Rookie Report: Elliott bolsters MVP case, Kelley steers Redskins to victory

10 years ago

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Each week, Rookie Report provides a running look at first-year standouts, surprises, and Rookie of the Year candidates.

Offense

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys

At this rate, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Elliott captured both Offensive Rookie of the Year and NFL MVP honors. Elliott was held out of the end zone, but rushed for 97 yards and added four receptions for 30 yards in a 27-17 victory over the Ravens. Many admonished the Cowboys for selecting a running back with the fourth overall pick, but they've secured the cornerstone of a new regime, and are leading the NFL with a 9-1 mark in large part due to Elliott.

Rob Kelley, RB, Washington Redskins

Not to be outdone by his NFC East counterpart, Kelley is putting the league on notice as well, running for 137 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-24 rout of the Packers. Kelley showed off his breakaway speed on a 66-yard gain, and his yards per carry average increased in four consecutive weeks. After rotating through a carousel of running backs, the Redskins have found their long-term option in Kelley.

Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots

Mitchell caught four passes for a team-high 98 yards and a touchdown in a 30-17 victory over the 49ers. The fourth-round pick breezed through the 49ers' defense on a 56-yard touchdown catch, leaving his opponents in the dirt. It'll be compelling to see how Mitchell's role develops in a Patriots system that's designed to give numerous players the ball, but he's become a viable option for Tom Brady and Co. to consider down the home stretch.

Defense

James Bradberry, CB, Carolina Panthers

Bradberry was maligned earlier in the year for inconsistent play, but has rebounded nicely through the last month and a half of the season. The cornerback recorded seven tackles in the Panthers' 23-20 win over the Saints on Thursday and was nearly omnipresent around the ball. Bradberry excelled in press coverage and displayed great recovery speed while breaking up passes in the end zone. It's been a roller coaster ride, but Bradberry is showing marked improvement.

Vonn Bell, S, New Orleans Saints

Bell is emerging as a steady presence in the run game, amassing seven tackles in Thursday's loss to the Panthers. The second-round pick is displaying a willingness to throw crushing blows in the open field, despite his relatively diminutive stature. However, Bell needs to improve in coverage. He allowed Ted Ginn to get open while staring down the quarterback for too long.

Miles Killebrew, S, Detroit Lions

Killebrew is beginning to make his mark on the Lions' defense, recording a team-high five tackles in a 26-19 win against the Jaguars. The 23-year-old is being deployed as a safety, but sports the range, size, and open-field hitting ability to play at linebacker, an option the Lions now have at their disposal. With the Lions holding a share of the division lead, Killebrew could see increased playing time and responsibilities as the season progresses.