In the Pocket Part 2
by Longvillian65 | 1 year ago | 0 Comments
In The Pocket Part 2
By: Kirk Herbstreit
As we near the end of season 83 there have been some amazing performances in the league, and some terrible performances. Everyone has a pretty good idea on what to expect with veteran players and the output they will produce, but nobody is ever sure on how good the rookies will be. Earlier this year we took a look at some rookies that I believed would make an impact in the league based on the hype and overall skill sets along with the coaching they would have. So let us take a look at how well these rookies have performed so far.
Bijan Robinson Atlanta Falcons
First we will look at Bijan Robinson. Robinson came in as the best Rb in the rookie class, and that has not carried over as well as we imagined it would. Starting with an 81 overall he has been one of the best rated rookie Rb in recent memory. Put that with how much Atlanta likes to run the ball we should have seen unreal numbers from him. He has produced fairly well, but not to the level expected. However, he is one of three superstars in the rookie class and has jumped up 4 dev points since the beginning of the season so it won’t be long before he is in that luxurious 90s club.
Stats: 162 carries 737 yards 2 td 28 receptions 292 yards 30th in rushing in the league.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Seattle Seahawks
Next up on the list is rookie sensation Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Normally we wouldn’t care about what receivers Coach LV has as he does not do well passing the ball or developing talent at the wide out position. However, Smith-Njigba has made good progress over the season by gaining four dev points as well. Starting as a 78 super star and is sitting currently at an 82 overall the progress can be seen easily. Smith-Njigba was putting on a very solid rookie season before an injury derailed his season, and caused him to miss the last 3 games with injuries.
Stats: 56 receptions 598 yards 1 TD (83rd in yards 30th in receptions)
Devon Witherspoon Seattle Seahawks
Next up is rookie corner Devon Witherspoon. Starting as a 78 overall it was going to be difficult adjusting to the speed of the NFL. However, Witherspoon has shown that he is more than capable of helping shut down half the field for Seattle. Only developing two points this season makes sense as many of the targets are thrown away from Witherspoon and Woolen targeting the middle of the field. He will continue to progress and become a shut down corner when it is said and done. Coach LV always manages to make the defense the best part of the team and Witherspoon will be a focal point in this.
Stats: 36 tackles 9 deflections 1 int
Jahmyr Gibbs Detroit Lions
Coach Robo is known to be particular on who he wants at Hb, but is also one to start the young guy even when he has a better vet to play. Jahmyr Gibbs is no exception to this and has shown that he can produce at a high level. Gibbs is sitting currently at an 81 overall after starting at a 77 overall. Gibbs currently is sitting 1st in rookie rushing and 15th in league. Being the workhorse for the team has shown that he isn’t just going to be a star for the Lions, but may even be the superstar that Coach Robo has been looking for.
Stats: 236 carries 1035 yards 11 td 45 receptions 455 yards
Jalen Carter Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Carter seems to be the one guy with all the talent in the world, but has not taken advantage of it yet. Coach BP is known for having a tough defense and Carter was poised to be a force with Davis in the middle. The lack of plays has hindered the development as he sits as an 82 overall after starting at a 79 overall. With the departure of Cox in the future we can expect this talent to take off.
Stats: 11 tackles 4.5 sacks star
Bonus Player
Rashee Rice Kansas City Chiefs
Sometimes there is a guy who is drafted that nobody pays attention to except the die hard fans who booed the draft pick at that time. Then that guy comes in and starts dominating right away from training camp and through the season. Rice impressed everyone during camp, and is now torching defenses during the season. Having a huge development year he started as a 73 overall and is sitting pretty at a 79 overall. This guy has all the makings of being a star in the Chiefs offense as Mahomes continues to sling the football everywhere on the field.
Stats: 88 reception 1127 yards 11 Td.
Rookies are possibly the most exciting part of the football season every year. Seeing who will be the best or a bust is what makes it so exciting. The guys spotlighted are set to be forces as long as the development and coaching allows them to continue growing. Stay tuned as the season unfolds as we will be having a surprise panel to evaluate the season and look at the expectations for next year. Remember, just because they are young and not as good doesn’t mean the rookie can’t play ball. He made it to the NFL which is more than we can say isn’t it? Well I am going to enjoy the day with Corso as we prepare to hit the beach and meet the panel. Till next time redzone!
