Ayers was on the inactive roster in Week 11

While he still can get beat by quicker wide receivers, Jenkins can hit and is a smart enough player to forget the last play. Jenkins is just one piece to the improved play of the Saints defense, but he has proved in his short NFL career that he belongs. Look for Jenkins to continue to improve and have a long NFL career barring injury. 15. Brian Cushing, OLB (Houston Texans) Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 102, S: 1.5, INT: 3, FF: 2) Considering where he was chosen, Brian Cushing may be the steal of the entire draft. No matter where he was chosen, he is clearly the NFL’s best rookie defensive player. Cushing was recently named the NFL Defensive Player of the Month and has accumulated double-digit tackles in his last four games. In addition to his 102 tackles, he leads all AFC linebackers in interceptions and passes defended (9). At 6’3” and 260 pounds, he has ideal size and remarkable agility for an outside linebacker. Paired with former NFL defensive rookie of the year DeMeco Ryans (MLB) and Mario Williams (DE), the Texans are building something special on that side of the ball. 16. Larry English, OLB (San Diego Chargers) Statistics: (GP:12, T: 21, S: 2, FF: 1) English has seen very little action so far. He has played decent when given the chance, but those opportunities have been few and far between behind Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips in San Diego. Merriman’s recent injury history jolted the Chargers into taking English a little earlier than most had him pegged. Merriman hasn’t shown the same burst he had pre-injury, so maybe the English pick will not be a waste down the line.

Josh Freeman, QB (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Statistics: (GP: 6, GS: 5, PYDS: 1,114, PCT: 54.4, TD: 7, INT: 10, RT: 64.1) Prior to this week’s game I would be saying what a solid pick Tampa Bay made to secure their franchise quarterback with the 17th pick in the draft. Then Freeman laid an egg with a zero-touchdown, five-interception performance against the Panthers. Despite that, Freeman has shown promise in his other four starts. Even in the Carolina debacle, he managed to throw for over 320 yards. He reminds me of a young, healthy Daunte Culpepper because of his size at 6’6” and 250 pounds, pocket presence, and ability to throw the ball deep. As the game slows down for him, Freeman should turn into a better-than-average NFL quarterback. 18. Robert Ayers, LB (Denver Broncos) Statistics: (GP: 11, T: 15, S: 0, TD: 1) Outside of a fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown against the Steelers in Week Nine, Ayers has not contributed much in his rookie year. At only 274 pounds, Ayers is going to have to put on some weight in the offseason to be suitable to lineup at end in the 3-4. Ayers was on the inactive roster in Week 11. He is a project who may show up in the Broncos starting lineup down the road. 19. Jeremy Maclin, WR (Philadelphia Eagles) Statistics: (GP: 12, C: 46, YDRe: 623, TD: 4) Maclin has been inconsistent in his first season with the Eagles, but has on occasion shown the explosiveness that led scouts to believe he could be a special playmaker in the NFL. He’s led the Eagles in receptions in two games this year, including a spectacular 142-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week Five against Tampa Bay. He and fellow speedster DeSean Jackson will be a dynamic duo at wide receiver for a long time in Philadelphia. 20. Brandon Pettigrew, TE (Detroit Lions) Statistics: (GP: 11, C: 30, YDRe: 346, TD: 2) The Lions connected on their second pick in the first round.

Pettigrew provides young quarterback Matthew Stafford with a second big target alongside world-class wideout Calvin Johnson. Pettigrew has become a favorite of Stafford’s at crunch time, turning 20 of his 30 catches into first downs. At 6’6”, 265 pounds, he is too strong for defensive backs to cover, but he is also too quick for linebackers in open field. Pettigrew will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, but look for him to be considered among the elite tight ends in the league soon. 21. Alex Mack, C (Cleveland Browns) Statistics: (GP: 12, GS: 12) A lot of things have gone wrong for the Browns organization in 2009. He arguably could be the best lineman overall. Mack is intelligent, strong, agile, and carries a nasty mean streak.

Percy Harvin, WR (Minnesota Vikings) Statistics: (GP: 12, C: 48, YDRe: 648, TD: 6) What do you get for the team who has everything on offense Answer: Percy Harvin. Harvin is a matchup nightmare because of his ability to lineup all over the field, especially when teams already have to worry about quarterback Brett Favre’s arm and Adrian Peterson’s legs. Whether lined up in the slot, in the backfield, or returning kicks, teams need to be aware of the speedy Harvin. He has blossomed nicely under the tutelage of Favre. He will continue to provide defensive coordinators fits long after Brett has retired. 23. Michael Oher, OT (Baltimore Ravens) Statistics: (GP: 12, GS: 12) If you have not seen the movie The Blind Side do yourself a favor it is an incredibly compelling story. Oher is a long way from the streets of Memphis, but his life’s work is far from a finished product. He has been a starter from day one and the big right tackle looks like a keeper for the Ravens. 24. Peria Jerry, DT (Atlanta Falcons) Statistics: (GP: 2, T: 1) Peria was a backup for two games before his season was finished because of a knee injury. Draft grade: incomplete. 25. Vontae Davis, CB (Miami Dolphins) Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 38, INT: 3, TD: 1) The Dolphins were desperate for help at the cornerback position, and Davis and fellow rookie corner Sean Smith have fit in nicely. Most recently, Davis sealed a victory over the rival Patriots with an interception of a Tom Brady in the end zone. Like all rookie cornerbacks Davis has made his share of mistakes, but he has the smarts and skill to be a solid NFL starter. 26.