The 2011 NFL season was quite a remarkable one for its rookie class. Without any pre-training camp workouts and no contact from coaches due to the lock out, many experts anticipated rookies to provide much less of an impact than they would in a typical year.
But instead of a season where rookies struggled, 2011 was a year where many rookies were the key play makers for teams across the league. It all started in week one, when Green Bay’s rookie wide receiver took over their opener with one receiving touchdown and one kickoff return for a score. From Carolina to San Francisco, rookies provided hopes for a bright future and made plays to power teams to the playoffs.
Which rookies stood out the most this year? In this article we’ll highlight the top rookie performances by handing out offensive and defensive rookie of the year awards for each conference, as well as putting together an all rookie team for the 2011 season.
NFC Rookies of the Year
Offensive Rookie of the Year
One of the most talked above moves of the draft was Atlanta’s decision to trade a multitude of draft picks to have the chance to take wide receiver Julio Jones. And while it was a controversial move (many have argued that the Falcons had much bigger needs on the defensive side of the ball), what can’t be argued is Jones’ talent. The former Alabama standout had a solid rookie season, catching 54 passes for over 900 yards and 8 touchdowns. Those numbers would be impressive for any rookie receiver, but considering that he was competing with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez for targets makes it even more impressive. With an offense that has the fire power that Jones and White can bring to the table, maybe the Falcons won’t need to worry about their defense after all.
When the Cowboys took running back DeMarco Murray, it didn’t come with nearly the scrutiny the Falcons’ pick did. Murray, a third round pick, was expected to split time with Felix Jones at best, and for the first part of the year that held true. But after Jones went down with an injury, Murray took over and made the most of the opportunity. In his first start, Murray ran for an astounding 253 yards. From then on it was clear that Murray should be the undisputed starter. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry over the season, and likely would have ended the year with 1000+ yards if not for an ankle injury, and seems to be the clear cut starter for Dallas in 2012.
The most dissected selection of the draft by far was the selection of Cam Newton by Carolina. No other prospect was analyzed more than Newton, and many felt he wasn’t worthy of being the first pick of the draft. By season’s end however, those doubts were erased. Newton put up staggering numbers: 4,051 yards passing, 706 yards rushing, and 28 combined touchdowns. His record setting season proved he is a guy that Carolina can build their franchise around, and that earns him the NFC’s offensive rookie of the year award.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
When San Francisco drafted Aldon Smith, they thought they were drafting a raw pass rusher with loads of potential. And perhaps Smith is raw, but he’s also shown that he is one of the best players on the NFC’s top defense. Smith recorded 14 regular season sacks, just a half sack shy of tying Jevon Kearse’s record for most sacks by a rookie. Smith was a huge factor in the 49ers having the NFC’s top ranked defense, giving up a mere 308 yards per game.
Buffalo was looking to solidify their defensive line when they took Marcell Dareus in the first round. And while Dareus’s numbers haven’t been as impressive as Smith’s, the overall impact has been very similar. The Bills needed someone to anchor their defense, and it appears that Dareus will be the man for the job. He’s had 5.5 sacks, which is the most from a Bills rookie in a decade. But more importantly than that has been his ability to fill running lanes and draw double teams from the offensive line, which will be crucial as Buffalo continues its transition to a 3-4 defense.
Like San Francisco, the Washington Redskins were looking for a playmaker on defense when they drafted Ryan Kerrigan, and so far they can’t be disappointed. Kerrigan racked up 63 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Kerrigan was a bright spot in an often dismal year for the Redskins, and with a full season of starts under his belt he should provide a solid foundation for Washington to build a defense around. But in spite of that, neither Kerrigan nor Dareus quite match the impact Smith had this season, and so the 49er gets the nod for NFC defensive player of the year.
AFC Rookies of the Year
Offensive Rookie of the Year
When you talk about offensive production from rookies in the AFC, you should look no further than the Cincinnati Bengals. With the exodus of Chad OchoCinco and Carson Palmer, the Bengals had to dedicate the first part of their draft to the offensive side of the ball, and so far it certainly appears that they made wise choices.
Quarterback Andy Dalton would probably be the talk of the NFL if it wasn’t for his rookie counterpart Cam Newton’s season. Dalton’s numbers haven’t quite been as impressive as Newton’s. He’s thrown for 3,398 yards and 20 touchdowns. But more impressive is his 9-7 record, which along with the Bengals’ wildcard berth is something that Newton can’t boast.
Dalton’s season couldn’t have nearly so successful without Cincinnati’s first round pick AJ Green. Prior to the draft, many people argued that Green would have been worthy of the number one pick. He certainly looked the part of a top pick this season, catching 65 passes for 1057 yards and 7 touchdowns. Those numbers earned him a Pro Bowl nomination and helped to land the Bengals a wild card berth.
One of the league’s best rookies has been severely under appreciated, but it’s not for a lack of production. The Oakland Raiders had been known to value 40 times over actual football ability, but they bucked that trend when they drafted Stefen Wisniewski, an offensive guard, with their second round pick. He’s helped open holes for Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, allowing Oakland’s rushing attack to rack up 131 yards per game, 7th best in the league.
Wisniewski has had a great impact on his team, but no offensive rookie has made quite the impact that AJ Green has made in the AFC this season, and that’s why Green earns the AFC offensive rookie of the year honors.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
The Tennessee Titans drafted linebacker Colin McCarthy to provide valuable depth at both inside and outside linebacker. It was quite a pleasant surprise for the Titans, then, when McCarthy filled in surprisingly well for an injured Barrett Rudd. He played so well that he claimed the starting spot for the remainder of the season, and has looked like a player that can start at middle linebacker for the foreseeable future.
Tennessee may have been looking for depth, but the Houston Texans were looking for an immediate starter when they drafted J.J. Watt. The Texans defense had been much maligned in 2010, and strengthening that unit was Houston’s’ top priority in the offseason. Watt hasn’t disappointed, recording 56 stops and 5.5 sacks in his rookie season, bolstering the Texans’ defense and helping to earn the franchise’s first ever division title.
Watt and McCarthy have been solid without a doubt, but there is no defensive rookie in the league that has had the impact that Denver’s Von Miller has had. It’s not a stretch to say that Miller has one of the top defensive players in the league this season. Miller recorded 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks this season, and turned the Broncos defense into one of the toughest units to run on in the NFL. His impact on the field, in addition to the leadership role he’s taken in the locker room, make him the AFC’s defensive rookie of the year without question.
2011 NFL All Rookie Team
Quarterback: Cam Newton, Carolina– Andy Dalton is a very close second, but Newton’s numbers speak for themselves.
Running Back: DeMarco Murray, Dallas– One of the most surprising rookies of the year, his 5.5 ypc average has him ahead of Felix Jones in Dallas’ pecking order for 2012.
Wide Receiver: AJ Green, Cincinnati & Julio Jones, Atlanta– Green already has his first Pro Bowl after one season, and there figure to be many, many more of these between these two receivers in the years ahead.
Tight End: Lance Kendricks, St. Louis– One of the few bright spots for the Rams, Kendricks should benefit for the more conservative offense St. Louis figures to run in their new regime next season.
Offensive Tackle: Orlando Franklin, Denver & Nate Solder, New England – Both early picks, these two have played early and played well past early expectations.
Offensive Guard: Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland – Good enough to have gone to the Pro Bowl this year, Oakland has a sold guard to lead the way for Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.
Center: Jason Kelce, Philadelphia- Mike Pouncey has gotten more press because of his name, but Kelce has started every game this season and played just as well if not better than Pouncey.
Defensive End: Marcell Dareus, Buffalo & Jabaal Sheard, Cleveland – Sheard had a surprisingly good, if inconsistent season, with 55 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
Defensive Tackle: Phil Taylor, Cleveland & Karl Klug, Tennessee– Taylor and Sheard will make a great duo in the coming years for the Browns, and Klug surprised everyone by leading Tennessee with 7 sacks.
Outside Linebacker: Von Miller, Denver & Aldon Smith, San Francisco– Two outstanding rookies that figure to be two of the leagues best linebackers for years to come.
Middle Linebacker: Colin McCarthy, Titans– A surprising impact player for the Titans, McCarthy made the jump from backup to starter at his first opportunity.
Cornerback: Patrick Paterson, Arizona & Richard Sherman, Seattle– Peterson made more of an impact returning kicks than playing corner, but he steadily improved in coverage as the season went on.
Safety: Chris Harris, Denver– Miller got all the attention, but Harris provided a valuable contribution on the Bronco defense as well.
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