With the lockout, the elimination of minicamps and the drastic cut in rookie wages, this was a rough year for the NFL class of 2011. But this year’s rookies are thriving. It might not be the famed class of 1981 — which included Lawrence Taylor, Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm, Ronnie Lott, George Rodgers, Dexter Manley, Kenny Easley, Howie Long and Mike Singletary — but it could be full of 2012 Pro Bowl picks. Consider the following:
QB Cam Newton (Panthers) » Scouts underrated his arm and his head. With 2,393 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, he has a chance to break Peyton Manning’s rookie records of 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns.
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LB Ryan Kerrigan (Redskins) » It was supposed to take a while for him to transition from defensive end to linebacker. Wrong. He has been an immediate impact player.
WR A.J. Green (Bengals) » He has 40 catches for 599 yards and five touchdowns, impressing with his ability to separate from defenders.
WR Julio Jones (Falcons) » He has speed and size. In his first game in October, he showed his value as a possession receiver (11 receptions, 127 yards). In his first game in November, he had touchdown catches of 50 and 80 yards.
QB Andy Dalton (Bengals) » The last QB to win six of his first eight starts was Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Dalton, a quick study, had passer ratings exceeding 100 in his first two games.
DT Phil Taylor (Browns) » Despite loads of baggage, the Gwynn Park product has shown potential to star at the NFL’s new glamour position. He has started every game, making 26 tackles and three sacks.
DE J.J. Watt (Texans) » Getting numbers as a defensive end in a 3-4 set isn’t easy. But Watt has 29 tackles, tied for 10th in the NFL among down linemen.
LB Von Miller (Broncos) » The draft’s No. 2 overall pick has 31 tackles and 6.5 sacks, tied for third among linebackers in the NFL with another rookie, Aldon Smith (49ers).
CB Patrick Peterson (Cardinals) » The cornerback has struggled some in coverage but is the runaway leader in the NFL in punt return average (21.8 yards) with three touchdowns.
RB DeMarco Murray (Cowboys)?» The running back sent fantasy owners scurrying with his record-setting starting debut (25 carries, 253 yards). He showed it was no fluke with 139 yards on 22 carries Sunday.
– Kevin Dunleavy
