Six Quick Rookie Observations from Training Camp
Top QB’s look promising……so far
Even though its training camp and none of these QBs have started a game in the NFL, the top four projected QBs (Mitchell Trubisky, Patrick Mahomes, DeShaun Watson, DeShone Kizer) have all shown flashes of why they were drafted so highly in 2017. Besides Watson, the other three QBs are not expected to start this season but it is still good to see each of these rookies showing flashes, even if it is during training camp.
Surprising RB lighting up training camp- Tarik Cohen
Outside of the top rookie RBs that most people know, Bears’ RB Tarik Cohen has dazzled throughout camp and is drawing some similarities to Eagles’ RB Darren Sproles. It may be easy to miss Cohen on the field considering his 5-6 height but he certainly makes up for it with his quickness and ability to make defenders miss. Cohen should certainly be a great change of pace RB for Chicago next to star sophomore Jordan Howard.
Plenty of WR's making big plays..who weren’t drafted in the first round
Back in April, three WRs were drafted in the top 10 on hopes of becoming future #1 WRs but throughout training camp, some WRs who were drafted outside the first round have shown flashes of future starting receivers. Rams’ Cooper Kupp, Bills’ Zay Jones and Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin all have been impressive in their camps and each WR is making a case for them starting the season as a starting WR, especially Zay Jones. Outside of Sammy Watkins, Buffalo does trying to find a good #2 WR and if Jones continues to impress in camp, he could end up starting opposite Watkins week 1.
OJ Howard showing signs of great young TE
It’s no secret that OJ Howard was the best TE entering the draft and since then has continue to look impressive every time he steps onto the field. Tampa Bay saw some flashes last season at TE from Cameron Brate but Howard is a rare talent at TE and it’s not surprising to see him fighting for the starting spot. If this battle continues through camp and the preseason, Tampa Bay may resort to starting both TEs which would be a huge benefit to the Buccaneers offense and third year QB Jameis Winston.
Broncos and Chargers upgrade offensive lines with rookies
During the draft, the Broncos, Bills and Chargers upgraded their offensive lines in the first two rounds and so far its paying off in training camp. Rookie OT Garett Bolles came on late in the draft and ended up in the first round and now looks to be Denver’s week 1 starting LT. The Chargers also invested a high draft pick on the offensive line when they selected OG Forrest Lamp in the second round and just like Bolles, Lamp is fighting his way into the Chargers’ starting offensive line. The Chargers also drafted OG Dan Feeney in the third round who might also end up starting along-side Lamp giving the Chargers and QB Philip Rivers a good tandem in the interior for the foreseeable future.
Reuben Foster might end up being the steal of the draft
When Reuben Foster fell to #31 in the draft, I was shocked due to the fact he was a top 10 talent but San Francisco was a pairing fit along with fellow first round pick Solomon Thomas. Thus far in camp, Foster has been intercepting pass left and right and looking like the dominant LB he was in at Alabama. If Foster continues this into the regular season and can stay healthy on the field, San Francisco may have the steal of the draft and their next Patrick Willis.