Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
DT Nda Suh & TE Rob Gronkowski Win Weekly Rookie Awards
Photo - DT Nda Suh - Lions
This week’s winners of Draft Insiders’ offensive and defensive rookie player awards are both performers who were our highest rated prospects at their positions. The Lions DT Nda Suh was a first round selection and the 2nd overall pick and the Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski was an early 2nd round choice in the NFL 2010 Draft.
Suh has justified his high ranking with an outstanding rookie season that has been instrumental in the Lions significant progress over the 2010 season. He was a dominant inside force that commanded double teaming on this young defense. In the finale victory over the Vikings, he registered 4 tackles and 1 sack helping the Lions win their fourth straight game. Prior to the late season streak, the Lions had won only 5 games over their previous 52 games. Suh finished the season with 66 tackles with 10 sacks, 1 FF and 1 interception that earned him a Pro Bowl invitation.
TE Rob Gronkowski has become a favorite of veteran QB Tom Brady as the 2010 season progressed. In the Patriots bashing of the Dolphins 38-7, Gronkowski made 6 catches for 102 yards and 1 TD that started the New England romp. Gronkowski was our top rated tight end last April and a player I felt was a complete prospect and capable of becoming a Pro Bowl performer. He has been clearly the top rookie tight end and should become a key weapon for the Patriots and the savvy Brady who has had an MVP season.
Weekly Player Winners
Week 17
Offense - TE Rob Gronkowski - Patriots
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 16
Offense - QB Tim Tebow - Broncos
Defense - CB Joe Haden - Browns
Week 15
Offense - RB LaGarrette Blount - Bucs
Defense - CB Al Verner - Titans
Week 14
Offense - WR Arrelious Benn - Bucs
Defense - Safety T.J. Ward - Browns
Week 13
Offense - RB Chris Ivory - Saints
Defense - DE Jason Pierre-Paul - Giants
Week 12
Offense - QB Sam Bradford - Rams
Defense - DE Jason Pierre-Paul - Giants
Week 11
Offense - RB Chris Ivory - Saints
Defense - LB Pat Angerer - Colts
Week 10
Offense - WR Dez Bryant - Cowboys
Defense - Safety Earl Thomas - Seahawks
Week 9
Offense - WR Jacoby Ford - Raiders
Defense - S - Eric Berry - Chiefs
Week 8
Offense – RB LeGarrette Bount - Bucs
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 7
Offense - WR Dez Bryant - Cowboys
Defense - Safety Eric Berry - Chiefs
Week 6
Offense - RB Chris Ivory - Saints
Defense - LB Pat Angerer - Colts
Week 5
Offense - QB Max Hall - Cardinals
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 4
Offense - QB Sam Bradford - Rams
Defense - Safety Taylor Mays - 49ers
Week 3
Offense - QB Sam Bradford - Rams
Defense - Safety Earl Thomas - Seahawks
Week 2
Offense - RB Jahvid Best - Lions
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 1
Offense - RB Dexter McCluster - Chiefs
Defense - Safety Eric Berry - Chiefs