Lunchbreak: Jefferson & Dantzler Named to PFF's 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team

[Viktor]

Also no surprise is the quarterback position, which went to Chargers rookie Justin Herbert.


Numerous debates have erupted over social media around which "Justin" should be named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year between Jefferson and Herbert.


Linsey selected Herbert at QB over Bengals rookie Joe Burrow, Jefferson's LSU teammate.


Much has been made of the offensive line that Joe Burrow was playing behind in Cincinnati, but the offensive line in Los Angeles did Herbert no favors, either. The Chargers will end the 2020 regular season ranked 30thin team pass-blocking grade, and Herbert will finish the season as the highest-graded quarterback in the NFL under pressure to go along with a league-high 99.4 passer rating when the pass rush gets home.


On defense, Linsey selected another Vikings youngster: cornerback Cameron Dantzler, a third-round pick out of Mississippi State.


Over 11 games (10 starts), Dantzler totaled 46 tackles (press box stats), four passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also snagged two interceptions, more than any other cornerback on Minnesota's roster.


Dantzler's season can be separated into two distinct segments. Before his injury in Week 8, Dantzler sported a coverage grade of 52.4, allowing a passer rating of 133.8 into his coverage. After returning to the field in Week 11, he earned a coverage grade of 83.9 while allowing a passer rating of 41.9 on passes into his coverage.


The receivers that Dantzler lined up across from most frequently during that stretch included D.J. Chark, Allen Robinson, D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson and Mike Evans — a list that [features] some quality opponents.


That late-season surge earns Dantzler the first-team spot here, and it gives the Vikings some reason for optimism in their young cornerback group heading into the 2021 season.


To see the full PFF All-Rookie team, click here.