Rookies set to make huge impact include Saints' Jenkins

Written by Rene Nadeau | Thursday, 14 May 2009 17:48 | Saints News

I will take an early stab at who might be a good fit for NFL Rookies of the Year for 2009. Although it's really early in the process, the players that I've selected seem to be a great fit in their new enviroment.



Offensive Rookie of the Year - Hakeem Nicks WR New York Giants

The 6'1- 212 physical receiver had 68 catches for 1222 yards, 12 touchdowns for North Carolina in 2008. He was the 29th player chosen in the 1st round. Nicks will slide into the vacancy created by the departure of Plaxico Burress.

Eli Manning will be looking for a big play guy, and Nicks fits that role to a "T". The other receivers on the Giants roster include Domenik Hixon, 24, who had 43 catches for 506 yards and 2 TD's in 2008, 14-year veteran Amani Toomer (48 catches last fall; may not be a factor in 2009) and Steve Smith, the 24-year old former USC star who had 57 catches for 574 yards last year.

Nicks is capable of a 70-75 catch season as a rookie, if not more.

Defensive Rookie of the Year - Brain Orakpo DE Washington Redskins

Orakpo will play the hybrid DE / LB spot for the Redskins. He will bring an infusion of energy to the 'Skins pass rush. The arrival of big money free agent DT Albert Haynesworth will only help Orakpo, freeing him up to wreak havoc on offenses. He could be the next Shawne Merriman.

---

I end up being wrong about the top defensive rookie this year. A lot of chatter I'm hearing from NFL people regards how the Saints might have hit a bonanza with 1st round pick CB Malcolm Jenjins. He could develop into a game-changer type.

The Saints under Gregg Williams are expected to be selective yet effective in their blitz packages by mixing in some safety blitzes and sending a CB occasionally.

Tracy Porter (a 2nd rounder in 2008) is 100 % and ready to go. The 2nd-year corner has been working extremely hard and anxious to hit the field and show the fans a much stronger and savvy edition in 2009.

Speaking of monster offseasons, former 1st round pick WR Robert Meacham has dropped 14 pounds, extended his stride and gained a world of confidence. A lot of his offseason workouts includes work above the shoulders...on his understanding of the game and overall confidence.

"I can't wait to show the world what I'm capable of," Meacham said. "Some people write you off. There was something deep down. I never doubted myself."

Meachem has worked extremely hard on his route running, diet and concentration with fitness guru Wyatt Harris of Sonic Boom.