PatsFans.com BEST OF 2008 Nominations thread: Best Rookie NOT named Jerod

[ctpatsfan77]

You know the deal. Nominations today and tomorrow, voting opens on Wednesday.

Today's category: BEST ROOKIE NOT NAMED JEROD

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

You know the deal. Nominations today and tomorrow, voting opens on Wednesday.

Today's category: BEST ROOKIE NOT NAMED JEROD

In all of the NFL or just the Patriots?

 

[GostkowSKI]

I'll cast my vote for Guyton, with Wilhite finishing second.

 

[signbabybrady]

I am not sure there is much compitition here.

Wheatley was looking good before his injury and Wilhite was coming on towards the end of the season but IMO there is no arguing Guyton was the #2 rookie this year. His improvements were steady, he had a role all season which expanded as the season went on and injuried mounted but also as he became more comfortable.

I think Slater deserves a nod but I think his fumble will stand out too much among people. His STs play this year was really good but that play killed it all in the eyes of most.

 

[primetime]

It has to be Guyton.

 

[JSn]

GUYTON - I think he'll be a major rotational guy if not a starter with a productive offseason, by mid-next year. What are the odds of landing a Mayo quality draftee as an OLB or Safety next year? Those two things alone would make this defense a lot better. And you can bet AD is just itching to beat up some QB's.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

In all of the NFL or just the Patriots?

Patriots only. You could actually make an argument that Mayo wasn't the best rookie in the entire NFL this year. Well, you could try to, but I don't know why anyone would bother.

 

[Sicilian]

Kevin O'Connell

Kidding aside, Guyton has to be it. No one else played enough (or consistently enough) to be considered.

Wheatley was getting better but got hurt, so we don't know if he would continue to trend upwards or fall back to earth.

Wilhite also improved as the year went on, but he went from being a liability in coverage to holding his own. About the best you could expect from a 4th round corner.

Slater was good at some aspects of special teams, but made some mistakes too.

I would give an honorable mention to Law Firm. He saved our bacon for a couple games by giving us a solid running option next to Faulk.

 

[signbabybrady]

Patriots only. You could actually make an argument that Mayo wasn't the best rookie in the entire NFL this year. Well, you could try to, but I don't know why anyone would bother.

I think Mayo clearly was the best defensive rookie this season but I am not sure where to rank him against the offensive guys like Ryan, Flacco, Forte, Slatton, Chris Johnson, and others. I think he would be 6 on the list I just provided.

 

[Scouse Patriot]

Ok, Gary....

 

[satz]

Wilhite for me as we lost people load got moved on his shoulder he played well and carried his own. guyton on the other hand faded and struggled when asked to start and carry the load.

guyton had more snaps for sure but i look this when counted on due to injurys and need was he able to handle it.He was given the job and seau took it for him when he struggled.

 

[signbabybrady]

Wilhite for me as we lost people load got moved on his shoulder he played well and carried his own. guyton on the other hand faded and struggled when asked to start and carry the load.

guyton had more snaps for sure but i look this when counted on due to injurys and need was he able to handle it.He was given the job and seau took it for him when he struggled.

I don't think Guyton faded or failed to handle the load....he got hurt too. The time I specifically remember him struggling (more than one play) with something was when he was asked to be an OLB (which I think was where he got hurt too). Now don't get me wrong I am sure he struggled with things in the middle but I don't recall anything that was consistanly a problem other than when he was on the outside (which was only like a half a game but it was clear he was not made for the outside).


Please explain what makes you think he struggled when asked to carry the load?

 

[Two Eight]

I think BJGE deserves a mention here. When his number was called and the team needed him he stepped up big for those four games.

 

[Willie55]

I think BJGE deserves a mention here. When his number was called and the team needed him he stepped up big for those four games.

That's what I was going to say. Proto-type was unsung.

 

[Phlash]

I'd say that Guyton was the second most impressive rookie on the Patriots.

3rd place is a tie between Wilhite and BJGE.

 

[LuckyGandolff3x]

BJGE or Guyton, with Benny getting my vote =]

 

[Lansdowne]

I liked what I saw from Guyton, he gets my vote. Law Firm is a good candidate too.