Arizona Cardinals Rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Six Week Checkup

The Arizona Cardinals rookie class has been heralded as a great class from very early in mini-camps. Most thought at the time that the Cards drafted based on talent rather than need for the first time in quite a while. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was the Cardinals first round pick at 16th overall and while he's gotten plenty of playing time through the first six games, grading his play depends on your expectations.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: It's tough to grade DRC so early in his rookie year because we all know he'd have a steep learning curve coming from inferior competition at Tennessee State to the NFL. He hasn't made any highlight plays yet in the regular season, although his hit on New Orleans tight end Mark Campbell in the preseason was memorable. So how would I grade his first six games? First consider how I projected him back in June:

Rodgers-Cromartie most likely won't win any rookie of the year awards or lead the league in interceptions in 2008, but he's got the athletic ability and mental make-up to be a top flight corner for years to come. If I had to make a projection right now, I'd guess that he'll have some moments where he looks like he doesn't belong in the league early in the season, but by the end of the year he'll likely pick up a handful of starts and show some significant signs of becoming a top tier cornerback.

At least for now, I'd say DRC is on track. He's getting even more playing time than I orginally thought he would because Eric Green and Hood have had some bumps and bruises during games. Rodgers-Cromartie has certainly struggled in some big moments (the Lee Evans and Miles Austin TDs come to mind) but overall I can't say he's been disappointing. As long as he continues to progress and grow as a player, his rookie season can still be considered a success. Thoughts? What were your expectations for DRC heading into the season and what are they for the rest of the season?