Best rookie quarterback of 2013: Mike Glennon

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon has been named to the Pro Football Writers of America 2013 All Rookie team.

Glennon began the season as the backup to starter Josh Freeman, after being drafted in the third round. But after Freeman’s relationship with (now ex) coach Greg Schiano went south, Glennon was given the starting job in week four and passed for 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games.

While these numbers were not mind blowing, they did make him the most prolific rookie passer in team history, and gave him the best numbers among rookie QBs – though the main competition came from Geno Smith, who was hardly stellar, and EJ Manuel, who was injured for much of the season, and Matt McGloin, who split time with Terrell Pryor.

Glennon told the Tampa Bay Buccaneers website

"“It’s something that I’m proud of. A lot of work went into this year, but I also received a lot of help from my teammates to put me in situations to succeed. Hopefully, this is something to build on going forward, as I’m already starting to prepare for next year.”"

The passer out of North Carolina State was the 73rd player taken in the draft, after Manuel and Smith. His selection to the All Rookie team marks the first time since 2007 that the quarterback selection was a player not selected in the first round. Last year’s winner was Robert Griffin III, with Cam Newton, Sam Bradford, Mark Stafford and Matt Ryan also having received the award.

Joining Glennon in the team are running back Eddie Lacy (PFWA Rookie of the Year), Gio Bernard of the Bengals, Keenan Allen (PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year) and DeAndre Hopkins.

The defensive side of the ball includes Kiko Alonso (Defensive Rookie of the Year) and a defensive front of Star Lotulelei and Sheldon Richardson.