15 Best NFL Rookies of 2012
#15 Justin Blackmon
The "football gurus" at ESPN.com have already turned their nose up at the rookie wide receiver and fifth-overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. But don't let Week 1 determine your opinion of the whole season just yet; Blackmon is on an out-of-sync team in re-build mode, and running for passes on a wonky ankle. And he still managed to post three receptions for 24 yards. Give him another game or two to show what a promising rookie player he can be.
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15:
Justin Blackmon
The "football gurus" at ESPN.com have already turned their nose up at the rookie wide receiver and fifth-overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. But don't let Week 1 determine your opinion of the whole season just yet; Blackmon is on an out-of-sync team in re-build mode, and running for passes on a wonky ankle. And he still managed to post three receptions for 24 yards. Give him another game or two to show what a promising rookie player he can be.
14:
Janoris Jenkins
Despite on off-field rap sheet that terrified most draft scouts--and kept this kid from being a first-round pick--Jenkins showed his football prowess in the pre-season with a 76-yard interception for a touchdown against Baltimore. The 23-year-old corner then opened the regular season with four solo tackles and two assists. Should he keep his nose clean, Jenkins could be one of the most productive members of the 2012 rookie class.
13:
Quinton Coples
The 16-overall pick in the 2012 draft class contributed his d-line skills in the Jets surprising victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Despite having a high bust potential going into the 2012 season, his on-field performance in Week 1 showed promise for the rookie defensive end.
12:
Coby Fleener
Lucky for 34-overall draft pick Fleener (who had six receptions for 82 yards in his pro football opener) he gets to play tight-end for his college quarterback, Andrew Luck. Should Fleener continue to perform at a high level, he will have a very solid rookie season under his belt.
11:
Courtney Upshaw
It takes a massive amount of talent and personality to stand out on a d-line consisting of Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. But Upshaw, despite being a rookie with an injured shoulder, posted his first four tackles of his professional career during a Monday Night Football win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Expect to see more playing time for a healthy Upshaw in the future.
10:
Dont'a Hightower
The former Crimson Tide captain and 25-overall draft pick contributed to the Pats defense in Week 1, which resulted in a 34-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans. NFL aficionados are already speculating that the 22-year-old linebacker will get more playing time as the season continues.
9:
Mark Barron
The former-Alabama safety contributed three solo tackles in his first NFL appearance, contributing to the Bucs 16-10 victory in Week 1 over the Carolina Panthers. Should he stay healthy, Barron could be looking at a very solid rookie season in Tampa Bay.
8:
Fletcher Cox
ESPN.com has gone so far as to call the 21-year-old Mississippi State product the most "promising disruptor at defensive tackle" aside from vets Geno Atkins and Ndamukong Suh.
7:
Trent Richardson
You can't hold the rookie running-back's Week 1 performance against his whole future career, given knee issues. But the third-overall 2012 draft pick should be running the ball just fine when up to optimal health. (And whatever he can do to help the run-offense and keep Brandon Weeden from throwing more interceptions would greatly benefit the Browns.)
6:
Chandler Jones
The 21-overall sleeper pick from this year's draft class had a solid first week in the pros, posting 5 tackles and one forced fumble in a Patriots' victory over the Tennessee Titans. Not to mention that the former-Syracuse defensive end was on the field for 58-of-65 snaps.
5:
Luke Kuechly
The Panthers might've lost to the Buccaneers in Week 1, but that doesn't take away from Kuechly's participation, or the promise of a stellar rookie year. The Boston College alum boasts a high college tackle record that he's sure to capitalize on in the pros, since Carolina is going to continue starting him at linebacker.
4:
Melvin Ingram
The 23-year-old defensive end for the Chargers saw some action in the Monday Night Football victory over the Oakland Raiders, racking up the first tackle and forced fumble of his professional career.
3:
Morris Claiborne
Unlike most of the top-10 picks in the 2012 draft class, the 24-year-old defensive back participated in Week 1 and has posted the first four tackles in his professional career. (Not to mention being part of the Cowboys' upset over the New York Giants in the season opener.)
2:
Robert Griffin III
RG3 is the 2011 Heisman winner and has some awesome socks. More importanly, is the performance he gave against a lack-luster Saints defense in Week 1. Needless to say, the new Redskins quarterback is prime for an eventful, and highly-covered 2012 season.
1:
Andrew Luck
The first-overall draft pick isn't going anywhere, and is working hard for his place among the NFL's top QBs. His first-ever NFL play resulted in a 63-yard touchdown pass!
