2011 NFL Draft: 5 NFC Rookies Who Could Make the Trip to the Pro Bowl
When it comes to the NFL draft, everyone talks about how a player will perform. How will he advance their team is the question that gets frequently asked. For this article, I'm not concerned with team performances.
I know that the Bills will still be awful with a first overall draft pick at quarterback. I know that it doesn't matter how many hundreds of picks the Patriots have, they are going to be a contender.
What I'm talking about here is individual performances. Which NFC rookies are going to be standouts? Who is going to go above and beyond, not only against the other rookies of the 2011 NFL draft class, but also against other NFL players?
Let's take a look at which of the NFC incoming talent has what it takes to be named to the Pro Bowl.
Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals
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There is no doubt in my mind that Patrick Peterson is the best rookie in this entire draft class. Not only is he an insane talent, but he will be partnering up with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
In the NFC West, there isn't a lot of passing and receiving talent to begin with. Add this duo to the mix and you have one of the best defenses against the pass in the entire league. With Rodgers-Cromartie's help, Peterson will have enough spotlight on him, so the nation knows that he is big time talent and a true shutdown cornerback.
I don't expect a fantastic amount of tackles, but we can see a healthy dose of interceptions and a frighteningly low amount of balls thrown at him. Peterson will make it to the Pro Bowl with the Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy in hand.
Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys
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Have you noticed that no matter how poorly the Dallas Cowboys perform, there is always a Cowboy offensive lineman on the NFC Pro Bowl team?
That's not a fluke. The Cowboys have had one of the biggest, strongest and most impressive offensive lines in the NFL for decades. Tyron Smith clocks in at 6'5", 310 pounds and is a great fit for this offensive line. Critics say that he is too raw and the Cowboys should have traded down and opted for a more proven, experienced tackle to take his place. But with all the veterans around him, the inspiration that comes with playing with a star on your helmet and a superior coaching staff, Tyron Smith will prove them all wrong.
Playing in the national spotlight for so many weeks and hearing his name called often, the first lineman picked in the draft is going to have plenty of votes when Pro Bowl season rolls around.
Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, New York Giants
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In any other draft, Prince Amukamara would be the highest ranked cornerback. Going to the New York Giants, he is surrounded by enough defensive talent to ease his transition into the NFL.
These two facts will allow him to settle into his role without a lot of pressure. We should see him performing at the top of his game very early in his NFL career. He likely won't be the shutdown guy that Peterson is because he has his hands full facing an intimidating lineup of receivers from Dallas and Philadelphia twice a year. But he should put up an impressive tackle number and see more deflected passes than Peterson.
Because he will be a part of a pretty deep rotation, he might not have enough reps to be a big Pro Bowl option. Also the chances of getting two rookie corners is a bit of a reach. But he has the potential to be up there. Having a fun name doesn't hurt, either.
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Danny Watkins, Offensive Guard, Philadelphia Eagles
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The NFC East gets another point on the board with the 6'3", 310-pound Danny Watkins of Baylor. He has the strength and explosiveness to play as a tackle in the NFL, but will likely line up as a guard protecting Vick in the pocket.
He is an aggressive and physical presence who can succeed in both run and pass blocking. He will get his name on voters' tongues because he is blocking for one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. If he gets enough media exposure and playing time, he could be on his way to Hawaii this winter.
Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Okay, hear me out. I know that defensive end is likely the toughest position for a rookie to make it to the Pro Bowl. I also know that there are plenty of other defensive ends that I could have picked to make it ahead of him. I even know that his knee is a huge factor that could limit his playing time. And that he was a second-round pick, falling over 50 spots.
But just imagine if he is able to play. Bowers was projected as the No. 1 overall pick earlier this year. If Bowers can stay healthy, he is joining one of the youngest, and arguably strongest, defensive lines in the NFL. Lining up with first-round choice Adrian Clayborn and Gerald McCoy will give him endless opportunities to put sacks on his stat sheet. I expect a good amount of tackles out of him for a defensive end and for him to lead all rookies in sacks. Teaming up with Clayborn could also result in a myriad of forced and recovered fumbles.
If his numbers are high enough for him to be considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year, then it is very possible that he could be in the running to beat out some of the big names in the NFC and get a spot as a backup or reserve for the 2012 Pro Bowl.
Alright. I've said my piece, lets see the comments fly.
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