Tag: All-Rookie Team

The PFWA rookies of the year, all-rookie team

Check out who the top rookies in 2021 were.

The Pro Football Writers of America, the association of NFL writers across the country who cover all 32 NFL teams, have cast their votes for 2021 on-field awards.

They announced their All-NFL and all-conference teams and now have announced their overall Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team.

There are no Arizona Cardinals rookies anywhere, but who were the top rookies around the league in 2021?

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:

Previous shows:

and

No Washington rookies make PFWA All-Rookie Team

No Washington rookie was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

The Pro Football Writers of America continued with their postseason awards Tuesday, announcing the PFWA All-Rookie Team. To the surprise of no one, Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons was named the 2021 rookie of the year and defensive rookie of the year.

Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was named the offensive rookie of the year.

For the first time since 2017, no Washington player earned PFWA All-Rookie honors. WFT defensive end Chase Young won PFWA defensive rookie of the year in 2020, in addition to winning NFL defensive rookie of the year.

Terry McLaurin (2019) and Daron Payne (2018) were previously named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

While this is certainly disappointing, it means little in the grand scheme of things. However, one thing Washington fans will certainly notice is Cleveland linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah making the team as one of three linebackers, along with Parsons and Nick Bolton of the Chiefs.

Washington, with a big-time need at linebacker, selected Jamin Davis of Kentucky at No. 19 overall, choosing to bypass the versatile Owusu-Koramoah. Davis struggled as a rookie, while Owusu-Koramoah thrived.

Washington’s top-performing draft choice in 2021 was second-round pick Sam Cosmi. Cosmi started nine games at right tackle. Unfortunately, he missed eight games, but he was outstanding as a run blocker and looks to have a bright future.

We recently graded all of Washington’s 2021 rookies.

Grading each of Washington’s 2021 NFL draft selections

 

Three Dolphins named to the 2021 PFWA All-Rookie Team

These rookies had a great season.

The Miami Dolphins may have failed to make the playoffs, but the 2021 season proved that they have some promising, young players to build around on their roster.

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, safety Jevon Holland, and linebacker Jaelan Phillips all played so well in their first year that they’ve earned the honor of being named to the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team.

Waddle, named the second wide receiver behind Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase, had an exceptional season that resulted in him breaking multiple franchise records and the NFL’s rookie record for receptions. He did this all as the focal point for an offense that struggled for much of the season, so it’s that much more impressive.

Holland was the top safety in this class, according to the PFWA, as he beat out the Las Vegas Raiders’ Tre’Von Moehrig. While he might not have broken records in his first year, Holland’s impact was felt in nearly every game. He was always making a big hit, putting pressure on the quarterback, or forcing a turnover.

Phillips hasn’t been talked about as much, but his production in his rookie season was still impressive. He finished the year with eight sacks, the most by any rookie in Dolphins history, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story, as he was constantly getting pressure on the quarterback. If he can force quarterbacks to hurry a throw or force them into another defender’s grasp, that’s just as important as taking him down.

All three players have extremely bright futures in the league, and if they can put the right pieces around them, Miami might have a chance to make a run at some point.

[listicle id=444621]

Which NBA media members voted for Rockets’ players in 2020-21 awards

With the NBA’s regular-season awards for 2020-21 all handed out, the league published the exact ballots cast by all media members.

With the NBA’s awards for the 2020-21 regular season all handed out, the league has now published the votes cast by all media members. Each honor was voted on by a panel of roughly 100 professionals, and votes were tabulated by independent accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP.

It was a lighter year than usual for the Rockets and awards, which makes sense since Houston finished the season with the league’s worst record (17-55). However, the year wasn’t entirely devoid of highlights — as shown in Jae’Sean Tate’s spot on the All-Rookie First Team and Christian Wood finishing fourth in the Most Improved Player vote.

Here’s a look at some media votes that stood out, as it pertains to the Rockets and players including Wood, Tate, and KJ Martin.

Christian Wood

  • 1 vote for All-Defensive Second Team: DPA’s Max Haupt
  • 10 second-place votes for Most Improved Player (MIP): NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner and Shaun Powell; ESPN’s Doris Burke; Mauricio Codocea of Clarin (Argentina); Turner’s Kevin Harlan; The Athletic’s Zach Harper and Kelly Iko; Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News; The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor; Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks
  • 14 third-place votes for Most Improved Player: The Athletic’s Sam Amick; ESPN’s Jon Barry and Jackie MacMullan; Sports Illustrated’s Howard Beck and Chris Mannix; Rogers Sportsnet’s Michael Grange;, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s James Owczarski; Gazzetta.it’s Simone Sandri; Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press; Guillermo Schutz of Televisa (TUDN); The Ringer’s Seerat Sohi; Mirjam Swanson of the Southern California News Group; Olgun Uluc of ESPN Australia; and Turner’s Matt Winer
  • Approximately 75% of voters did not have Wood on their MIP ballot, which only included a spot for three names

Jae’Sean Tate

  • 57 votes to All-Rookie First Team, 40 to All-Rookie Second Team
  • Two voters (out of 99 total) left Tate off their ballot entirely: ESPN’s Jon Barry and the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin

KJ Martin

  • Three votes (out of 99 total) to All-Rookie Second Team: Reforma’s Diego Martinez; The Ringer’s Bill Simmons; ESPN’s Michael Wilbon

No other Houston player or coach received votes. Results for all of the 2020-21 awards, along with individual ballots, are available at NBA.com.

[lawrence-related id=50155,49649]

[listicle id=49943]

Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate named to NBA’s All-Rookie First Team

With 57 first-team votes and 154 total points, Tate narrowly edged out New York’s Immanuel Quickley (48 first-team votes, 148 points).

Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate was named Thursday to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team for the 2020-21 season, as voted on by over 100 media members from across the league.

With 57 first-team votes and 40 second-team votes for 154 total points, Tate edged out New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley (51 first-team votes, 46 second-team votes, 148 points) for the final first-team spot.

Tate started 58 of his 70 games played this season, with both figures leading Houston’s roster. The 6-foot-5 lefty averaged 11.3 points (50.6% FG), 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 29.2 minutes per game, and was one of the team’s best and most versatile defenders, as well. Tate’s linebacker build allows him to hold his own versus traditional big men in the post, but he also moves well laterally against guards on the perimeter.

Late in the year, when guards John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr. had their seasons cut short by injury, Tate proved that he was also versatile on offense by showcasing his ball-handling and playmaking skills — as evidenced by an average of 4.4 assists over his final 17 games.

Some had feared that Tate’s case for an All-Rookie First-Team spot might be harmed by his team’s record, since Houston (17-55) finished with the NBA’s worst mark of the 2020-21 regular season. However, he had just enough votes to stay ahead of Quickley and earn the honor.

[lawrence-related id=50037,48268]

[listicle id=49807]

Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate makes his case for All-Rookie First Team

“Nowadays, I don’t think defense is appreciated enough,” Tate told KPRC’s Ari Alexander. “I think that I was the best rookie defender.”

The NBA’s annual rookie honors, including Rookie of the Year and the All-Rookie First Team and All-Rookie Second Team members, are set to be announced over the coming days. As Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate sees it, he’s deserving of that “first team” recognition.

In a recent interview with Ari Alexander of Houston’s NBC affiliate, KPRC, the 25-year-old was asked to make his case for a first-team selection. (Votes are cast by a diverse panel of media members.)

In making his case, Tate responded:

Jae’Sean Tate plays both sides of the ball. Nowadays, I don’t think defense is appreciated enough. I think that I was the best rookie defender. I say that with confidence. I think I was the best rookie defender. If we’re talking about the offensive side of it, I think my numbers are solid. That’s my case. I was just as consistent on the offensive end, and I feel like I was the best on the defensive end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN3yR_1hRsg

Tate started 58 of his 70 games played this season, with both figures leading Houston’s roster. The 6-foot-5 lefty averaged 11.3 points (50.6% FG), 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 29.2 minutes per game, and he was one of Houston’s best and most versatile defenders. Tate’s linebacker build allows him to hold his own versus traditional big men in the post, but he also moves well laterally against guards on the perimeter.

Late in the year, when lead guards John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr. had their seasons cut short by injury, Tate took advantage of an opportunity to showcase his ball-handling and playmaking skills — as evidenced by his average of 4.4 assists over the final 17 games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H-xaGrVWTY

The one inhibiting factor to Tate’s case for an All-Rookie First Team nod could be that Houston (17-55) finished with the NBA’s worst record of the 2020-21 regular season. Assuming LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton are first-team locks, Rookie Wire projects that New York’s Immanuel Quickley, Memphis’ Desmond Bane, and Detroit’s Saddiq Bey are Tate’s primary competition for the final two spots. Of those three, Quickley and Bane played on teams that made the 2021 playoffs, which may have given them greater visibility to voters.

Whatever the final result, Tate’s debut season in the NBA made quite an impression and should have him well positioned to be an impact player for years to come. And he’s not shy about spreading that message.

[lawrence-related id=49241,49243]

[listicle id=49807]

Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate makes his case for All-Rookie First Team

“Nowadays, I don’t think defense is appreciated enough,” Tate told KPRC’s Ari Alexander. “I think that I was the best rookie defender.”

The NBA’s annual rookie honors, including Rookie of the Year and the All-Rookie First Team and All-Rookie Second Team members, are set to be announced over the coming days. As Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate sees it, he’s deserving of that “first team” recognition.

In a recent interview with Ari Alexander of Houston’s NBC affiliate, KPRC, the 25-year-old was asked to make his case for a first-team selection. (Votes are cast by a diverse panel of media members.)

In making his case, Tate responded:

Jae’Sean Tate plays both sides of the ball. Nowadays, I don’t think defense is appreciated enough. I think that I was the best rookie defender. I say that with confidence. I think I was the best rookie defender. If we’re talking about the offensive side of it, I think my numbers are solid. That’s my case. I was just as consistent on the offensive end, and I feel like I was the best on the defensive end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN3yR_1hRsg

Tate started 58 of his 70 games played this season, with both figures leading Houston’s roster. The 6-foot-5 lefty averaged 11.3 points (50.6% FG), 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 29.2 minutes per game, and he was one of Houston’s best and most versatile defenders. Tate’s linebacker build allows him to hold his own versus traditional big men in the post, but he also moves well laterally against guards on the perimeter.

Late in the year, when lead guards John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr. had their seasons cut short by injury, Tate took advantage of an opportunity to showcase his ball-handling and playmaking skills — as evidenced by his average of 4.4 assists over the final 17 games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H-xaGrVWTY

The one inhibiting factor to Tate’s case for an All-Rookie First Team nod could be that Houston (17-55) finished with the NBA’s worst record of the 2020-21 regular season. Assuming LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton are first-team locks, Rookie Wire projects that New York’s Immanuel Quickley, Memphis’ Desmond Bane, and Detroit’s Saddiq Bey are Tate’s primary competition for the final two spots. Of those three, Quickley and Bane played on teams that made the 2021 playoffs, which may have given them greater visibility to voters.

Whatever the final result, Tate’s debut season in the NBA made quite an impression and should have him well positioned to be an impact player for years to come. And he’s not shy about spreading that message.

[lawrence-related id=49241,49243]

[listicle id=49807]

How many Boston Celtics made All-Rookie honors in their inaugural season?

See if you can guess the number, their names, and seasons.

The Boston Celtics have had their fair share of outstanding first-year players with one of if not the most storied franchises in the history of North American professional sports.

But the team’s greatness pre-dates one of the highest honors rookie players can be recognized with as such, with the NBA’s “All-Rookie Team” accolade having only been around since the 1962-63 season — a half-decade after the Celtics began hanging banners in Boston on the regular. Still, the Celtics have proven to be one of the most prolific populators of the honor throughout its six-decade history, with gaps only coming in the rebuilding periods of the 1970s and near the turn of the century.

How many Celtics can you name who were elected as All-Rookie Team nods in their inaugural season — and better yet, how many seasons of theirs can you get right?

Scroll down and we’ll find out.

Damien Lewis only Seahawk named to 2020 PFWA All-Rookie Team

Seattle Seahawks guard Damien Lewis was the only member of the organization named to the 2020 PFWA All-Rookie Team. He looks promising.

Seattle Seahawks guard Damien Lewis had a strong rookie season in 2020, making the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team and being the only Seahawk to do so this year.

The Seahawks selected Lewis in the third round in the 2020 NFL Draft with the No. 69 overall pick and he made an immediate impact, playing every snap in the season opener against the Falcons and going on to start all 16 regular-season games and the postseason loss against the Rams.

Lewis proved himself a solid run blocker this year and Pro Football Focus gave him a run-blocking grade of 81.5. He could use improvement in the passing game but has plenty of room to grow.

Lewis could prove crucial to the stability of the Seahawks’ offensive line in the near future, especially considering the uncertainty of several other players positioned adjacent to him.

[lawrence-related id=70914]

Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed, P Tommy Townsend named to PFWA All-Rookie Team

Two Kansas City Chiefs rookies are among the 27 players named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

The Pro Football Writers of America have announced their annual All-Rookie team. Two rookies of the Kansas City Chiefs have been recognized among the best at their position in their introductory NFL seasons. The Chiefs were among six other teams to also have two rookies selected to the team.

Chiefs fourth-round draft pick L’Jarius Sneed was one of the two players recognized at his position along with Minnesota Vikings CB Cameron Dantzler. Sneed burst onto the scene early in his career filling in for suspended veteran Bashaud Breeland. By Week 2, Sneed was the NFL’s interception leader. He’d see his first helping of NFL adversity in Week 3 when he suffered a fractured collarbone.

Sneed wouldn’t return until Week 11 and when he returned he was playing an entirely different position, operating as the team’s nickel corner. He met the challenge head-on and continues to impress at the position. Sneed finished the regular season with nine games played and six starts, recording 41 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, seven passes defended and three interceptions. He’s already recorded a sack in the Chiefs’ postseason campaign.

Undrafted free agent Tommy Townsend, the other Chiefs rookie recognized, secured the only space for a punter on the All-Rookie team. He had big shoes to fill when he signed in Kansas City, replacing 15-year veteran punter Dustin Colquitt. He’s attacked that challenge and proven to be one of the top young punters in the game.

Townsend has done about as good of a job as you could possibly ask for from a rookie. He finished the year with 52 punts for a total of 2,339 yards, averaging 45 yards per punt with a long punt of 69 yards. He also completed a 13-yard pass attempt on a fake punt against the New York Jets in Week 8. He didn’t have a punt in the AFC divisional round of the playoffs, but signs only point to more success for the rookie from here on out.

[vertical-gallery id=85949]