Following an exciting first round, we break down the favorite picks, most pleasant and biggest surprises, most under-appreciated pick, worst move and more.
Peyton Manning, Mario Williams, Mike Wallace and Carl Nicks headline an intriguing free agent class that can shift the balance of power this offseason.
The Eagles seemingly came out of nowhere to sign Nnamdi Asomugha as they eye a trip to the Super Bowl.
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The beauty of the NFL is its volatility, from week to week and season to season any team can beat another on any given Sunday. Though it has only been six weeks here are my observations and opinions thus far.
MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
There are a few things that are guaranteed in life: Death, Taxes and Aaron Rodgers will throw for 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns. Through six weeks of the season, there is no doubt that Rodgers is the best player and MVP of the NFL.
It has only been six weeks, but it seems Rodgers has picked up where his searing-hot 2010 playoff and Super Bowl run ended. This season Rodgers has exhibited a Joe Montana like cool on his way to amassing 2,031 yards 17 touchdowns, while completing 70 percent of his passes for a 122.5 quarterback rating.
Dr. Rodgers has cracked the back of opposing defenses with his quick and decisive decision making, accuracy, and excellent erudite.
Opposing defensive coordinators have yet to sketch out a blueprint to stymie Rodgers and the high powered Packers offense. If opposing defensive coordinators cannot concoct a formula to slow the high powered Packers offense, the NFL will continue to be Mr. Rodgers neighborhood.
Offensive MVP: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
In 2008, I stated that trying to find a something wrong with the game of Calvin Johnson, was like picking lint off an Armani suit. Well three years later NFL defenses are still looking. Thus far through the 2011 season, Megatron has transformed the NFL to his own playground.
Through six weeks, his 36 receptions for 564 yards and nine touchdowns have sent electric shock-waves through the NFL. At 6 foot-4 and 235 pounds Johnson is a walking mismatch that has bullied and leaped his way to being the first NFL receiver to catch two touchdowns in each of his first four games. The NFL does not have a cornerback that can contain Megatron and with injuries to Andre Johnson and attrition, Calvin Johnson is emerging as the best wide receiver in the NFL.
Rookie Watch
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green is not your typical rookie NFL receiver. Through the first six weeks of the NFL season, Green has flashed the talent that made him the fourth pick in the 2011 draft. Green is a smooth route runner that has racked up 29 receptions for 453 yards, while averaging 15.6 yards a catch. His great hands, leaping ability and uncanny body control has allowed him to be a reliable red-zone threat on his way to catching four touchdowns in his first six NFL games. If Green continues to mature and ascend at this pace, the Cincinnati Bengals should have a number one receiver and a top-10 NFL receiver.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton entered the NFL with pundits questioning his aptitude and ability to play quarterback. But after the first six weeks of the NFL season, his 1847 yards passing, 210 yards rushing and combined 13 touchdowns (7 passing and 6 rushing) have silenced his critics.
Coming into the NFL Newton was compared to the run-first quarterbacks. Newton has debunked that theory by exhibiting excellent discernment and poise in the pocket. Coming into the NFL, Newton was described as a big, strong and physical athlete. Through six weeks Newton has been nothing but a decisive and accurate passing NFL quarterback. Though his excellent physical ability has yet to translate to Panthers wins, it is inevitable that the talent of Newton will help the Panthers improve as a team and propel him into NFL stardom.
Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers
Before this years draft I stated that in three years Aldon Smith might be the best player in the 2011 draft class. Through six weeks Smith has done nothing but make me look like Nostradamus. In his freshman season in the NFL, Smith has exhibited the ability to consistently apply pressure, harass and knock down opposing quarterbacks. Smith tallies 11 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble, does not describe his importance to the 49ers nose-blooding defense. If Smith continues to harass and drop opposing quarterbacks, he might be the missing component from the San Francisco defense that allows the up and coming 49ers to compete with the pass happy NFC teams like the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
Von Miller, Denver Broncos
In his first five games in the NFL, Von Miller has to be the lone bright spot in a total eclipse of a season for the Broncos. His lightning quick first step and polished pass rushing moves have allowed him to notch up five sacks in his first five games. Though Miller has had a little problem adjusting to his assignments at strong side linebacker, his 18 tackles have shown he is slowly adapting to his new position. But, because of the Broncos inept offense, Miller has not been placed in ideal pass rush situations. But even with that being stated, his presence has definitely been felt by opposing offenses, including a two sack performance against Aaron Rodgers and the defending Champion Green Bay Packers. His sheer ability and tenacity have allowed him to have an immediate impact on the Broncos and the NFL. In the modern pass-happy NFL and where NFL footballs spend more time in the air than Southwest Airlines, the Broncos have a valuable pass rushing asset in Miller.
