NFL Rookies to Watch

Each year there are rookies that take the NFL by storm. Last season it was Alvin Kamara with the Saints, the year before it was Jordan Howard with the Bears, and the list goes on. Outside of the rookie quarterbacks who are bound to make waves this season, here are five players who are set up to have monster first seasons.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants. He is a perfect fit in Pat Shurmur’s offense. The talented tailback can run inside and out, make plays in the passing game, and do his part in protecting the quarterback when need be. In an offense that also features the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram, do not be surprised to see Barkley torment opposing linebackers that will be forced to cover him out in space.

Bradley Chubb, Denver Broncos. Von Miller sees double team after double team and the defensive end opposite him has never quite been able to capitalize on continuously being on an island with the opposing offensive tackle. That will be different starting now. Chubb is a freakish athlete who one day might be better than Miller, a former Super Bowl MVP, ever was.

Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers. I likened James to Kam Chancellor prior to the draft. He is a physically imposing, ball-hawking safety. With Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram getting after the quarterback, James will be the leader of the secondary for the Chargers who are, in my eyes, the favorites in the AFC West.

Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons. Julio Jones has been the focal point of Atlanta’s offense for what seems like a decade. In Ridley, Matt Ryan has an explosive secondary target who should be the beneficiary of all of the attention that Julio draws.

Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins. This guy is a more mobile Jimmy Graham. Gesicki’s hands are essentially like pillows and he runs like a deer. I would not be shocked if he quickly became Ryan Tannehill’s favorite target.