The transition from Saturdays to Sundays involves more than just collecting the fat check and playing without the enthusiastic sound of the school band in the background. No, for a rookie in the NFL, the surrounding atmosphere should be the least of his concerns, and those youngsters focused solely on the payday won’t be around long enough to collect too many of those checks. The size of the playbook, expectations from coaches, and the pressure that comes from playing with full grown men, all loom on the horizon for first year players hoping to make an impact during their rookie season.
NFL Rookie Watch: Ranking the Ten Best Rookies for 2011-2012
Of course, not every player drafted is expected to make an immediate impact, and many of them don’t ever make an impact. So goes the inexact science that is the NFL Draft. However, in past season the NFL has seen many rookies burst onto the scene without hesitation, making it easy for everyone to forget about their first-year status.
This season, I will be taking a weekly look at the most valuable rookies from around the league. Rather than split the list into top offensive and defensive rookie of the year candidates, this list will combine the two to analyze who is most valuable overall. After the jump, check out the preseason watch list and feel free to add in a rookie you have an eye on.
1. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints - I've drafted Pierre Thomas in enough fantasy leagues to know that Sean Payton has no problem shafting the veteran tailback when it comes to touches. Chris Ivory and Thomas will cut into Ingram's workload, but first round picks aren't meant to be change of pace guys. His career at Alabama proved that Ingram is an all purpose running back. He runs down hill, has soft hands out of the backfield, and has enough speed to keep defenses honest. It's only a matter of time before Ingram is rolling some tide at the NFL level.
2. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons - As reckless as it was for the Falcons to trade up into the top ten, Matt Ryan now has another talented weapon at his disposal. With Roddy White on the opposite side , and Tony Gonzalez commanding attention over the middle, Julio Jones will have an easier transition than most rookies. He's a bit raw, but at the very least Jones will make an excellent red zone target for Matt Ryan.
3. Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals - Cornerbacks rarely win rookie of the year honors. Charles Woodson was the last corner to do so, and that was back in 1998. That being said, Patrick Peterson isn't the typical rookie defensive back. Peterson has an NFL sized ego, but it's that attitude that will help him make an immediate professional impact. Plus, even if Peterson takes a while to transition on defense, he is sure to make an impact in the return game.
4. Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit Lions - Nick Fairley was considered a candidate to be selected first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, so he had to be disappointed when he slipped out of the top ten pick entirely. However, I'm sure he cheered up when he learned he would be playing alongside Ndamukong Suh in Detroit. The Lions have put together a dangerous front seven, and there's no reason that Fairley won't be a part of that from the get-go.
5. Daniel Thomas, RB, Miami Dolphins - Running backs normally fare pretty well in terms of transitioning to the NFL game. Daniel Thomas is in a position to do so down in Miami. The Kansas State product is a solid all round back that will make an excellent complement to the recently signed Reggie Bush. Thomas will likely get more than his fair share of opportunities, especially given Bush's injury history.
6. Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos - Linebackers have won defensive rookie of the year nine out of eleven times since the turn of the century, making Von Miller an ideal candidate for the honors this season. However, Miller is not entirely accustomed to being a traditional outside linebacker in the 4-3, so he make some time to settle into his role.
7. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals - A.J. Green might top this list if Carson Palmer had stuck around to play for the Bengals. Unfortunately, that era is over, and Andy Dalton will be slinging the rock in Cincy this season. This obviously puts a huge dent in Green's production, but with Ochocinco out of town, Green will still see a ton of targets early on and has the ability to parlay that into some success.
8. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions - Another place where opportunity could breed success by default is with Mikel Leshoure and the Detroit Lions. The backfield will likely be a timeshare for the Lions, but last year's first round pick, Jahvid Best, has plenty of injury concerns, so Leshoure will be busy in his rookie season.
9. Akeem Ayers, LB, Tennessee Titans - As I mentioned earlier, linebackers are always atop the rookie of the year voting, so it should come as no surprise that Ayers finds himself on this list. The Titans have a brilliant defensive scheme in place, and Ayers will be surrounded by some talented players. That being said, Tennessee will make their new toy a featured piece of that defense. It's all in his hands, now.
10. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers - I didn't want to include Cam Newton on this list because of how difficult a transition he is likely to endure. But let's face it, Newton is likely to start from day one, and not too many rookies will have that opportunity. Vince Young managed to steal the show during his rookie season relying solely on his athleticism, so there is a shot that Cam Newton could do the same. I doubt he win Rookie of the Year, but he is always a wild card.
On the Bubble: Blaine Gabbert, Jonathan Baldwin, Ryan Williams, Titus Young
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