Rookie Observations Through Three Weeks of Preseason
This week was a successful week for rookie defensive backs as several rookies are having successful preseason’s including Minnesota’s Mackensie Alexander and Jayron Kearse and Tampa Bay first round pick Vernon Hargreaves. While each of these rookies may not be day 1 starters on their defenses, each one will look to carve out decent playing time this season if they can finish preseason strong and eventually earn sporting roles.
Two of the top pass rushers so far in preseason that will look to get more snaps this year due to cuts are Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib. These two are guys that I have spoken about in previous posts but due to the release of Paul Kruger, Ogbah and Nassib’s roles with Cleveland will look to increase and even allow one of the two to start.
Unlike the defensive backs, the quarterbacks this week had both up and down moments. Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch were unable to show up big in week 3 while mid round pick Dak Prescott continued to dazzle and will likely be the starter in Dallas due to the Tony Romo injury. New York’s rookie quarterback Christian Hackenberg made his NFL debut and finished the game with a decent performance.
In this years' draft the inside linebacker position did not have many names with the exception of Dallas's Jaylon Smith and Buffalo's Reggie Ragland but both are injured and will most likley not pick this season. One linebacker that is making a name for himself is New York Jet rookie Darron Lee. At Ohio State Lee was overlooked because of the success of fellow teammates Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa, but Lee this preseason has shown his speed and athleticism inside and will look to earn the starting inside linebacker role for New York.
This week was the debut of Ezekiel Elliott and he did not disappoint for Dallas. While he did not finish the game with great number, Elliott showed his power and explosiveness and even displayed his ability to block on passing downs. Dallas may have their next star running back and someone who could be their workhorse back for the next decade.
The wide receivers were once again a quiet position this week in terms of production but the one rookie who continues to impress is Houston’s Will Fuller. Fuller has shown his breakaway speed and looks to be the number two wide receiver in Houston next to DeAndre Hopkins. It looks like Fuller could establish himself as Houston’s home run type receiver much like Desean Jackson in Washington
So far some of the highly drafted offensive linemen have had impressive starts and will look to be anchors along their offensive lines. The highest drafted lineman, Ronnie Stanley, has been a steady force on Baltimore’s line and will look to be their starter at left tackle when the season rolls around. Miami’s Laremy Tunsil, who was considered a candidate for the top pick at one point, has been thrown into the starting lineup at guard and has looked comfortable thus far for Miami. Even though Tunsil's natural position is tackle, Tunsil can thrive at guard and eventually make the transition back to tackle at some point in the future. Another offensive tackle who has looked comfortable this preseason is Detroit's Taylor Decker. Decker plays with great confidence and looks to take command his rookie year as a potential starter at tackle.One rookie lineman who was drafted higher than expected but will battle for a starting role is Indianapolis center Ryan Kelly. Kelly has established himself as a steady interior lineman for Andrew Luck and while he has sustained an injury Kelly will most likely be a favorite for the starting center position.