October 4th, 2008 1:55pm PST
THE WEEKLY ROOKIE REPORT CARD
Last week we saw a few shifts in the balance for "the Rookie of the Year" race. As we have completed the first quarter of NFL action this season, we can see which rising stars continue to glow, while others start to fizzle, and a few that can hardly generate a spark. Most rookies are not expected to make a huge fantasy impact, but as we grade these youngsters being thrown to the wolves, we can sort through the Studs, duds, and "hey, where did he come from?"
Based on traditional standard scoring rules applied to the numbers from week 4. Here are the kids in the NFL!
The grading scale: (A-being a weekly starter and F-being "why did I pick-up this guy?").
(Week 4) The Kids of America...
1. RB-Matt Forte (Overall grade A- / 3.775)
The Bears rookie runner was kept under wraps for most of Sunday night against a very active and aggressive Eagle defense. Forte finished the evening with only 43 yards rushing, but he did add 5 catches for another 42 yards from scrimmage. (8-FPTs)
Grade This Week: C+
2. RB-Chris Johnson (Overall grade A- / 3.650 gpa)
The Titans rookie didn't have the biggest day running, but he did have one of his most productive days on the gridiron. In week 4, Chris Johnson rushed for 61 yards and scored twice. Johnson also added 3 catches for 14 yards. (19-FPTs)
Grade This Week: A+
3. RB-Steve Slaton (Overall grade B+ / 3.450 gpa)
The rookie running back of the Texans produced another stellar fantasy performance in week 4. Against the Jaguars tough run defense, Slaton couldn't find much room to roam, but he was able to break free of the backfield to haul in 8 passes for 83 yards including a 30 yard score. (17-FPTs)
Grade This Week: A+
4. RB-Jonathan Stewart (Overall grade B / 3.125 gpa)
The Panthers rookie running back continued to make himself fantasy relevant posting solid fantasy numbers for week 4. Stewart carried the ball 14 times for 52 yards and scored once. (11-FPTs)
Grade This Week: C+
5. WR-DeSean Jackson (Overall grade B- / 2.975 gpa)
The Eagles rookie receiver came to life in week 4 and bounce back with a very strong fantasy performance for owners riding his coat-tails. Against the Bears defense Sunday night, Jackson caught 5 passes for 71 yards and a score, but also added 2 carries for another 35 yards from scrimmage. He's not only producing well in traditional leagues as a very good WR2, but Jackson is also scoring well in PPR leagues. (16-FPTs)
Grade This Week: A
6. WR-Eddie Royal (Overall grade B- / 2.875 gpa)
The Broncos rookie receiver continues to be a playmaker turning in a solid performance last week against the Chiefs. Royal caught 9 more passes for 104 yards. For the season Royal has 27 receptions for 298 yards with 2 touchdowns. (10-FPTs)
Grade This Week: B
7. QB-Matt Ryan (Overall grade B- / 2.700 gpa)
The Falcons rookie quarterback is making his way through the bigs, taking his lumps along the way. Last week against the Panthers Ryan had a very average day passing, throwing for only 158 yards with no touchdowns. (6-FPTs)
Grade This Week: C
8. RB-Darren McFadden (Overall grade C / 2.250 gpa)
The Raiders rookie continues his battle with turf toe, only recording 7 carries in week 4 against the Chargers. McFadden has been up and down, and last week he was down finishing with 20 yards rushing and 17 yards receiving. (3-FPTs)
Grade This Week: D-
9. QB-Joe Flacco (Overall grade C / 2.250 gpa)
The Ravens rookie passer, continues to take his lumps and move forward each week. With OC Cam Cameron opening up the playbook a bit Flacco was able to make a few more throws downfield. Against a tough Steeler defense the results were not great. Flacco did complete 16 of 31 for 192 yards and a touchdown, but also had two fumbles. (9-FPTs)
Grade This Week: B-
10. RB-Tim Hightower (Overall grade C / 2.200 gpa)
It wasn't the breakout game some fantasy owners were looking for, but the rookie was in the mix and produced another productive game. Against the Jets, Hightower carried the ball 6 for only 13 yards, but he did get in the end-zone. (7-FPTs)
Grade This Week: C
11. WR-Donnie Avery (Overall grade C / 2.000 gpa)
The Rams rookie receiver made a bit of a splash last Sunday in his first start. He only caught 3 passes for 22 yards, but the rookie showed great speed turning in a beautiful 37 yard run for his first career touchdown. (11-FPTs)
Grade This Week: F
12. RB-Kevin Smith (Overall grade D+ / 1.700 gpa)
The Lions rookie did not suit up last week, as the team enjoyed it's the bye week, but it's likely he may see more rest this week being bumped out of the starting line-up in favor of the veteran RB Rudi Johnson.
Grade This Week: no grade
13. RB-Felix Jones (Overall grade D+ / 1.650 gpa)
The Cowboys offense fell behind early in their showdown with the Redskins in week 4 and the team simply abandoned the run. As a result, the Cowboys rookie runner saw little action and did not get into the box score. (no points)
Grade This Week: F
14. TE-Dustin Keller (Overall grade D+ / 1.575 gpa)
The Jets rookie tight end has been coming to life with each passing week, scoring a touchdown in past two games. Last week Keller had one grab for 24 yards and a score. (8-FPTs)
Grade This Week: no grade
15. WR-Jordy Nelson (Overall grade D+ / 1.500 gpa)
The Packers rookie receiver was active in week 4, but his contributions will likely remain modest from week to week as he develops a better rapport with Rodgers. Last week Nelson grabbed 4 passes for 31 yards. (3-FPTs)
Grade This Week: D-
16. TE-John Carlson (Overall grade D+ / 1.500 gpa)
The Seahawks rookie enjoyed the bye week, but will be in action this week to face the defending Superbowl champion New York Giants.
Grade This Week: no grade
17. WR-Michael Bumpus (Overall grade D / 1.250 gpa)
The Seahawks receiver did not see any action in week 4 with the bye and it could be another uneventful week for the kid with the return of Branch and Engram.
Grade This Week: no grade
18. RB-Kregg Lumpkin (Overall grade D- / .850 gpa)
In week 4 the Packers rookie runner did not get his name in the box score. The Packers had little success on the ground and fell behind in the first half, having to lean more on the passing game in the second half. (no points)
Grade This Week: no grade
19. RB-Ray Rice (Overall grade D- / .850 gpa)
With the return of McGahee and RB LeRon McClain plowing through defenses, Rice has seen his production drop as his role has decreased significantly (1 carry in week 4). It will be more of the same each week, as long as McGahee and McClain remain healthy. (no points)
Grade This Week: F
20. RB-Jamaal Charles (Overall grade F / 0.500 gpa)
The Chiefs speedy rookie runner, could find himself playing more of the waiting game if LJ continues his high level of play. In week 4 Charles finished the day with just 2 carries for 7 yards and 2 catches for 1 yard. (no points)
Grade This Week: F
21. RB-Rashard Mendenhall (Overall grade F / 0.450 gpa)
The Steelers rookie running back's career as a starter came to a screaming halt on Monday night, when Mendenhall was knocked out of the game with a shoulder fracture. The rookie finished with just 9 carries for 30 yards rushing and a single catch for 6 yards. (3-FPTs)
Grade This Week: D-
22. WR-Harry Douglas (Overall grade F / 0.250 gpa)
Only two catches and 8 yards for the Falcons rookie wide receiver in week 4. It is apparent that QB Matt Ryan has developed a very good rapport with his number one wide out Roddy White. Douglas has yet to gain his QBs' trust and it could take some time before he becomes fantasy relevant. (0-FPTs)
Grade This Week: F
23. WR-James Hardy (Overall grade F / 0.167 gpa)
The Bills rookie receiver was held without a catch in week 4 and for the season his two catches for 12 yards make him non-existent in the fantasy world. (no points)
Grade This Week: F
24. TE-Martellus Bennett (Overall grade F / 0.150 gpa)
The Cowboys have too many weapons on offense and Bennett will frequently find himself last man on the list to be targeted. In week 4 Bennett had only 1 catch for no yards, a familiar stat line he will likely see more of for a while. (no points)
Grade This Week: F
25. WR-Josh Morgan (Overall grade F / 0.000 gpa)
The Niners rookie was again quiet in week 4 recording only one catch for 10 yards. For the season, the rookie receiver has been a disappointment collecting only 3 catches for 36 yards. (1-FPTs)
Grade This Week: F
Newest Classmates making fantasy noise...
-The Browns rookie WR Syndric Steptoe, has seen limited action this season catching 7 passes for 58 yards. With receiver Donte Stallworth still sidelined Steptoe could see an increased role in the offense.
-The Chargers RB Mike Tolbert will likely not see a lot of action at any point this season, but when he does, he's making lots of noise. The Chargers rookie has caught 10 passes for 134 yards with a touchdown.
-While he's not expected to make much noise, the Packers rookie QB Matt Flynn could be inserted as the team's starter this week with Aaron Rodgers ailing.
These are my grades for the week, check back next week, when I will update The Rookie Report Card!
Rookie Rankings for Week 5
(rankings reflect matchups for week 5)
Quarterbacks...
1. Mat Ryan...has looked sharp and facing a banged up defense.
2. Joe Flacco...faces the one of the NFL's toughest defenses.
3. Matt Flynn....has a chance to play this week, but not expected to make much noise.
4. Chad Henne....not expected to see any action this week, unless starter gets injured.
Running backs...
1. Matt Forte....should have a huge day running all over the Lion's defense.
2. Steve Slaton....has ran very well and draws the Colts defense in week 5.
3. Jonathan Stewart....should be able to break a couple against the Chiefs.
4. Chris Johnson....could have trouble finding holes this week against the Ravens.
5. Felix Jones....expected to get more work this week and could post some decent numbers.
6. Tim Hightower.....facing a tough Bills defense could see more time on the field pass-catching.
7. Jamaal Charles....could see more touches this week, especially in the passing game.
8. Mike Tolbert....with LT and Sproles on the field, will remain last option in the offense.
9. Ray Rice....not seeing much work these days, and won't if McGahee plays.
10. Kregg Lumpkin....buried behind Grant and Jackson, probably won't see much time this week.
11. Kevin Smith.....splitting carries, could lose more touches to Rudi.
12. Darren McFadden....on a bye this week, will rest toe with time off.
13. Rashard Mendenhall....out for the season, offers no fantasy value except in keeper leagues.
Receivers...
1. Eddie Royal....could back up his solid play last week with a score this week.
2. DeSean Jackson....Jackson has been playing so much like a vet, we've missed him the past couple of weeks!
3. Jordy Nelson....will likely drop down the depth chart with James Jones' expected return this week.
4. James Hardy....could finally make some noise against Cardinals defense that allowed 6 tds.
5. John Carlson....will continue to get looks over middle, but yards could be limited with healthy starters back.
6. Martellus Bennett....not enough balls to go around according to TO.
7. Josh Morgan....with the offense geared to feature RB, Morgan will continue to be non-factor.
8. Michael Bumpus....could fall off the earth with return of Branch and Engram.
9. Harry Douglas....has disappeared last couple of weeks and could be a while before he reappears.
10. Davone Bess....against the Chargers will likely see few looks behind Ginn Jr and Camarillo.
11. Dustin Kelller....out of action for week 5 with team on bye.
12. Donnie Avery.....no action this week with team on bye.
By David G. Ortega
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