Eight Underrated NFL Rookies to Watch this Season

Jordan Howard RB Bears

Howard was taken in the 5th round by the Bears and so far looks the part of a draft steal. The running back suffered from various injuries throughout his tenure at Indiana and may be the reason why he fell to the Bears in the 5th round. Howard has the size and speed to start right away in the NFL and will surely compete with Jeremy Langford for playing time this year. At one point Howard may have been considered a 2nd or 3rd round pick and this year will be a time when Howard can show the national audience his incredible talents a running back. I would not be surprised at all if Howard eventually finished the season as the Bears starting running back.

Devontae Booker RB Broncos

Much like Howard, Devontae Booker is another running back taken in the later rounds (4th round) who has a chance of starting this season. Booker had an extremely productive career at Utah and will look to continue that success early for the Broncos due to their crowded yet underwhelming running back group. CJ Anderson did return to the team and will most likely be the starter but the Broncos should look to run the ball more this season due to question marks at the quarterback position. Peyton Manning is retired so this should open up the door for Booker to get reps as a rookie.

Michael Thomas WR Saints

The Ohio State wide receiver was considered a potential 1st round pick yet fell to the Saints in the 2nd round. Thomas was the go to receiver for Cardale Jones and JT Barrett at Ohio State and could now be a go to receiver for Drew Brees in New Orleans. The Saints currently have two starting receivers in Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead but both receivers have similar styles and lack the size to be a dominant jump ball threat. Thomas now provides Brees with that big target both down field and at the goal line since Brees’ time with Marques Colston and Jimmy Graham.

Tyler Higbee TE Rams

The Rams’ offense has several question marks and that is why this list has two players including Duke Williams and tight end Tyler Higbee. Out of the two Higbee has a better chance of landing a spot on the team and could even earn himself a starting role fairly soon. The tight end out of Western Kentucky was taken in the 4th round by the Rams and it looks to be paying off thus far in camp. Higbee is a big body tight end that can catch the ball as well as block so either way he is valuable on the Rams. The Rams tight end position is lacking in depth which is the perfect opportunity for Higbee to go out early and show off his talent as a durable tight end.

Dean Lowry DL Packers

Now there are some defensive rookies to watch out for this year and one is Dean Lowry from the Packers. Lowry was taken in the 4th round by the Packers out of Northwestern and is a versatile lineman who can play virtually any position along the defensive line. The Packers need help along the defensive line and addressed that with Lowry along with 1st round pick Kenny Clark. While I think Clark was drafted a bit too early, Lowry has a chance to be a steal in the draft. Lowry has incredible size and can push the offensive lineman back with power yet is nimble at times and can use agility to get to the quarterback. Stopping the run seems to be a strong point in Lowry’s game and will look to set the tone this season early on the Packers defensive line.

Carl Nassib DL Browns

Like Lowry, Carl Nassib from Penn State is another lineman who was taken later than some expected yet can put up good numbers if given the chance. Nassib was a 3rd round pick by the Browns and shot up many draft boards after a stellar 2015-16 year with Penn State. The Browns are in a position right now where every starting spot is up for grabs and Nassib could land himself one of those spots if he has a good preseason. During his 2015-16 season with Penn State, Nassib went from a depth player to a starter who used his brute strength and length to get to the quarterback early and often. It would not be shocking if Nassib earned himself one of the starting defensive end spots on the Browns by the time the season starts.

Charles Tapper DL Cowboys

Oklahoma defender Charles Tapper was selected by the Cowboys in the 4th round and will look to make an impact early with Dallas after a series of suspensions announced this offseason. Since the suspensions of linemen Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys are looking for help on the defensive line anywhere they can and they might have found help in Tapper. Tapper may not be the biggest or the strongest but he makes up for it with a great non-stop motor to go along with great confidence. Dallas may not have drafted the next DeMarcus Ware but they did land a confident defender with a knack for the ball and the ability to make an impact every snap.

Duke Williams WR Rams

Unlike the previously mentioned drafted players one player to keep an eye on who did not get drafted but received a tryout is Duke Williams. Williams was a gifted receiver at Auburn and at point considered a top receiver in college football with immense potential. After a couple of suspensions and other issues, Williams went from top receiver prospect to undrafted free agent. The Rams saw his talent and potential and gave him a chance this off-season. Williams looks to show the Rams and many others how talented he is as a receiver and if he can stay on track and continue his develop with the Rams he could be a go to guy for Jared Goff. There is no guarantee Williams makes the team but during his time at Auburn he looked like a duplicate of Panthers receiver Devin Funchess so I think the Rams are willing to take a chance on the rookie.