Commentary

Rookie Watch: Haden proving worth

Originally Published: December 15, 2010
By Matt Williamson | Scouts Inc.

Rookie cornerback Devin McCourty gets more recognition than Joe Haden -- and I do have the New England Patriots' McCourty ranked slightly above the Browns' first-round pick.

But if their teams were switched and Haden was on more of a national stage, he would be that someone everyone is talking about. Haden, the seventh overall pick, has been terrific and has come on like gangbusters the past several weeks. Haden is a tough guy who isn't afraid to throw his body around as a tackler or in run support on the edge. He is not an elite athlete for the position, but the former University of Florida star is not far away.

He has very good speed and is explosive in his movements, including an excellent vertical leap. Haden has good hips for man-to-man coverage but is probably at his best driving on the ball in zone. It won't be long before Haden is an upper-echelon cover man in any style defense that Cleveland chooses to employ. The Browns are not the flashiest team in the league, but watch this up-and-comer in their secondary.

Ranking   Player, position (draft position) Last week
1
 Sam Bradford, Rams QB (first round, No. 1)
Against the Saints, Bradford showed his inexperience and made a few throws that he has to regret.
1
2
 Ndamukong Suh, Lions DT (first round, No. 2)
Suh's showing in the victory over the Packers was one of his best NFL games. That is saying something. He is a lock for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
2
3
 Devin McCourty, Patriots CB (first round, No. 27)
McCourty suffered a rib injury in the Patriots' rout of the Bears but still made a huge early impact.
4
4
 Joe Haden, Browns CB (first round, No. 7)
Haden didn't make a big impact in Buffalo. The Bills chose to run instead of throw. But look for big things on Sunday in Cincinnati.
5
5
 Mike Williams, Buccaneers WR (fourth round, No. 101)
Williams and Josh Freeman nearly converted on a couple of big plays, but it was fellow rookie WR Arrelious Benn who had the big day against the Redskins.
3
6
 Mike Iupati, 49ers G (first round, No. 17);
This rookie from Idaho still needs work as a pass-protector, but Iupati continues to mash his opponents in the run game as he did against the Seahawks in Week 14.
8
7
 Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants DE (first round, No. 15)
Although he's a part-time player, JPP continues to impress. His natural ability is off the chart.
6
8
 Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers C (first round, No. 18)
Pouncey has been on and off this list, but he is putting together a very solid season. His future is extremely bright.
NR
9
 Rob Gronkowski, Patriots TE (second round, No. 42)
This guy continues to impress. It won't be long before he is one of the best two-way tight ends in the game.
NR
10
 Rolando McClain, Raiders ILB (First Round, No. 8)
There were high hopes for McClain coming out of Alabama, but he started his rookie season slowly. He is coming on strong now, though.
NR
Other notables: Eric Berry, Chiefs S (first round, No. 5); Tony Moeaki, Chiefs TE (third round, No. 93); Rodger Saffold, Rams LT (second round, No. 33); Earl Thomas, Seahawks FS (first round, No. 14); Lamarr Houston, Raiders DE (second round, No 44); T.J. Ward, Browns S (second round, No. 38); LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers RB (undrafted).

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

Matt Williamson

ESPN.com
  • Hosts "Football Today" podcast
  • Joined ESPN in 2005
  • Was an NFL and college scout for the Cleveland Browns

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