Joe Thuney named to PFWA All Rookie Team
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| Thuney has started from Day One at left guard. Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire |
A third round pick from NC State last spring, Thuney got starting reps at left guard in his first NFL minicamp and never relinquished his hold on that role, starting all 16 games along with the Pats first playoff game last weekend. His reliable presence at guard helped to stabilize a Patriots offensive line that showed dramatic improvement from 2015.
It's worth noting that Thuney was part of the return from last spring's Chandler Jones trade. That trade landed guard Jonathan Cooper and a second round pick, which was traded on draft night for third and fourth round picks. Those picks turned into Thuney and receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who also turned in an impressive rookie season.
The rest of All-Rookie offensive line consisted of Miami Dolphins guard Laremy Tunsil, Chicago Bears center Cody Whitehair, Detriot Lions left tackle Taylor Decker and Tennessee Titans right tackle Jack Conklin. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot unsurprisingly ran away with both Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, while Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
