Blaine Gabbert and the 3 2011 NFL Rookies Already Earning Bust Labels

It certainly isn't fair to call an NFL rookie a "bust" before his first season is complete, but there are a few guys that look to be well on their way to the undesirable label.

Especially because we've seen great success from first year guys like Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Von Miller and Patrick Peterson, the pressure is certainly some of their "classmates" to make a quick transition to the pro game.

Blaine Gabbert

Although Gabbert was the third quarterback taken in the 2011 draft, he was the No. 10 overall selection. 

Definitely pressure to be the franchise guy. 

I understand that he doesn't have the weapons on the outside, but what I look for in rookie quarterbacks is improvement as the season progresses. 

I haven't seen that from Gabbert. 

There's nothing wrong with him making the safe throw and dumping down to Maurice Jones-Drew, but as we've learned, the check-down method of moving the football doesn't lead to sustained success. 

Blaine, you're 6'4'', 235 with a live arm and your team is in rebuilding mode. 

Take a few shots down the field, there's nothing to lose. 

Being timid won't get you anywhere. 

Cameron Jordan

Jordan was a highly-touted defensive end prospect that many believed the Saints "stole" when they made him the No. 24 overall selection. 

In Gregg Williams, exotic and confusing defense, Jordan's versatility was supposed to be on full display. 

He hasn't been awful in 2011, but he's yet to register a sack and has hardly been the dynamic defender team's have had to game plan against. 

I wouldn't call him the next Vernon Gholston yet, especially because the 3-4 defensive end is sometimes a position that doesn't accumulate a ton of stats, but I was expecting more from this ultra-athletic first-rounder. 

Shane Vereen

Vereen simply hasn't gotten the opportunity in New England, and that's no fault of his own. 

The Patriots are, quite clearly, a pass-first team and they should be with Tom Brady as their quarterback. 

So, if the bust label falls on Vereen, it's not on him. 

Seriously though, why did the Pats use consecutive picks on running backs?

BenJarvus Green-Ellis has proven to be more than capable and they had the shifty Danny Woodhead.

Vereen has a grand total of 57 rushing yards and one touchdown on the season.

In the end, the 2011 class of skill players has been rather impressive and these three guys definitely have the talent to rebound from rather quiet rookie years.

I'm just not sure Vereen will ever get the chance.