NFL: The 19 Fastest NFL Rookies to Watch in 2011, Plus One Bonus Pick
There is an old adage in football...speed kills. When speed is put in the right hands, it is a powerful NFL weapon.
When misplaced (I'm talking about you, Mr. Davis), the effects are just a bit self-effacing.
There are a lot of talented skill position players that will be rookies when the 2011 season finally starts. Here are some thoughts on 19 of them, along with a lineman, that make up the fastest members of the '11 class.
Being Fast Just Isn't Enough for These Combine Speedsters
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While the following players had some of the fastest times at the combine, draft position and projections reflect doubt in their ability to make much of an impact on the field in 2011:
De'Rel Scott, RB Maryland: 4.34 (7th Round, New York Giants)
Mario Fannin, RB Auburn: 4.38
Derrick Locke, RB Kentucky: 4.40 (UDFA)
Jordan Todman, RB Connecticut: 4.40 (6th Round, San Diego Chargers)
Brandon Saine, RB Ohio State: 4.43 (UDFA)
Ricardo Lockette, WR Fort Valley State: 4.37 (UDFA)
Joe Lefeged, WR Rutgers: 4.43 (UDFA)
Aldrick Robinson, WR SMU: 4.43 (UDFA)
Joe Morgan, WR Walsh: 4.44 (UDFA)
Randall Cobb, Kentucky
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Position: WR
40 Time: 4.46
Notable: YPC of just 12.1
Draft Status: Round 2, Green Bay Packers
2011 Prediction: While Cobb isn't quite as tall as some of the elite college WRs, he has the speed and route-running abilities to step into the three-receiver sets the Packers like to run and make an impact.
James Jones could be leaving Green Bay, and Donald Driver isn't long for the NFL. Cobb is in a great position to learn from one of the NFL's best for at least the 2011 season, giving him a strong opportunity to become an offensive threat.
Don't expect that to happen in 2011, though, as he will be a player deep on the depth chart.
Shareece Wright, USC
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Position: CB
40 Time: 4.46
Notable: Missed 2009 (academics) and much of 2008 (neck, legal issues)
Draft Status: Round 3, San Diego Chargers
2011 Prediction: While Wright isn't expected to have a huge impact in 2011, he was a popular "sleeper pick" that would be available in the third round. An injury on his pro day hampered his standing, as there are durability concerns (he had a serious neck issue in 2008).
Wright should be healthy by the start of the season and the Chargers will take advantage of his speed and athleticism.
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Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
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Position: CB
40 Time: 4.46
Notable: Injury concerns hurt draft projections
Draft Status: 33rd Overall, New England Patriots
2011 Prediction: Dowling has the potential to make an impact on par with Patrick Peterson. He has the speed and size to be an elite CB, and working in Bill Belichick's defense could give him a distinct advantage as a rookie.
The Patriots gave up more passing yards than almost every other team last season. Part of the apparent defensive woes is explained by teams playing catch-up and going to the air while the Patriots were playing prevent defense. The Patriots need an upgrade at CB, though.
Keep an eye on Dowling, as he has as much potential as any DB to earn defensive rookie of the year honors.
Jimmy Smith, Colorado
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Position: CB
40 Time: 4.46
Notable: 36" Vertical Leap, 6'2", 211 pounds
Draft Status: 27th Overall, Baltimore Ravens
2011 Prediction: Smith has attributes that are very similar to Dowling. They are both big, fast CBs that will make their presence known in the passing game. While Smith is a better fit for the Ravens than Dowling, his biggest issue will be felt in run support.
Smith will have a struggle to gain starting time at CB in '11, as the Ravens have players returning from injury and may re-sign Josh Wilson. He will offer his best production in pass defense, so expect him to be a valuable addition on passing downs.
Denarius Moore, Tennessee
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Position: WR
40 Time: 4.45
Notable: 20.9 YPC in 2010
Draft Status: Round 5, Oakland Raiders
2011 Prediction: Moore has the speed to make an impact in the NFL. He showed he can use that speed with numerous big plays, but he could also disappear at times. Sounds a bit like another Raider, does it not?
Moore was ineffective in the return game, so he will need to earn his reps in the passing game. That won't be difficult in Oakland, but making the step up to a solid producer in the NFL will.
Dontay Moch, Nevada
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Position: DE/LB
40 Time: 4.44
Notable: He's a DE that ran 4.44...isn't that enough?
Draft Status: Round 3, Cincinnati Bengals
2011 Prediction: At 6'1", 248 lbs. Moch projects as a LB in the NFL. He could still play some DE in the Bengals' 4-3 sets, though.
Regardless, Moch figures to make his presence felt in the NFL. He will be a pass-rush specialist and can be expected to work on cover skills.
The Bengals defense didn't perform up to expectations in 2010. Moch will help them turn the corner as a rookie, and may get much of the credit if they improve in 2011.
Leonard Hankerson, Miami
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Position: WR
40 Time: 4.43
Notable: 6'2", 209 pounds, 36" Vertical Leap
Draft Status: Round 3, Washington Redskins
2011 Prediction: The Redskins are looking for a dynamic number one WR, and they may just have it in Hankerson. He has great speed and good size, but more importantly, he is sure-handed.
He averaged over 16 yards per catch his senior season, adding 13 TDs. His big-play ability will attract attention from defensive coordinators in the NFL.
Torrey Smith, Maryland
9 of 21Position: WR
40 Time: 4.43
Notable: 41" Vertical Jump, 6'1"
Draft Status: Round 2, Baltimore Ravens
2011 Prediction: The Ravens are in need of a WR to work alongside Anquan Boldin. Derrick Mason is nearing the end of his productive days as a starting WR, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh didn't provide the production the Ravens had hoped for.
Working with Boldin should certainly help Smith grow as a receiver in the NFL. He has the speed and size to be great, and he has a QB in Joe Flacco that has been waiting for a WR to be a deep threat.
As much as he'll contribute in the passing game (750 yards and five TDs should be expected), he could be an even bigger aid in the return game. Kick returns won't be at the same premium in 2011, but look for Smith to be active in punt returns.
Kris Durham, Georgia
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Position: WR
40 Time: 4.43 (Georgia Pro Day, not invited to combine)
Notable: 36" Vertical Leap with a 6'5", 215 pound frame
Draft Status: Round 4, Seattle Seahawks
2011 Prediction: For Durham, it is more the combination of size and speed that will make him a weapon in Seattle. Parked next to Mike Williams of similar stature, this tandem could create extreme matchup issues for opposing defenses.
If head coach and VP of Player Personnel Pete Carroll can find a QB to get them the ball, Darrell Bevell's offense could be scary-good in 2011.
Durham was overlooked by most analyst's draft boards, but about the worst thing that can be said of him is he isn't AJ Green. His performance in Georgia, particularly when Green was out of the lineup, wasn't missed by Seattle...or the Kansas City Chiefs. They called the Seahawks after that pick to congratulate them on stealing a player they had high on their board.
There was some discussions that a few teams had Durham slated as a possible third-round pick had the board not worked out as it did, the Chiefs being one of them.
Seattle believes they drafted a sleeper that can make a big impact in the NFL, and he just might do so...provided the offensive line can actually get some time to work together. Time to throw has plagued the Seahawks' offense, and the OL will likely have three or four new starters in 2011.
Regardless of what an OL coach can do, players need time to work together if they are going to play as an effective unit.
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
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Position: CB
40 Time: 4.43
Notable: No Interceptions as a Senior
Draft Status: 19th Overall, New York Giants
2011 Prediction: There are many fans (mostly in New York) that want to call Amukamara the steal of the draft. He had high expectations on draft day, but several teams that need help at CB opted to pass on him.
Some will argue teams were focused on other positions, but there is a small camp that believes Prince was a bit over-hyped.
The argument to contradict his lack of interceptions last season is that teams didn't throw at him. While that is true to an extent, he demonstrated an overall lack of ball skills at Nebraska. NFL teams and their fans tire of CBs that can't contribute beyond tight coverage. While that is enough in the NCAA, it won't cut it in the NFL...WRs at this level catch balls in traffic.
Amukamara may adjust with proper coaching, but he also risks turning into the next Kelly Jennings...good coverage skills but an inability to make a play on the ball.
Roy Helu, Nebraska
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Position: RB
40 Time: 4.42
Notable: 6'0", 219 pounds
Draft Status: Round 4, Washington Redskins
2011 Prediction: The Redskins appear to be preparing for life after Clinton Portis. While most of us realize that actually started in 2009, Dan Snyder might not have received the memo (apologies to Ryan Torain fans, but I don't see him as a suitable replacement for Portis).
Helu is the type of RB coach Shanahan likes to feature in his ground game. He is a one-cut back that can hit a hole quickly, and he has the size to push between the tackles. With what could be an emerging offensive line, Helu could make a solid impact in the Redskins' ground game.
DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
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Position: RB
40 Time: 4.41
Notable: 6'0", 213 pounds
Draft Status: Round 3, Dallas Cowboys
2011 Prediction: This selection is likely a comment on the Cowboys' desire to change up their backfield, as well as a statement on their belief in Murray's ability to be a featured back.
At a minimum, Murray will make an impact on third down. He has the ability to break a long run, and precise route-running makes him a threat in the passing game.
His biggest challenge in the NFL will be enduring a 16-game schedule while staying healthy.
Terrelle Pryor, the Ohio State University
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Position: QB
40 Time: 4.4 (Projected)
Notable: 40 Time Range of 4.36 - 4.58
Draft Status: Supplemental, TBD
2011 Prediction: If drafted by the right team (I'm talking to you, Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano), Pryor can actually make an impact in the NFL at the QB position.
I don't see him taking over as a pure drop-back QB, but the position seems to be in a bit of transition at the moment. There will be a value placed on QBs that can drop back and pass, roll out and throw on the run, or line-up and run the ball or play in a wildcat formation.
Despite Pryor's off-field issues, he could be the face of a new kind of QB in the NFL. Then again, he could wash out and be forced to either learn the WR position or take a shot in the UFL.
Chris Culliver, South Carolina
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Position: CB
40 Time: 4.40
Notable: 38.5" Vertical Leap and 6'0" tall will help vs. taller NFC West WRs
Draft Status: Round 3, San Francisco 49ers
2011 Prediction: Culliver looks to play a role in passing formations for the 49ers as a rookie, and could develop into a starting CB with time. However, should poor CB play from Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer roll over into 2011, Culliver could see some time at CB.
Culliver has the speed and cover skills to move to free safety in the NFL, and with contract and performance issues surrounding Dashon Goldson, that could be on their radar. Culliver has been a liability in run coverage; conversion to a free safety could best utilize his skill-set and mask his weakness.
Chimdi Chekwa, the Ohio State University
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Position: CB
40 Time: 4.40
Notable: A fast CB with an unusual last name...
Draft Status: Round 4, Oakland Raiders
2011 Prediction: Given the aforementioned comment, Oakland was the only logical landing spot for Chekwa. He has great athleticism to go with his speed, but lacks the bulk one might like to see for run support (6'0", 191 lbs.).
Chekwa was solid in cover techniques in college, using his speed to make up ground lost with his cover skills. He will need some time in the NFL to improve here, and will also need to work on support in the ground game.
Unfortunately, Chekwa may get pushed into an active role before he is ready. There are some big shoes to fill in the Raider secondary.
Julio Jones, Alabama
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Position: WR
40 Time: 4.39
Notable: 38.5" Vertical Jump AND 6'3", 220 pounds...
Draft Status: Sixth Overall, Atlanta Falcons
2011 Prediction: Some believe Jones was the best WR in this draft, and the Falcons' willingness to trade away the top of their '11 and '12 drafts would lend credence that they are in that camp.
At the combine, it is hard to argue against Jones. He has the size, speed and leaping ability to be an amazing talent in the NFL. His production wasn't quite at the same level as a few others during the course of the season, but how many WRs had to share offensive reps with a RB like Mark Ingram?
Jones couldn't ask for a better situation as a rookie. He's going to a team with an amazing supporting cast, including a good OL, one of the best young QBs in the league, and opposite perhaps the best WR in the game.
Jones could be the most productive number two WR in the NFL in '11. In fact, anything short of 1,000 yards and six TDs will likely be seen as a disappointment...and a bad investment by a team that is looking to win it all now.
Edmund Gates, Abilene Christian
18 of 21Position: WR
40 Time: 4.37
Notable:
Draft Status: Round 4, Miami Dolphins
2011 Prediction: The Dolphins needed a player that could stretch the field and open up the ground and passing game. They certainly will get that with Gates.
The last player in Miami that was to fill the role (Ted Ginn, Jr.) failed miserably despite his speed. Gates figures to be more of an explosive playmaker, though. He doesn't step out of bounds to avoid contact and has great hands.
It is a bit of a step from Abilene to Miami, but Gates could be one of a few fourth round WRs that surprise defenses in 2011.
Patrick Peterson, LSU
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Position: CB
40 Time: 4.34
Notable: 38" Vertical Jump with a 6'0", 220 pound frame will make him physically imposing.
Draft Status: Fifth Overall
2011 Prediction: While he will likely fall short of a Pro Bowl appearance, Peterson figures to have a very good rookie season at a position that often takes players a few years to get acclimated. He should be helped by a defensive line that can apply some pressure on the QB.
The biggest issue Peterson will face in Arizona is on the other side of the ball. The Cardinals' offense was anemic in 2010 with poor QB and offensive line play.
They could be better off at the QB position in 2011, but their offensive line is in shambles. They have players that are under-performing, aging, and their best two linemen are free agents. Regardless of strides they may make in free agency, the lack of mini-camps and OTAs will hinder their ability to gel.
The Cardinals' defensive unit could spend too much time on the field to play up to their potential.
There is a lot of talent in the Cardinals' secondary, as Peterson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (25) will be a promising young CB tandem, joined by the experienced Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes at safety.
Taiwan Jones: Eastern Washington University
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Position: RB
40 Time: 4.33 (personal pro day; injury kept him from running at combine)
Notable: 1,742 yards with a 7.7 YPC during senior year
Draft Status: Round 4, Oakland Raiders
2011 Prediction: While someone that hadn't watched Jones play in 2010 might decide to take a shot at Davis for selecting an injured RB from an FCS school, I'll pass on taking the bait. I have actually had the pleasure of watching Jones play in person; he can hit holes big and small quickly and make defenders miss.
Speed aside, Jones is explosive and has decent power. His size (6'0", 194 lbs.) and durability are a concern, but he should be a great complimentary back in Oakland. He is a threat to break a long run at any time. He showed as much in the first half of Eastern's playoff game vs. NDSU, rushing for over 200 yards in the first half before fracturing a bone in his foot in the second half of that game.
The Eagles went on to win college football's biggest true championship playoff without Jones.
Demarcus Van Dyke, Miami
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Position: DB
40 Time: 4.28
Notable: 6'1" but just 176 pounds
Draft Status: Round 3, Oakland Raiders
2011 Prediction: Thank you, Mr. Davis, for helping prove the point in the initial slide. Is anyone surprised that the Raiders drafted the fastest two players in the '11 NFL Draft and four of the top 20?
The Raiders used a third round pick on the fastest guy at the combine that will likely be a nickel or dime back for the foreseeable future.
Van Dyke has great speed and solid height, but lacks cover skills and is a liability against the run. He is a track star that is attempting to play football, witnessed in part by his five reps in the bench press.
Expectations will be low for Van Dyke, and if not for him having the best 40 time at the combine, and my desire to abuse the Davis reference one last time, he would have been on slide two instead of 22.
To be fair, Van Dyke, Jones, Chekwa and Moore could all work out well for the Raiders. Raider fans deserve a draft to be proud of for a change.
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