Denver Broncos Rookies Make Pro Football Weekly's All-Rookie Team

by Colby on Jan 16, 2012 2:21 PM MST

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Quarterback Caleb Hanie #12 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

January is always the time of year where players start gathering accolades for strong seasons.

Pro Football Weekly and the Professional Football Writers of America released their annual All-Rookie 2011 teams.

The Broncos strong season coming off their worst season in franchise history was recognized with two rookies being recognized both on the defensive side of the ball.

Second overall pick Von Miller pick was the obvious choice for any rookie team. PFW had this to say about Miller.

Miller, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft from Texas A&M, tied the Broncos’ rookie sack record with 11.5 quarterback takedowns on his way to becoming just the second rookie in club history to be named to the Pro Bowl. His 11.5 sacks tied for ninth in the NFL and his 64 tackles were fifth-most on the Broncos.

The second Bronco to make the list (in the safety spot) was rookie defense back Chris Harris, who came out of nowhere to be one of the reasons for the Broncos comeback season. PFW had this to say about Harris.

Harris, who was signed by the Broncos as a college free agent out of Kansas, finished the regular season ranked fourth on the team with 65 tackles. He also intercepted one pass and broke up six others. Harris was the team’s nickel cornerback for the majority of the season, but was selected to the All-Rookie team as a safety.

Congratulations to both Broncos. The Broncos had many good performances by their rookies this season. Quinton Carter had a lot of strong moments including a huge interception against the Steelers. Orlando Franklin started all 16 games at right tackle for the Broncos. The Broncos wanted three starters out of this rookie class and got 3 possibly 4 if you include Chris Harris at the nickle back spot.The full rookie teams can be seen here.

Congrats to all the Broncos rookies on a good season and here's to many more to come!

You made Bronco Country proud!

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I'm pretty happy about this past draft

Quinton Carter I think has proven he is an NFL safety. He had some rough games, but he had an above-average rookie season. The other safety spot unfortunately is a train-wreck, but I’m hoping Rahim Moore may show signs of life and get his head on straight. He looked really lost out there when he played, and the fact that Rafael Bush was playing over him at the end was really telling. I’d actually be happy with drafting a CB high and moving Champ to the other safety spot, but that seems unlikely.

by scooter17 on Jan 16, 2012 2:33 PM MST reply actions

Really never understood the Bush move.

and the attempts at arm tackling last week by all safeties drove me absolutely nuts…

by trumanj on Jan 16, 2012 3:06 PM MST up reply actions

Good on Miller and Harris . . .

I’m really disappointed, however, that Franklin didn’t get the accolades, having played on the line that produced the #1 rushing team in the league. It is my understanding that Nate Irving spent the season largely still recovering from his knee injury. One might wonder how he would have done, had he been healthy and out there.

I love my wife.

by AZDynamics on Jan 16, 2012 2:38 PM MST reply actions