Fast learners: the speedy players—like Washington's Rod Gardner—were the ones who made their presence felt immediately - All-Rookie Team

Football Digest, March, 2002

TRUE TO THEIR NATURE, THE speedy players made the quickest impression as rookies this season. Some of the sprinters, such as wide receivers Rod Gardner and Chris Chambers, took a few games to find their stride. Others, like LaDainian Tomlinson and Steve Smith, hit the ground running.

But regardless of when they came to prominence, the freshmen who run fast had quite an impact in the NFL. That is evidenced by FOOTBALL DIGEST'S 2001 All-Rookie Team.

Game-breaking receivers Gardner and Chambers, our Offensive Rookie of the Year, are joined by a couple running backs, Tomlinson and Anthony Thomas, as the main offensive forces of the rookie class. All were chosen in the first or second rounds of the draft, meaning this type of success was expected of them.

That wasn't the case, however, for tight end Eric Johnson, a seventh-rounder out of Yale--yes, the Ivy League Yale--who filled a huge void for the San Francisco 49ers. He played much better at that position than the more heavily hyped Todd Heap of the Baltimore Ravens, the only tight end to go in the first round.

Our quarterback spot goes to Chris Weinke, pretty much by default. While Weinke struggled with the hapless Carolina Panthers, he really had no competition. Drew Brees? Not enough snaps. Mike McMahon? Same thing.

Although the offensive line is without a center, it still is a formidable group. Guards Leonard Davis, the No. 2 selection overall in the draft, and Steve Hutchinson are joined by tackles Jeff Backus, Maurice Williams, and Matt Light. Consider that none of those players weighs less than 304 pounds.

Kicker Bill Gramatica, meanwhile, has nicely followed in the, uh, footsteps of his older brother Martin, who works for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There is no shortage of defensive linemen. Although none was a standout, everyone on our team was functional. The best of the ends were Fred Wakefield and Justin Smith, who came from opposite ends of the spectrum. Smith was the first defensive end chosen in the draft and the fourth player taken overall, by the Cincinnati Bengals. Wakefield, on the other hand, was an undrafted free agent from Illinois. Defensive tackles Gerard Warren, chosen third overall, and Shaun Rogers could be booking flights to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl before long.

By far the most impressive defensive first-year player was Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell, our Defensive Rookie of the Year. The second-rounder is following in an impressive wake of Steelers defenders that includes Jack Lambert, Chad Brown, and Levon Kirkland, all second-round draftees by Pittsburgh. Bell's All-Rookie counterparts at linebacker are Tommy Polley, a terrific athlete, and Antonio Pierce.

Competition was stronger in the secondary, particularly at safety, where a half-dozen rookies saw action. Most impressive were Adam Archuleta and Bhawoh Jue. The cornerbacks crop also is deep, with Nate Clements and Anthony Henry edging an outstanding field that also includes Andre Dyson and Fred Smoot.

Jason Baker was the only consideration among punters, and Steve Smith was tops among kick returners.

Here's a complete look at our 2001 All-Rookie Team:

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Chris Weinke, Panthers

The numbers don't speak loudly for Weinke, partly because he had little help around him. Carolina's running game was nonexistent, the line was in turmoil, and top receivers Muhsin Muhammad and Patrick Jeffers offered almost nothing. Give Weinke credit for hanging tough during a very difficult first year. He showed a lot of poise and certainly learned more than most rookie quarterbacks ever do.

RUNNING BACKS

LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers

Tomlinson charged out of the gate, as did his team, and reached the 1,000-yard plateau with still a month remaining in the season. But the Chargers faded down the stretch, and Tomlinson stopped making big plays, partly because of the diminishing production up front. Still, this is another LT to remember.

Anthony Thomas, Bears

Thomas made a huge impact when he finally got into the lineup. He has power, as well as enough speed to turn the corner. Some have questioned his durability because he takes so many hits, but he also delivers quite a few.

"He's looked awfully good since he's gotten here," Bears coach Dick Jauron says. "I think he does play fast. He does a lot of things very well, a lot of things."

TIGHT END

Eric Johnson, 49ers

The 49ers struggled early in the season without Greg Clark, a key component of their West Coast passing attack. But Johnson progressed rapidly, and ultimately, Clark hardly was missed.

"I didn't once think it would happen this fast," Johnson says. "I'm nowhere near where I think I can be, but I'm learning. I just hope I can get to the point where I'm contributing all the time."

Niners coach Steve Mariucci loves to involve the tight end, especially in the middle of the field. He might have found something special in the final round of the draft. "Boy, has he come on fast," Mariucci says. "What a pleasant surprise to have a seventh-rounder come in and start for you."