The Pro Football Writers Association has released its All-Rookie Team for 2021.
Five alums from the University of Alabama made the team. Mac Jones (New England Patriots), Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers), Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins), Christian Barmore (Patriots), and Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos).
The PFWA selected Dallas Cowboys LB Micah Parsons as the 2021 Rookie and Defensive Rookie of the Year; Cincinnati WR Ja’Marr Chase selected as the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Full All-Rookie honors: pic.twitter.com/B2Qx44F91L
— Pro Football Writers (@PFWAwriters) January 25, 2022
Three of the five players made the playoffs with their teams. After missing the playoffs in 2020, Jones carried the Patriots to the postseason. He totaled 3,801 passing yards and set a franchise record for touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback.
RELATED: Jaylen Waddle receives major honor from Pro Football Hall of Fame
Harris collected his first 1,000-yard rushing (1,200) season.
He totaled 467 receiving yards on 74 catches and recorded ten touchdowns for the Steelers. Harris finished second in carries (307) and fourth for rushing yards in the NFL. Waddle set the Dolphins’ rookie record for receiving yards with 1,015. He set the league record for most catches (104) by a rookie receiver in a season. Barmore produced a strong campaign for the Patriots on its defensive line. As a second-round pick, Barmore had 46 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended.
Surtain had the defense of the Denver Broncos on point. He amassed 58 tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, 14 passes defended, and one touchdown. Surtain was the best move for the Broncos in the first round.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
