Top ten steals of the NFL draft so-far in 2012 (1 Viewer)

[Bracie Smathers]

A list of the top-ten rookie steals from the NFL draft.

I knew some of the players listed but not all of them but I'm sure their are a couple of others not named.

Who else would you put on the list?

My link

1. Janoris Jenkins, CB, St. Louis Rams

Janoris Jenkins was considered a major risk in the 2012 draft thanks to his off-the-field issues, but it was well known that he was a special talent while playing at the collegiate level.

Thanks to concerns about his character, Jenkins fell into the laps of the St. Louis Rams front office in the second round, No. 39 overall.

Jenkins has shined as the starting cornerback opposite Cortland Finnegan. He has already racked up 24 tackles and an interception while playing sound coverage and being extremely physical against the run game.

While past character issues could arise at any point, so far so good for Jenkins and the Rams.

2. Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins

With the No. 173 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Washington Redskins managed to find a starting running back who is currently having a monster season.

Alfred Morris was not exactly a household name coming out of Florida Atlantic, and apparently he was not a big name in NFL offices around the country either.

Except in Washington.

Morris has carried the ball exactly 100 times for 491 yards and four touchdowns for the Redskins. He has opened eyes around the league as to the types of backs that may be available in the late rounds of the draft.

3. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks managed to find a starting quarterback with the No. 75 overall pick in the draft in Wisconsin's Russell Wilson, despite drafting him as a backup.

Wilson changed the minds of the Seattle coaching staff rather quickly.

While the Seahawks had brought in Matt Flynn in free agency, head coach Pete Carroll and his staff were impressed enough with Wilson to name him the starter before the season even began.

Wilson has thrown for 815 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions while leading a competitive Seahawks team. Not a bad selection in the third round by Seattle.

4. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

So far, Lavonte David has been a breakout star for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a starting outside linebacker, which is great news for the franchise, considering they nabbed him in the second round with the No. 58 overall pick.

David has been a stud, recording 33 tackles to this point and being a main component of the Tampa Bay defense.

Typically starters are not found in the second round, but the product out of Nebraska has managed to not only hold onto a starting gig, but excel at it in the process. The defense is taking a turn for the better in Tampa Bay, and David is a big reason why.

5. Bryan Anger, P, Jacksonville Jaguars

It's not often that a punter would be considered a steal, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are able to boast that thanks to Bryan Anger.

Anger, a third-round pick out of California, has been great so far, averaging over 50 yards per punt and downing seven inside the 20-yard line in only five games.

While the Jaguars were blasted for taking a punter so early, it was about the only thing the organization did right in the 2012 NFL draft. Taking a punter in the third round is frowned upon, but he's been a steal for Jacksonville nonetheless.

6. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

The closest competition Janoris Jenkins is going to get for the steal of the rookie class is Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict may not have been drafted, but he still belongs on this list as one of the biggest steals of the rookie class.

After being passed on in the draft, Burfict signed on as an undrafted free agent with the Bengals, largely because of his great relationship with head coach Marvin Lewis.

Once a top prospect, Burfict took a nose dive thanks to character and effort concerns, as he was known for taking plays off and committing silly personal fouls because he could not keep his emotions in check.

Now Burfict has erased his issues and worked his way into a starting weakside linebacker role with Cincinnati and has already amassed 25 tackles and a sack. He's the future of the defense in Cincinnati at the position.

7. Mike Martin, DT, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans made Mike Martin the No. 83 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft in the third round, and he's turned out to be one of the bigger steals on the defensive side of the ball.

Martin was a beast with an endless motor at the collegiate level with Michigan, but has only managed to earn a rotational role with the Titans so far.

Despite this, he has compiled 18 tackles and two sacks in five games.

Martin is quickly earning himself some more playing time and quietly beginning to stand out as one of the better overall players in the draft class

8. Billy Winn, DT, Cleveland Browns

Billy Winn has quietly earned a starting rotational role with the Cleveland Browns at the defensive tackle spot despite being a sixth-round pick.

The Browns have a stout defensive line, so given the fact a player the organization selected with the No. 205 overall pick has cracked the starting lineup is very impressive.

Winn has not posted eye-popping statistics by any means, yet his presence has been more than felt as he has applied constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks and been a force in the run game as well.

Winn is receiving more playing time than third-round pick John Hughes, which speaks volumes to just how great the Boise State graduate has been playing so far.

9. Jerron McMillian, S, Green Bay Packers

Jerron McMillian is not a widely known name just yet, but he will be soon thanks to his stellar play so far for the Green Bay Packers.

McMillian has been a force in the secondary for Green Bay when actually on the field, delivering big hits and playing sound coverage. He has a way to go before he catches the national spotlight, but he's an important piece for the future of the Packers defense.

Green Bay saw something in the safety from Maine and made him the No. 133 overall pick in the draft. For a fourth-rounder that is contributing this much already, he has been quite the steal.

10. Jamell Fleming, CB, Arizona Cardinals

Jamell Fleming fell to the third round of the draft where the Arizona Cardinals were happy to scoop him up with the No. 80 overall pick, and what a pick that has turned out to be.

Fleming only has 12 tackles, but his real value has been the things not recorded on a stat sheet such as sound coverage and run support.

With elite speed and the ability to change direction at full speed, Fleming has been a nightmare for opposing receivers and quarterbacks so far this season. By no means will he ever steal a starting gig from Patrick Peterson, but Fleming gives Arizona a serious one-two punch at cornerback for a long time.

 

[solorca]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

 

[duaneok66]

Wilson doesn't belong on the list; Legatron does.

 

[DiStefano]

Interesting that 7 of the 10 are defensive players, and one is a punter. I also think Legatron should be on the list, but it may be a little too early yet because kickers (and punters) play a limited number of snaps, which could lead to statistical aberration.

 

[solorca]

Interesting that 7 of the 10 are defensive players, and one is a punter. I also think Legatron should be on the list, but it may be a little too early yet because kickers (and punters) play a limited number of snaps, which could lead to statistical aberration.

Normally I would agree, but this guy is kicking 60 yarders. That has massive value to NFL teams.

 

[Vector]

I'd want to add Daryl Richardson. This should become more apparent next year though. I think he stays ahead of Pead and will be increasing his production as this year goes on. Jackson's future at StL is in question after this year and he needs to be mentioned in a thread like this.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

Good one.Kickers rarely get mentioned.

 

[Krilons Resa]

Alshon Jeffery was on his way until he got injured.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Alshon Jeffery was on his way until he got injured.

How high in the draft was Jeffery taken? I think the article was listing steals and it looks like outside of Janoris Jenkins that everyone was a third rounder or later. But since Jenkins was considered a first rounder but fell to the second and I do recall some mocks with Jeffery listed at the tail end of the first that he would qualify as well so yeah, thats another one who would have made it as well if he wouldn't have gotten injured.

 

[smapdi]

I think Cordy Glenn should make the cut. Bills got him in the 2nd round at #41. He won the LT job out of camp and looked fantastic the first few weeks before he was injured. The Bills did not allow a sack and had the best rushing average when he was in the line up.

6'6", 345 LB guys should not be athletic as Glenn is. He was all over the field making blocks for Spiller in the 2nd level the first few weeks.

The Bills are definitely missing him at the moment. He's out with an ankle sprain and the Bills' rushing attack has not been the same.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Great to see Wilson on the list. I would put Bruce Irvin, bobby Wagner, and Jr sweezy on it as well.

 

[mad sweeney]

I'd put Bobby Wagner on the list before Wilson and even he might not be the biggest steal of the Seahawks' draft. Wagner was a 2nd and is playing LB at a very high level. Turbin at 3rd may be the best later on and JR Sweezy started at guard despite being a 7th round pick. He'll be a very good zone blocking guard after some experience at the position since he was a DT in college.

I agree with Legatron, as much as his leg killed the Seahawks a few weeks ago. He absolutely won that game for the Rams. A dome kicker that can hit 50+ consistently could be a freaking MVP candidate almost.

 

[mad sweeney]

Great to see Wilson on the list. I would put Bruce Irvin, bobby Wagner, and Jr sweezy on it as well.

A first round pick, especially one rated for late 1st, early 2nd, cannot by definition be a steal.

 

[Gatorman]

No o linemen mentioned either. bad article.

 

[CalBear]

5. Bryan Anger, P, Jacksonville Jaguars

It's not often that a punter would be considered a steal, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are able to boast that thanks to Bryan Anger.

Anger, a third-round pick out of California, has been great so far, averaging over 50 yards per punt and downing seven inside the 20-yard line in only five games.

Go Bears! Not many punters had their own chant in college. (It's still silly to take a punter in the third round.)

 

[voiceofunreason]

Too early to say. A punter as a steal in the 3rd is pretty laughable.

Morons like Jenkins always start well while they are scared. We'll see in year or 2 when they are talking about cutting him.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Blair Walsh K, Vikings down?

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

I love the leg, but if you are a 6th round kicker you should be disqualified form draft steal lists. No disrespect to him, but there are only a couple handfulls of kickers drafted in the last 20 years.

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

Too early to say. A punter as a steal in the 3rd is pretty laughable. Morons like Jenkins always start well while they are scared. We'll see in year or 2 when they are talking about cutting him.

Oh brother. Considering when the list is compiled JJ is the obvious leader. Besides, how long is the averge NFL career? If the Rams get JJ his entire rookie contract that is a huge steal.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

A list of the top-ten rookie steals from the NFL draft.

I knew some of the players listed but not all of them but I'm sure their are a couple of others not named.

Who else would you put on the list?

My link

1. Janoris Jenkins, CB, St. Louis Rams

Janoris Jenkins was considered a major risk in the 2012 draft thanks to his off-the-field issues, but it was well known that he was a special talent while playing at the collegiate level.

Thanks to concerns about his character, Jenkins fell into the laps of the St. Louis Rams front office in the second round, No. 39 overall.

Jenkins has shined as the starting cornerback opposite Cortland Finnegan. He has already racked up 24 tackles and an interception while playing sound coverage and being extremely physical against the run game.

While past character issues could arise at any point, so far so good for Jenkins and the Rams.

2. Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins

With the No. 173 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Washington Redskins managed to find a starting running back who is currently having a monster season.

Alfred Morris was not exactly a household name coming out of Florida Atlantic, and apparently he was not a big name in NFL offices around the country either.

Except in Washington.

Morris has carried the ball exactly 100 times for 491 yards and four touchdowns for the Redskins. He has opened eyes around the league as to the types of backs that may be available in the late rounds of the draft.

3. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks managed to find a starting quarterback with the No. 75 overall pick in the draft in Wisconsin's Russell Wilson, despite drafting him as a backup.

Wilson changed the minds of the Seattle coaching staff rather quickly.

While the Seahawks had brought in Matt Flynn in free agency, head coach Pete Carroll and his staff were impressed enough with Wilson to name him the starter before the season even began.

Wilson has thrown for 815 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions while leading a competitive Seahawks team. Not a bad selection in the third round by Seattle.

4. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

So far, Lavonte David has been a breakout star for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a starting outside linebacker, which is great news for the franchise, considering they nabbed him in the second round with the No. 58 overall pick.

David has been a stud, recording 33 tackles to this point and being a main component of the Tampa Bay defense.

Typically starters are not found in the second round, but the product out of Nebraska has managed to not only hold onto a starting gig, but excel at it in the process. The defense is taking a turn for the better in Tampa Bay, and David is a big reason why.

5. Bryan Anger, P, Jacksonville Jaguars

It's not often that a punter would be considered a steal, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are able to boast that thanks to Bryan Anger.

Anger, a third-round pick out of California, has been great so far, averaging over 50 yards per punt and downing seven inside the 20-yard line in only five games.

While the Jaguars were blasted for taking a punter so early, it was about the only thing the organization did right in the 2012 NFL draft. Taking a punter in the third round is frowned upon, but he's been a steal for Jacksonville nonetheless.

6. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

The closest competition Janoris Jenkins is going to get for the steal of the rookie class is Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict may not have been drafted, but he still belongs on this list as one of the biggest steals of the rookie class.

After being passed on in the draft, Burfict signed on as an undrafted free agent with the Bengals, largely because of his great relationship with head coach Marvin Lewis.

Once a top prospect, Burfict took a nose dive thanks to character and effort concerns, as he was known for taking plays off and committing silly personal fouls because he could not keep his emotions in check.

Now Burfict has erased his issues and worked his way into a starting weakside linebacker role with Cincinnati and has already amassed 25 tackles and a sack. He's the future of the defense in Cincinnati at the position.

7. Mike Martin, DT, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans made Mike Martin the No. 83 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft in the third round, and he's turned out to be one of the bigger steals on the defensive side of the ball.

Martin was a beast with an endless motor at the collegiate level with Michigan, but has only managed to earn a rotational role with the Titans so far.

Despite this, he has compiled 18 tackles and two sacks in five games.

Martin is quickly earning himself some more playing time and quietly beginning to stand out as one of the better overall players in the draft class

8. Billy Winn, DT, Cleveland Browns

Billy Winn has quietly earned a starting rotational role with the Cleveland Browns at the defensive tackle spot despite being a sixth-round pick.

The Browns have a stout defensive line, so given the fact a player the organization selected with the No. 205 overall pick has cracked the starting lineup is very impressive.

Winn has not posted eye-popping statistics by any means, yet his presence has been more than felt as he has applied constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks and been a force in the run game as well.

Winn is receiving more playing time than third-round pick John Hughes, which speaks volumes to just how great the Boise State graduate has been playing so far.

9. Jerron McMillian, S, Green Bay Packers

Jerron McMillian is not a widely known name just yet, but he will be soon thanks to his stellar play so far for the Green Bay Packers.

McMillian has been a force in the secondary for Green Bay when actually on the field, delivering big hits and playing sound coverage. He has a way to go before he catches the national spotlight, but he's an important piece for the future of the Packers defense.

Green Bay saw something in the safety from Maine and made him the No. 133 overall pick in the draft. For a fourth-rounder that is contributing this much already, he has been quite the steal.

10. Jamell Fleming, CB, Arizona Cardinals

Jamell Fleming fell to the third round of the draft where the Arizona Cardinals were happy to scoop him up with the No. 80 overall pick, and what a pick that has turned out to be.

Fleming only has 12 tackles, but his real value has been the things not recorded on a stat sheet such as sound coverage and run support.

With elite speed and the ability to change direction at full speed, Fleming has been a nightmare for opposing receivers and quarterbacks so far this season. By no means will he ever steal a starting gig from Patrick Peterson, but Fleming gives Arizona a serious one-two punch at cornerback for a long time.

Good stuffI love that Vontaze panned out (as of now). Burfict is an overwhelming defensive presence when he wants to be.

 

[Donnybrook]

#2 RBs Bryce Brown and Darryl Richardson were 7th round picks.

Burfict would only be qualified as a steal of free agency.

 

[eaglezzz]

Robert Turbin and Bryce Brown

 

[Badgers Fan]

I was shocked when Burfict went undrafted. I was shocked he even dropped past the 3rd round. He can really play.

Hekker went undrafted, but the Rams via a 6th rounder and undrafted fa have given themselves a stud kicking game.

Once Lamar Miller becomes more polished, he'll be one of the biggest steals in this draft.

We don't have a big sample size, but Bernard Pierce looks great.

Vick Ballard could be revisited in a few weeks, we'll see what he does.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

I love the leg, but if you are a 6th round kicker you should be disqualified form draft steal lists. No disrespect to him, but there are only a couple handfulls of kickers drafted in the last 20 years.

Absurd. Kickers don't get drafted yet they did draft him and he is the best kicker in the league - strength, accuracy unparalleled. I am a Rams fan and wouldn't hesitate to tell you that right now he is our best offensive weapon.

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

I love the leg, but if you are a 6th round kicker you should be disqualified form draft steal lists. No disrespect to him, but there are only a couple handfulls of kickers drafted in the last 20 years.

Absurd. Kickers don't get drafted yet they did draft him and he is the best kicker in the league - strength, accuracy unparalleled. I am a Rams fan and wouldn't hesitate to tell you that right now he is our best offensive weapon.

I am a Rams fan as well and he has given us a win off his leg. With that said, I stand by my theory that in order to be a steal of a draft it directly relates to where they were drafted. Since very few kickers are ever drafted is he a "steal" being drafted in the 6th round? My gut says no but maybe this guy changes the way kickers are viewed. he is clearly a step above everyone else. He's Seabass without the innaccuracy.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Andrew Luck

 

[BRONG]

I'm most surprised by Vontaze. What a turnaround. He was a mess there at the end. That's what money will do.

Once he gets paid...sell, sell, SELL.

 

[UKColt]

He hasn't played yet, but I think Josh Chapman may turn out to be a bargain for the Colts in the 5th round. He only dropped that far because of the knee injury and I think he's one of the top NT's from this draft. Have also been really impressed with Dwayne Allen. Far more than I have by Fleener, who was taken an entire round before him.

Agree with Burfict, disagree with Wilson. He hasn't done anything to suggest he's anything other than a mid-round guy. Legatron should definitely be there.

 

[FUBAR]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

I love the leg, but if you are a 6th round kicker you should be disqualified form draft steal lists. No disrespect to him, but there are only a couple handfulls of kickers drafted in the last 20 years.

Absurd. Kickers don't get drafted yet they did draft him and he is the best kicker in the league - strength, accuracy unparalleled. I am a Rams fan and wouldn't hesitate to tell you that right now he is our best offensive weapon.

I am a Rams fan as well and he has given us a win off his leg. With that said, I stand by my theory that in order to be a steal of a draft it directly relates to where they were drafted. Since very few kickers are ever drafted is he a "steal" being drafted in the 6th round? My gut says no but maybe this guy changes the way kickers are viewed. he is clearly a step above everyone else. He's Seabass without the innaccuracy.

What happened to the 'robo-punter" thread? What's robo-kicker worth? Seems more than a 6th.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Too early to say. A punter as a steal in the 3rd is pretty laughable.

Morons like Jenkins always start well while they are scared. We'll see in year or 2 when they are talking about cutting him.

OK, you have a point that the third round wouldn't be considered a 'steal' for a punter but he is doing exceptionally well.My link

Q&A with Gene Smith: News is bad in almost all areas for Jaguars

Jags' general manager says team has to show more consistency overall

Posted: October 13, 2012 - 8:21pm | Updated: October 14, 2012 - 8:25am

... Suffice to say, the kicking and punting game have been bright spots. You made an unconventional move by drafting punter Bryan Anger in the third round. The Jaguars lead the NFL in punt average and are third in net punting. Has he exceeded expectations?

“He’s been what we thought he would be — a weapon. Because of the competitive balance that exists in the NFL, a punter can clearly make a difference. Bryan not only has an explosive leg to change field position, but he can be very effective playing the ball inside the 20-yard line.”

 

[Bracie Smathers]

No o linemen mentioned either. bad article.

I think Cordy Glenn would probably be the top name if he hadn't gotten injured.He was playing tremendously well at OLT and he was taken in the second round. Also the Browns ORT Mitchell Schwartz is realling coming on strong on the right side but I wouldn't consider a high round two pick a 'steal' for a solid right tackle. He's come on strong and he's started from day-one which is an excellent value but probably not what I'd condsider a 'steal' like a shut-down caliber CB like Janoris Jenkins in the second round.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Dwayne Allen

 

[champ24]

"Typically starters are not found in the second round"

I made it that far.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Dwayne Allen

He has started to come on over the last two games but I don't think he's there yet and then Fleener is there so I'm not sure if he's going to get many more targets.Bobby Wagner is a guy who also has come on strong lately but he's not sharing the middle LB spot and is getting more responsibilities on third down so thats a good name.

 

[Sea Duck]

Great to see Wilson on the list. I would put Bruce Irvin, bobby Wagner, and Jr sweezy on it as well.

Irvin can't be considered a "steal" because he was drafted too high to begin with. He's playing about as well as you would expect for being drafted 15th overall.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I think Russell Wilson belongs on any draft-steal list for this season.

Very few QBs are drafted late to become starters from game-one and then win and show progress so I think he belongs.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

I love the leg, but if you are a 6th round kicker you should be disqualified form draft steal lists. No disrespect to him, but there are only a couple handfulls of kickers drafted in the last 20 years.

Jason Hanson was a steal in the second round for the LIons. But technically that was 21 years ago, and he is still NAILS from inside 55. Was there ever a doubt as he was lining up that game winner in philly.Dude is still ICE at 42 years old. Unreal really.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

gross punting average:

51.3 Bryan Anger, Jacksonville

51.2 Thomas Morstead, New Orleans

51.0 Brandon Fields, Miami

50.7 Jon Ryan, Seattle

49.9 Mike Scifres, San Diego

49.3 Mat McBriar, Philadelphia

49.2 Shane Lechler, Oakland

49.0 Johnny Hekker, St. Louis

48.5 Brett Kern, Tennessee

48.5 Chas Henry, Philadelphia

from today's kickerology blog.

 

[Warpig]

Too early to say. A punter as a steal in the 3rd is pretty laughable. Morons like Jenkins always start well while they are scared. We'll see in year or 2 when they are talking about cutting him.

It was a genius pick by Gene Smith. Why use that pick to get an offensive weapon like a WR (T.Y. Hilton) or TE (Dwayne Allen) or QB (RUSSELL FREAKING WILSON!!!) when you can take your punter there since you know your offense won't be able to move the ball. Anger will be their MVP.

 

[Ahmad Rashad]

No Greg Zuerlein? It's rare that a kicker is good enough to make a difference, but the Rams are winning games because of his leg distance.

Good one.Kickers rarely get mentioned.

Blair Walsh is another 6th round kicker winning games for his team with a huge leg -- touchbacks as well as FG's.Josh Robinson from the 3rd round has been a solid corner for the Vikes, saving several TD's, hitting hard, and getting a pick. Fastest player in the draft is one of the fastest in the NFL, and that speed and tackling/coverage ability has prevented long scores while he's been in.

 

[FantasyFiend21]

Jayron Hosley CB Giants...Next great find by Jerry Reese, absolute monster off corner blitzes, look for him to improve with more snaps & learning from a wonderful core of players.

TY Hilton WR Colts...has the playmaker ability of a Cobb/Sproles out of the backfield. Will only continue to grow with Andrew Luck, absolute stud for Dynasty Leaguers

Chris Givens WR Rams...Showing already in the NFL how true a home run hitter he is. Similar to Torrey Smith, as he works on his routes the sky is the limit while he develops rapport with Bradford.

Blair Walsh K Vikings...Not much analysis on a kicker here, but his numbers are speaking for himself while taking a backseat to Legatron in fantasy hype circles.

 

[Utter Chaos]

The Cleveland Browns taking Josh Gordon in the second round of the Supplemental draft is looking pretty good the last couple of weeks.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

The Cleveland Browns taking Josh Gordon in the second round of the Supplemental draft is looking pretty good the last couple of weeks.

I was just thinking the same thought while scrolling down this page.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

The Cleveland Browns taking Josh Gordon in the second round of the Supplemental draft is looking pretty good the last couple of weeks.

I was just thinking the same thought while scrolling down this page.

LOL, I'm a huge Browns fan and completely spaced out and forgot about Josh Gordon.Good one and he would qualify as a steal if he continues to develop into a #1 WR. Can't believe I forgot Gordon.

 

[duaneok66]

The Cleveland Browns taking Josh Gordon in the second round of the Supplemental draft is looking pretty good the last couple of weeks.

I was just thinking the same thought while scrolling down this page.

LOL, I'm a huge Browns fan and completely spaced out and forgot about Josh Gordon.Good one and he would qualify as a steal if he continues to develop into a #1 WR. Can't believe I forgot Gordon.

Bracie you are a pro - easy to forget Josh since wasnt a part of the main draft.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

A top ten under rated rookie list from a few days ago that fits in with this thread and follows up on how some of the underated and lower rated rookies who have suprised are doing.

We know about the skill position players because they get talked up quite a bit and some of the others have been mentioned like Burfict and Legatron but its good to see guys like Cordy Glenn get props and I have noticed the GB CB Casey Hayward start to come around and Billy Wynn has flashed.

We spend so much time going over possible rookies in the off-season but get so few updates during the season especially on fantasy boards where everyone seems to seeking out obscure skills players who likely have little long term value that its interesting, to me, to hear and see as many updates on rookies as possible DURING the season.

When the season is over their is the bowl games and mocks start popping up like crab grass all over the place but during the season people have too narrow a focus on their specific fantasy teams that they tend to forget the bigger picture and how the rookies are performing. To be honest the second the fantasy season is over I will probably dump most of the guys on the end of my fantasy bench and will be hyper focused on next year's NFL draft and will completely miss out on how some of the rookies who were not high profile guys have performed so I am making an effort to try and keep up with them so here's another update on how some of the top performing rookies, guys who weren't taken in the first round, have done so far.

My link

10 underrated rookies shining in the NFL

By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

October 31, 2012 4:20 pm ET

Wins in the NFL often correlate with whether or not teams' draft classes were successful. Not just the top picks and first rounders, but also a team's ability to find underrated talents in the mid-to-later rounds.

While finding an Arian Foster (undrafted) or Tom Brady (sixth round) is rare, each draft class has prospects who seem to slip through the cracks on draft weekend, but months later are starting and contributing in the NFL as first-year players. And although the 2012 season is just half over, a few hidden gems are starting to shine.

For the Rams, running back Daryl Richardson, who was drafted with the second-to-last pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, has far surpassed expectations, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. With marginal size and strength, Richardson slipped down draft boards, but he is just 68 yards behind Steven Jackson for the team-lead in rushing, despite nearly half as many carries.

There are numerous examples of rookies exceeding expectations around the league like Richardson, but here are 10 notable first-year players who were also overlooked on draft weekend and have impressed through the first half of the season. Time will tell if they can keep up the pace, but their hot starts have teams optimistic about their NFL futures.

Several of the players listed below were projected as rookie standouts by Senior Analyst Rob Rang as part of his "Finding the Fits" series.

(Players are in alpha order)

1. Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict (undrafted, Arizona State): Assigned a special-teams role in training camp, Burfict has grabbed a starting outside linebacker spot by toning down his on- and off-field antics and turning up his focus thanks to Ray Lewis' former locker room mentor, Marvin Lewis.

2. Bills OT Cordy Glenn (second round, 41st overall, Georgia): A potential first-rounder a year ago, Glenn dropped to the second round because most viewed him as a guard-only prospect. However, the former Georgia product earned the Bills' starting left tackle position in the preseason and started the first four games there. Although he's missed the last few games with an injury, the coaches believe Glenn is the answer to Buffalo's search for a legit left tackle. Rang agreed.

3. Browns WR Josh Gordon (second round, supplemental draft): A highly controversial second-round selection in the July supplemental draft, Gordon has emerged as arguably the best big-play rookie receiver in the league. Gordon has only caught 17 passes through eight games but is averaging 22.3 yards per catch and leads all rookie pass-catchers with four touchdowns.

4. Packers CB Casey Hayward (second round, 62nd overall, Vanderbilt): Despite Packers' general manager Ted Thompson spending his NFL career as a player mostly at linebacker and special teams he's done an extraordinary job over his career of finding playmaking defensive backs. Hayward, a second round pick out of Vanderbilt, currently leads all rookies in both passes defended (11) and interceptions (four).

5. Colts WR T.Y. Hilton (third round, 92nd overall, Florida International): Although he has yet to start a game this season, Hilton, who was drafted in the third round, has impressed coaches with his playmaking ability with 18 catches for 253 yards, averaging a team-best 14.1 yards per reception. He fell on draft day because of durability concerns with his marginal size (5-9, 183), but Hilton's explosiveness has fans and coaches excited. This explosiveness was a primary reason why Hilton was projected as an excellent fit with the Colts by Rang entering the season.

6. Redskins RB Alfred Morris (sixth round, 173rd overall, Florida Atlantic): Mike Shanahan has made a career out of turning "second tier" running backs into stars. In Morris, he appears to have another. Morris, who played his collegiate ball at Florida Atlantic, was pegged by some scouts as too slow to be successful at running back in the NFL and projected to fullback. He has proven to be a perfect fit in the Redskins' one-cut scheme. He leads all rookies with 717 rushing yards, which ranks third in the NFL behind only Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch.

7. Ravens K Justin Tucker (undrafted, Texas): After an up-and-down collegiate career at Texas, Tucker has emerged as one of the more reliable kickers as just a rookie with a 93.3 percent conversion rate so far. Tucker, who is the grandson of former Alabama linebacker Paul Tucker, has already earned the respect of his teammates. "Tucker's different from every other kicker," Ravens safety Bernard Pollard said. "He belongs in this locker room."

8. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (third round, 75th overall, Wisconsin): Most believed the Seahawks signing Matt Flynn was a strong signal that they'd found their starting quarterback in the offseason. When Flynn wasn't healthy to start the season, head coach Pete Carroll made it clear the competition talk was more than a motivational ploy. Wilson won the starting job by outplaying Flynn and incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson (subsequently traded to Buffalo). He joins the Redskins' Robert Griffin III as the only rookie quarterback to currently have thrown more touchdowns (10) than interceptions (eight).

9. Browns DT Billy Winn (sixth round, 205th overall, Boise State): Winn, projected to be a top-100 pick, fell out of the top 200 on draft weekend and landed in Cleveland as a sixth-rounder. With Browns' incumbent defensive tackle starters Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin plagued by injuries, Winn has started the first eight games of the season and surpassed coaches' expectations, recording the first sack of his career last week.

10. Rams K Greg Zuerlein (sixth round, 171st overall, Missouri Western State): If there is such a thing as a rookie kicker sensation, Zuerlein, or better known as "Greg the Leg" or "Legatron," is it. He was perfect through the first five games, including 15 straight to begin his NFL career, and has converted five field goals of 50-plus yards with makes of 56, 58 and 60. One of his three misses on the season, which would have set a field goal distance record, was a 66-yard attempt. Zuerlein's talent, as well as Rams' head coach Jeff Fisher's willingness to try long kicks, made him an intriguing fit for St. Louis.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Saw a couple of rookie-story blurbs and thought I'd pass them along for anyone interested in how some of the rooks have been doing.

ESPN's Matt Williamson posted on Insider article on his NFL All-Rookie squad at the midpoint and I wouldn't share an Insider article if I had access, which I don't, but he shared part of his All-Rookie squad with the AFCN ESPN blogger and mentions those rookies who made it from the AFC North division.

I don't think it is a surprise but three Cleveland rookies made the list and only one Cincinnatti rookie made it. He's today's ESPN AFCN blog post that lists the players.

My link

Matt Williamson from ESPN.com does an excellent job in tracking rookies all season. That's why his Midseason All-Rookie team is as solid as they come.

It's an Insider piece, so you'll need a subscription to look at the entire team. But I have received clearance to pass along that three Browns were selected: running back Trent Richardson, wide receiver Josh Gordon and offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz. There was only one other AFC North rookie to make the team, Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler.

Williamson chose Richardson over Tampa Bay's Doug Martin, which likely will stir up some debate. "Choosing between Richardson and Martin was really splitting hairs, but I let the fact that I think Richardson will soon rival Adrian Peterson as the best running back in the NFL sway me just a bit," Williamson wrote.

Here are rookies from the division who received honorable mention: Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden, Ravens offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele, Browns defensive tackle Billy Winn, Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict and Ravens kicker Justin Tucker.

Just checked the other blogs and this is the only one that gives any names from the article but we can probably guess.SI has an article on the 'surprises and dissapointments' from this last draft.

My link

Early surprises, disappointments from 2012 draft class

Well Worth the Pick

• Chandler Jones, DE, Patriots (No. 21 overall)/Dont’a Hightower, LB, Patriots (No. 25): The Patriots dealt their way into the 21st and 25th overall picks in April, then used both of them to shore up their defense.

So far, all of those decisions have paid off in a big way. Hightower missed two games with a hamstring injury, but he’s recorded 22 tackles and two sacks this season, while starting five games.

Jones, meanwhile, has to be in the mix for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His six sacks lead the way for rookies, and he’s provided a dynamic pass-rushing piece on the end of New England’s defensive line. Jones faced a tough task trying to step in and replace the 2011 production of Andre Carter. He has answered the bell and been downright unstoppable at times.

• Lavonte David, LB, Buccaneers (No. 58): While we’re on the subject of possible Defensive ROY candidates …

David was the third of three high-impact draft picks Tampa Bay made this year — Mark Barron at No. 7 and spectacular running back Doug Martin at 31 being the other two. As solid as Barron has been, there is no way to overlook the impact David has made so far. He leads the Buccaneers in tackles with 67 and racked up 16 in a Week 8 win over Oakland.

• Casey Hayward, CB, Packers (No. 62): The Packers’ pass defense has been better than most people think this season, and the quick emergence of Hayward is a key reason why.

The ex-Vanderbilt star picked off four passes over the season’s first half, including two during a surprisingly easy win at Houston. Even more importantly, opposing receivers simply are not catching balls when he’s covering them. According to Pro Football Focus, 21 of 39 passes thrown Hayward’s direction have resulted in incompletions or interceptions, and quarterbacks have a dismal 25.5 rating on those plays.

Hayward picked off 13 passes over his final two years of college ball, so the Packers knew they were getting a potential playmaker. But he has to be exceeding their wildest dreams to this point.

• Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks (No. 75): You could make the case that Wilson is the third-best 2012 Seattle draft pick thus far, behind first-rounder Bruce Irvin (he’s proven a lot of people wrong, including yours truly) and second-round LB Bobby Wagner.

Wilson, however, has been the most pleasant surprise of a 2012 QB draft class that is more than holding its own thus far. Consider that, with Wilson starting every game, Seattle has posted a 5-4 record and Wilson has thrown a TD pass in seven of nine games. He also has wins over Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Tony Romo on his resume already, with a potential playoff berth in reach.

• Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins (No. 173): Not a bad find in the sixth round, eh?

Morris emerged early from a glut of Redskins running backs to secure the starting job alongside rookie QB Robert Griffin III. He needs just 207 yards over Washington’s final seven games to eclipse 1,000 for the season, and he has topped 100 yards rushing in three separate games.

A quick mention here, too, for St. Louis running back Daryl Richardson. The next-to-last pick of the 2012 draft, Richardson posted more than 400 total yards during the first half of St. Louis’ season — all while stealing playing time from Steven Jackson.

We’re Still Waiting

• First-round WRs (Justin Blackmon, Jaguars, No. 5 overall; Michael Floyd, Arizona, No. 13; Kendall Wright, Tennessee, No. 20; A.J. Jenkins, San Francisco, No. 30): If there is one player from that first-round quartet that deserves a little pat on the back, it’s Wright. His 42 receptions lead all rookies by a huge margin — even if his 9.1 yards-per-catch average leaves a lot to be desired.

Blackmon and Floyd have been held back by poor quarterback play, but a combined 432 yards and two touchdowns to this point is well below what was expected from that duo. They’re both lapping Jenkins, who’s stuck behind a host of veteran receiver options in San Francisco and has rarely been active on game days.

Let’s go ahead and loop St. Louis’ Brian Quick (No. 33 overall) and the Jets’ Stephen Hill (No. 43) in here, as well. Hill’s dealing with some of the same shaky QB work that Blackmon and Floyd are, but he has barely registered a blip on the radar since a two-touchdown Week 1. Quick can’t even get on the field, with 2012 third-rounder Chris Givens leapfrogging him on the depth chart.

• Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Bengals (No. 17 overall): Put an asterisk by this one for now, because Kirkpatrick has yet to see game action after injuring his knee back in July. Better days have to lie ahead for the Alabama product.

That said, the Bengals were counting on Kirkpatrick to step in and play an important role from Day One. They’re still waiting on him to make an impact.

• David Wilson, RB, Giants (No. 31): Don’t think for a second that Giants fans are ignoring what Doug Martin, taken one pick before Wilson, is doing in Tampa Bay. Wilson was supposed to replace Brandon Jacobs as a complement to Ahmad Bradshaw in the Giants’ backfield, while providing a home-run threat as a return man.

He has had much more success in the latter role through nine games — Wilson is averaging 26.8 yards per kick return compared to 88 total yards rushing. Instead of counting on Wilson, the Giants have upped the responsibilities of Andre Brown, a player cut by five NFL teams during his career (including, at one point, the Giants).

• Bill Bentley, CB, Lions (No. 85): The Lions let Eric Wright walk in free agency, then passed on help in the secondary in favor of OT Riley Reiff and WR Ryan Broyles early in the 2012 draft. As a result, Bentley, their third-round choice, entered camp with a lot of weight on his shoulders.

That all went down the tubes in a hurry.

Remember those Casey Hayward coverage numbers from before? Well, 85 percent of passes thrown Bentley’s direction (17 of 20) resulted in completions. Bentley also missed a game early with a concussion, then landed on injured reserve after injuring his shoulder in Week 6.

• Bobby Massie, OT, Cardinals (No. 112): The reality is that Massie landed in an impossible situation. He was considered by many a project pick in April — a player with nice upside, but one who would require time to adjust to the NFL.

Instead, the desperate Cardinals threw him into the starting lineup at right tackle. The results have been predictable. Massie has allowed 13 sacks and 34 QB hurries in eight games, eye-popping numbers both. Along with D’Anthony Baptiste at left tackle, Massie has helped form the worst OT pairing in the league over the first half of the season.

 

[Matt Bitonti]

maybe you guys can help settle an argument, right now do you consider Russell Wilson to be an above average NFL QB ?

 

[Nucker101]

maybe you guys can help settle an argument, right now do you consider Russell Wilson to be an above average NFL QB ?

At home, yes, on the road, no.

 

[TwinTurbo]

maybe you guys can help settle an argument, right now do you consider Russell Wilson to be an above average NFL QB ?

I would say he is average with the potential to become above average. There are at least 20 other starting QBs that I think most teams would rather have at this point, so he's outside the top 50%. I wouldn't put him in the bottom 10 though.