Don’t Rush To Judge Rookies
One of the greatest unknowns in every NFL season is how well, or bad, rookie players will do. No matter how high or low players go, some rookies always exceed or fall below expectations. After seven weeks of play, one of the most talked about youngsters already is Adrian Peterson. Peterson, or All Day as he likes to be called, has been called everything from a steal to already one of the best at his position in the league.
I’ve seen Peterson play. He is good. No, strike that, he is very good. His performance against the Bears single-handedly kept the team in the game and he probably would have even better numbers if he started for the team. And his play is no fluke, he was the best running back in college by far when he played for Oklahoma. Looking back, it was quite foolish for teams to pass on him because of a minor injury he had in his last college season.
But to judge him as a better pick than players taken before him already is a mistake. Calvin Johnson, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, has scored three touchdowns despite getting minimal looks and throws in his direction a game. His sheer physical attributes make him a match-up problem to just about every team and there is no doubt that he will continue to improve his numbers when he learns the system and plays better.
And lets not rush to judge JaMarcus Russell, who has yet to take a snap as a Raider, Joe Thomas, Gaines Adams, Levi Brown, or LaRon Landry yet either. The jury is still out on who the best player from the class of 2007 will be.
So its OK to admire Peterson, to give him praise, and to want to watch him every time he runs. But don’t rush to judge Peterson or try to degrade other rookies to further increase his stature. He just hasn’t played long enough to deserve it yet.