Race for Rookie of The Year, Week 2

So you joined me last week as I kicked off the 2012 Race for Rookie of the Year, and I’m proud to welcome you back to the second leg of our journey.

There’s no change at the top despite our pace setter suffering his first defeat, but with some dominant defensive displays, some franchise left tackles in the making, and some quarterbacks finding their feet, this race is very much alive.

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS (+7.1)

His passing wasn’t quite as crisp in Week 2, but in letting his legs do some talking with designed runs, teams are going to find him even harder to defend.

2. Chandler Jones, DE, NE (+8.2)

Up to third in our defensive end rankings, Jones now has a sack, two hits, and five hurries on the year with a penchant for forcing fumbles. Rare to see a rookie defensive end make so many plays in the run game.

3. Dont’a Hightower, LB, NE (+5.3)

A quieter Sunday for Hightower though he did end up with another three defensive stops to take his total to seven on the year. With Mayo and Spikes taking center stage, there’s a fight on in New England to make plays.

4. Cordy Glenn, T, BUF (+4.6)

In his first two games Glenn has now given up just two hurries and has made a positive impression with his run blocking. That’s all the more impressive considering he was being worked on by Tamba Hali this week. It’s early days, but a very encouraging start.

5. Mychael Kendricks, LB, PHI (+2.8)

Part of a revamped Eagles linebacker group, Kendricks is providing the kind of every-down stability they’ve longed for. Excelling in coverage, he’s been everything they hoped with two pass break-ups to his name already.

6. Matt Kalil, T, MIN (+2.9)

You’re not hearing a lot about Kalil right now and that’s a good thing as he goes about his work. Has failed to make any real impression in the run game, but with just one hurry surrendered in the opening two weeks, he’s performing as advertised.

7. Harrison Smith, S, MIN (+2.8)

So far so good for the Vikings' safety, with both of their first-round picks making the kind of start they’d have been hoping for. Sure there haven’t been many big plays (two pass break-ups, three defensive stops), but then there hasn’t been much going the other way. That’s big for Minnesota.

8. Trent Richardson, RB, CLV (+1.9)

That was a lot more like it in Week 2 as Richardson looked like the back many expected to take the league by storm. A first 100-yard rushing game, but you get the feeling it probably won’t be the last.

9. Fletcher Cox, DT, PHI (+3.7)

With a sack, hit and hurry along with four stops in the run game, Cox is making it hard for the Eagles to keep him off the field.

10. Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA (+0.7)

A mature display in Week 2 in which Tannehill displayed some chemistry with Brian Hartline and avoided making the kind of bad decisions that see rookie quarterbacks cost them a chance at victory. Very encouraging for one so inexperienced.

Dropping Out

Stephen Hill, WR, NYJ: Followed up a strong debut with no catches against a strong Steelers defense.

Kendall Reyes, DE, SD: With limited opportunities, failed to make an impact against the Titans.

Bobby Wagner, LB, SEA: Looks good but needs to get on the field more to crack the Top 10.

Kelechi Osemele, OT, BLT: Jason Babin & Co. brought him back down to earth.

L.J. Fort, LB, CLV: Didn’t add to his Week 1 snap tally.

Doug Martin, RB, TB: Struggled in the passing game and failed to make much happen in Bucs valiant defeat.

Blair Walsh, K, MIN: He’s kicking well, but this list wants guys who are on the field more.

Five to Watch

Andrew Luck, QB, IND: After the Week 1 problems, Luck looked a lot more like the player we were expecting in Week 2. Another display like that and he’ll jump onto the leaderboard.

Russell Wilson, QB, SEA: His defense and running game were on fire, but don’t undersell how well Wilson played in picking up his first win.

Mitchell Schwartz, T, CLV: Made the Team of the Week for his performance against Cincinnati. Trending up.

Kevin Zeitler, G, CIN: It’s a tough position to start as a rookie, but Zeitler is holding his own so far.

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, BLT: Has flashed some pass rush. May struggle to get the playing time going forward.

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