Lots of movement around the league and many predictions by the experts. Many of my friends feel that it will be one of the most exciting seasons in a few years. I wanted to share a review by Mr. Rucker about some of the new members that will be initiated into our great NFL in the year 2006.
As the season continues to lurk closer, Clark Rucker presents you with his 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team.
2006 NFL All-Rookie Team
By Clark Rucker
Training camp is upon us, position battles will soon be at full swing, and most of all, the members of the NFL Draft class of 2006 will get their first shots at unseating their veteran counterparts and make themselves known as impact performers on this new, bigger stage. We have been held captive and teased by the intrigue of mini-camps and OTAs and the first round of rookie analysis has come and gone. Every year, there are some rookies who step up and become cornerstones of their teams and merit selection to the All-Rookie team. Based on my projections for this upcoming season, here is my Preseason All-Rookie team. Note there are some surprises.
OFFENSE:
QB – Kellen Clemens, NY Jets: Clemens will not be the starter until mid-October, biding his time behind Chad Pennington and/or Patrick Ramsey. After a rocky start to the season, the Jets will turn into full rebuilding mode and through Clemens into the mix. While he will not be Ben Roethlesberger, Clemens will prove to be a steal for the Jets. Also, look out for Matt Leinart if Kurt Warner struggles or gets injured.
2,200 yards, 12 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 4 rush touchdowns.
RB – DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers: While starting as DeShaun Foster’s backup to start the season, Williams will get his fair share of carries over the course of the season due to Foster’s propensity for injuries. Williams will also make an impact on special teams as a kickoff/punt returner.
900 yards, 8 touchdowns, 35 receptions, 350 yards, 2 touchdowns.
RB – LenDale White, Tennessee Titans: White is stepping into a RB corp that is deep and loaded with Chris Brown and Travis Henry, however with Brown now demanding a trade and Henry’s injury history, White could end up being a 25 carry back by November. No matter what, expect White to be the main man in goalline situations.
800 yards, 9 tds.
WR – Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers: Jennings is stepping into a great situation in Green Bay for statistical purposes. Other than Donald Driver, there is no set receiver in the rotation and with Brett Favre at quarterback, there will be plenty of passes to go around. Look for Jennings to begin the season in the slot but to step into the starting lineup once Robert Ferguson is injured once again.
56 receptions, 850 yards, 5 touchdowns.
WR – Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers: Holmes has missed some practice time due to graduation dates and has had his fair share of legal trouble, but his talent is undeniable and his presence in necessary for a successful season for the Steelers. With speed to burn, kick return skills, and decent blocking skills, Holmes will be a vital cog to the Steelers attack. His numbers should be good with the team slated to pass more with the maturity of Big Ben and the retirement of Jerome Bettis.
50 receptions, 800 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 punt return touchdown.
TE – Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Smith’s departure will lead to Lewis becoming Byron Leftwich’s safety valve and with his 6′7″ frame, incredible hands and leaping skills, Lewis will be a deadly red-zone threat and in the running for NFL Rookie of the Year.
60 receptions, 725 yards, 10 touchdowns.
TE – Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers: Davis will be Alex Smith’s best friend by the end of the 2006 season. The success of the 49ers depends on Alex Smith, and Smith’s success will be accelerated by the play of Davis. Possessing freakish size, speed, and ability, Davis will stretch the middle of the field in a way not seen since Terrell Owens was patrolling the field. Will vie for Rookie of the Year with Lewis.
65 receptions, 850 yards, 5 touchdowns.
OT – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, NY Jets: Will be a starter from Day 1 and for the next decade for the Jets. By playing time opportunities alone, will be the best lineman in this year’s rookie class.
OG – Charles Spencer, Houston Texas: Spencer might end up playing tackle for the Texans who are in desperate need of offensive line help. No matter where he plays though, he will provide an immediate upgrade and give David Carr time to find Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds.
C – Nick Mangold, NY Jets: a great pick in April, Mangold instantly replaces Kevin Mawae and gives the Jets their center for the next decade. Is a terror in the run game and his pass blocking skills are ever improving.
OG – Daryn Colledge, Green Bay Packers: The Packers are another team in desperate need of help on the O-line and Colledge will step in and start from the beginning of training camp. A surprise pick in April, Colledge has impressed the new regime and has a starting spot wrapped up.
OT – Eric Winston, Houston Texans: once viewed as a first round pick before an ACL injury two years ago, Winston will again be viewed as a steal. A great pass blocker and incredibly athletic tackle, the former tight-end will make Texans fans and David Carr happy for years to come.
DEFENSE:
DE – Mario Williams, Houston Texans: though this pick was highly questioned in April, Williams will bring an element to the Texans defense that it has never before seen. Another physical freak, Williams will be stout against the run and a pass rushing terror. Once he masters some countermoves, Williams will give tackles nightmares all season.
60 tackles, 9 sacks, 5 forced fumbles.
DT – Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens: Ngata will start from the get-go and his performance is vital to the success of the Raven’s vaunted defense. Don’t expect eye popping stats, but his ability to tie up blockers will free Ray Lewis to make tackles from sideline to sideline a la 2001.
45 tackles, 3 sacks.
DT – Gabe Watson, Arizona Cardinals: another space eater, Watson has a chip on his shoulder after being bypassed until the fourth round. Watson has the reputation of having mental lapses and for taking plays off, but expect Denny Green to light a fire under him. He will be a valuable contributor in the Cards’ tackle rotation and free up the young LBs to make plays.
40 tackles, 4 sacks.
DE – Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs: Hali is already penciled in as a starter for the defensive deficient Chiefs. Hali performed at a high level for four years at Penn State and will prove wrong those who said he was too small to be an every down force in the NFL.
70 tackles, 8.5 sacks.
OLB – A.J. Hawk, Green Bay Packers: Hawk was the consensus best defensive player in the draft and will immediately bring a nasty attitude to the Packers D. Immensely talented and well seasoned, Hawk will likely be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
110 tackles, 7 sacks, 5 ints.
MLB – D’Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns: Jackson will be a force in the middle of the 3-4 for the Browns. Though considered undersized, his toughness has never been questioned which will make Jackson a Dawg Pound hero.
90 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions.
OLB – Thomas Howard, Oakland Raiders: this pick could easily change depending on training camp outcomes, so look for Bobby Carpenter, Chad Greenway, or Ernie Sims too. Howard has already been named a starter on the weakside for the Raiders and his speed and athleticism will make him a force against the run and pass.
85 tackles, 8 sacks.
CB – Jimmy Williams, Atlanta Falcons: His character issues aside, there is no denying the talent of Williams. Once slated as a top-10 pick, questions about his character sent him spiraling into the 2nd round. A huge, physical corner, Williams will start opposite D’Angelo Hall like he did for two seasons at VaTech.
70 tackles, 4 ints.
CB – Tye Hill, St. Louis Rams: Hill has the benefit of stepping into a situation in which his abilities are sorely needed. The Rams are perennially thin in the secondary, so a playmaker of Hill’s caliber is a very welcome addition.
50 tackles, 6 ints.
S – Michael Huff, Oakland Raiders: maybe a corner, maybe a safety, Huff will bring a winner’s attitude to a secondary in need of new life. Huff immediately becomes the team’s best secondary player and will eventually crack the starting lineup.
80 tackles, 5 interceptions.
S – Jason Allen, Miami Dolphins: Again, a part-time corner, part-time safety, Allen is slated to start immediately and brings youth and speed to a secondary in need of both. Saban loves SEC players, and Allen fits his mold of aggressive, fast, and versatile playmakers.
80 tackles, 6 interceptions.
K – Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots: Will battle Martin Grammatica for playing time in training camp, but here is betting Gostkowski comes out on top. Has the unenviable task of replacing Adam Vinateri, but should be a solid option in 2006.
15-17 FGs,
P – Not enough information at this time.
There you have it, the 2006 Preseason NFL All-Rookie team. Remember, these can all change based on production and playing time, however here is betting that many of the aforementioned names will be forces in 2006 and beyond.
Any questions, comments, criticisms, or concerns feel free to send Vinnie an e-mail at info@bargainshaq.com
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