Los Angeles Chargers News

Three Chargers Named to NFL.com’s 2016 All-Rookie Team

NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt has made his selections for his annual All-Rookie team, and three Chargers made the cut.

By Cody Young@cyoung116 Feb 12, 2017, 8:57am PST

After every season, Gil Brandt of NFL.com assembles the names of some of the first-year players who really stood out and forms an “All-Rookie” team. Brandt just released this year’s roster, and three Chargers found themselves on it. That ties the Bolts with the Chicago Bears for most rookies on the list. Those three players were TE Hunter Henry, DE Joey Bosa, and P Drew Kaser. Here’s what Gil had to say about each of the Bolts young stars along with my quick take on each of them.

Brandt: “Henry averaged 13.3 yards per catch and totaled eight touchdowns on 36 catches. He’s a very good red-zone receiver and improved a lot as a blocker during the season. I think he’s going to be a very productive tight end.”

My take: Hunter Henry is going to be a very special player. He is already great at finding the hole in zone coverages and knows how to work his man to get open. That’s what makes him so dangerous in the red-zone.

Brandt: “I think the Defensive Rookie of the Year surprised nearly everyone by coming in and playing like did after a holdout. Bosa racked up 10.5 sacks and 46 pressures in 12 games.”

My take: Bosa is just unstoppable. That’s all there is to it. He’s already one of the best at his position and he is only going to get better. Bosa will be dominating in this league for years to come.

Brandt: Kaser averaged 46.3 yards per punt and did not have a single punt blocked, though he did have one returned for a touchdown. He’s a very good directional kicker.”

My take: After a sensational pre-season, Kaser had kind of a rocky start to his career. He shanked a couple of punts early on, but was much better later on in the year as he grew more comfortable.

(Note: That Kaser punt that was returned for a touchdown was ridiculous. Tyreek Hill did everything you’re not supposed to do as a returner and still scored.)

Here is the full list of Gil Brandts All-Rookie team:

Quarterback

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Running back

Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears

Wide receiver

Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Malcolm Mitchell, New England Patriots

Tight end

Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers

Offensive tackle