis of the Saint Louis Rams, who has been very impressive on a bad team. James is second among all rookies in combined tackles with 85 and is also the leader among all rookies with 75 solo tackles.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin (Minnesota) Dark Horse: Lesean McCoy (Philadelphia)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Brian Cushing (Hou.) Dark Horse: Brian Orakpo (Washington)