The New England Patriots relied heavily on their rookies this season. The line consisted of three rookies in Shaq Mason, David Andrews, and Tre Jackson, and the secondary benefit from contributions from Justin Coleman and Jordan Richards.

No rookie played better than first round defensive tackle Malcom Brown.

Brown finished the season as the team's leader at the position, staying on for more snaps than his veteran counterparts. After a slow start to the season, the rookie took advantage of the bye week to develop into one of the most reliable players on the defense.

The Pro Football Writers Association named Brown as one of the defensive tackles on the All Rookie Team, which is a much deserved distinction.

The Patriots didn't expect that Brown would still be available at the bottom of the first round in the draft and actually had a trade lined up in order to move down the draft board. But when Brown passed the Lions and the Colts, the Patriots backed out of the trade to select a player that was rated as one of the best in the draft. Brown has lived up to his draft status.

Congratulations to Brown. The season isn't over and his career is just beginning.