The five most disappointing rookies in the AFC West in 2009:

1. Darrius Heyward-Bey, receiver, Oakland, first round: What can we say? Heyward-Bey was considered a big stretch when Oakland took him at No.7. Then, he dropped passes in minicamps and in training camp ... and then in the season. Heyward-Bey could develop into something, but he was terrible as a rookie. The fast, but raw Heyward-Bey had nine catches for 124 yards and one touchdown in 11 starts. That is ghastly.

2. Alphonso Smith, cornerback, Denver, second round: Smith was a second-round pick, so he should get some slack for his slow start. But the problem is, Denver traded its first-round pick in 2010 (No. 14) for Smith. He was a playmaker at Wake Forest. But in the NFL, he was replaced as Denver’s nickel cornerback three times, including by an undrafted rookie. Denver could really use that No. 14 pick.

3. Tyson Jackson, defensive end, Kansas City, first round: Jackson could develop into a decent player. He recognized he was a disappointment, which is a good sign. But the No. 3 pick just didn’t make enough plays. He needs to pick it up.

4. Robert Ayers, linebacker, Denver, first round: Ayers wasn’t terrible, but he just didn’t do much. The Broncos gave the No. 18 overall pick chances to make an impact, but he just didn’t deliver.

5. Larry English, linebacker, San Diego, first round: English, the No. 16 overall pick, doesn’t look like he is going to be a bust. He should develop nicely. But, like Ayers, he was given a chance to shine and he didn’t have much of an impact.