For the first week, we saw the Chicago Bears quarterback, Alex Smith, brought home the rookie of the week award for his week 1 performance against the defending Super Bowl champions, Washington Redskins. He won almost unanimously from the other 4 nominees by collecting almost 80% of the votes from the league members. How about for week 2? There are quite a few notable rookie performers to choose from. But after several considerations, here are the five nominees for SFL 2005 Week 2 Rookie of the Week.
WR Mike Williams (BAL) Won 20-13 at Titans Williams was drafted as the 18th overall pick of 2005 SFL Draft. The USC graduate has an ideal size for a WR at 6'4" 230 lbs. This is his second week in a row being nominated for rookie of the week award. He recorded 7 receptions for 93 total yards and a touchdown while only dropped one ball against the Titans. He has definitely become the favorite target for Ravens QB Jeff Blake.
MLB Barrett Ruud (CHI) Lost 13-26 vs. Lions Ruud was drafted with the 15th pick in the second round of 2005 SFL Draft. The Nebraska graduate has quite ideal size for an inside linebacker at 6'2" 241 lbs. However, he slipped all the way to the mid second round due to showing lack of speed in the scouting combine. Just like Williams, this is also his second week in a row being nominated for rookie of the week. He recorded 13 tackles while only allowed 1 catch against the red hot Lions offense. He should be on the conversation for defensive rookie of the year at the end of the season, considering the last 2 winners are MLBs.
QB Kyle Orton (SF) Won 30-27 at Eagles Orton was drafted as the 14th overall pick in the 2005 SFL Draft. The Purdue University graduate has quite ideal size for a franchise QB at 6'3" 226 lbs. He threw 3 TDs against the Eagles. He also completed 14 of 29 pass attempts for 278 yards. What's even better he hasn't thrown an interception yet. Being plotted as the successor for Jeff Garcia in San Francisco, he shows that he is ready for the job and up for the challenge. The 49ers are looking pretty much alive now with their new franchise QB.
MLB Odell Thurman (STL) Lost 10-15 at Cardinals Thurman was drafted as the 10th overall pick in 2005 SFL Draft. The University of Georgia graduate is actually a little bit undersized for an inside linebacker. But with a good performance in the scouting combine, he ended up making the top ten pick. He recorded 10 tackles (2 for loss) and one interception in a defensive battle against division rival Cardinals. He surely has become the vital part of the Rams defense this season.
SS Justin Beriault (CHI) Lost 13-26 vs. Lions Beriault was actually drafted by the Steelers with the 12th pick in the third round of 2005 SFL Draft. But they decided not to use his service then he ended up with the Bears who signed him from the free agency. The Ball State University graduate is actually an ideal man for a strong safety at 6'3" 210 lbs. It is still surprising why the Steelers opted not to keep him. He recorded 9 tackles and 3 pass deflections in his first game as a starter against the Lions. The Bears must now be really happy how he has turned out.
Those are the 5 nominees for SFL 2005 Week 2 Rookie of the Week. As usual, the voting will be open for 1x24 hours. So, please participate here by submitting your vote before midnight EST tomorrow. If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to leave those below. Thanks in advance for your participation. GO ROOKIE...GO!!!
AWARDEE: QB Kyle Orton (SF)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kyle Orton has won the SFL 2005 Rookie of the Week Award for his Week 2 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. The quarterback got 80% of the votes from the league members and left the other 4 nominees in the dirt. With 3 touchdowns and 0 interception performance, it is hard not to vote for him. Looks like the 49ers will not miss Jeff Garcia. Well done, Peter!
