Redzone Redlines - Season 91 Rookie Watch
by JAMoney14 | 8 months ago | 0 Comments
We are now halfway through the season and some top rookie names are beginning to emerge...
*disclaimer, the OVR's listed are based on their ratings when they were picked, not current.
Passing: "Rookie Arms Race"
Tracy’s Turning Heads (CLE, 6-2)
Robert Tracy, selected 5th overall (77 OVR), is proving his worth. His normal development trait belies his potential, leading the Browns with over 2,400 passing yards. While 12 interceptions are concerning, his high completion percentage (72.1%) signals a bright future. Tracy’s efficient play has the Browns eyeing a deep postseason run.
Frazier Flying High (NO, 6-3)
Taken 1st overall, B.J. Frazier (77 OVR, Normal) came with expectations, and he's delivering. With 18 touchdowns and a 109.8 passer rating, he's already a deep-ball savant. His 93-yard bomb is one of the longest in the league this season, and Frazier’s explosive play is driving New Orleans' playoff push.
Thurston’s Rollercoaster (PIT, 5-5)
Picked 6th overall (74 OVR, Normal), Ted Thurston is riding a turbulent rookie season. His 2,225 yards are solid, but his 16 interceptions have created headaches for the Steelers. However, with a big arm and resilience, Thurston has kept Pittsburgh in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt.
Rushing: "Rookie Rush Hour"
Rogers Rumbles (LAC, 5-4)
Jermaine Rogers, the 29th pick of Round 2 (77 OVR, ??), is already a breakout star. His 896 yards and six touchdowns are the fuel for the Chargers' offense. With a long run of 79 yards and an impressive 6.1 YPC, Rogers is making a strong case for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Logan the Workhorse (PIT, 5-5)
Pittsburgh found a gem in Jermaine Logan, drafted 6th in Round 4 (71 OVR, Normal). With 673 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, Logan's physical running style and 24 broken tackles have been crucial for a Steelers offense that has struggled with consistency elsewhere.
Gallery in Gear (NE, 4-4)
New England's Jalen Gallery (71 OVR, Normal), selected in the 5th round, is quietly becoming one of the most efficient rookie backs with 510 yards and a 5.9 YPC. Gallery’s ability to break long runs has added a new dimension to New England's rushing attack.
Goodson’s Ground Game (PIT, 5-5)
Patrick Goodson, a 7th-round steal for Pittsburgh (64 OVR, Normal), is making the most of limited carries. With 228 yards at 5.4 YPC, Goodson provides valuable depth to the Steelers’ backfield and is poised for an expanded role if his efficiency continues.
Edmonds’ Efficiency (IND, 2-6)
Sean Edmonds, the Colts' 10th overall pick in Round 3 (72 OVR, Normal), has been a spark in an otherwise sluggish offense. His 150 yards on just 28 carries and three touchdowns are impressive, as he’s demonstrated a knack for finding the end zone.
Receiving: "Rookie Aerial Circus"
Walford’s World (BUF, 7-1)
Tyron Walford (72 OVR, Normal), drafted 27th overall in Round 4, is tearing up the league with 938 yards and 12 touchdowns. His big-play ability is unparalleled, averaging 27.6 YPC, making him Josh Allen’s go-to guy in Buffalo’s high-powered offense.
Whitmore Wows (ARI, 8-1)
Trevor Whitmore, drafted 19th overall (77 OVR, Normal), is a revelation in Arizona. With 870 yards and six touchdowns, his blend of speed and size makes him a mismatch for defenses. Whitmore’s chemistry with Kyler Murray is helping the Cardinals surge to the top of the NFC West.
Winters’ Warning (CAR, 2-7)
Kameron Winters, picked 24th in Round 1 (78 OVR, ??), is a silver lining in a tough season for Carolina. Despite the team’s struggles, Winters' 692 yards and 19.2 YPC demonstrate his game-breaking potential, though six drops reveal areas for improvement.
Palumbo’s Precision (WAS, 6-2)
Brandon Palumbo, the 23rd overall pick in Round 1 (75 OVR, ??), has been a clutch performer for Washington. His 404 yards on just 17 catches highlight his ability to make big plays, averaging 23.8 YPC, making him a key red-zone threat for the Commanders.
Locke's Limited Role (NYJ, 6-3)
Roderick Locke, drafted in the 3rd round (74 OVR, Normal), hasn’t been the focal point of the Jets’ offense, but his two touchdowns on limited touches have provided a spark. His 14.6 YPC suggests Locke can become a bigger part of Sam Howell's aerial attack, which has helped the Jets secure a strong position in the AFC East so far this season.
Defense: "Rookie Wall"
Kitchens Cooks (PIT, 5-5)
Jaden Kitchens, a Round 3 pick (73 OVR, ??), is exceeding expectations with nine sacks and a forced fumble. His disruptive presence on the defensive line is one of the Steelers’ biggest strengths, helping keep them competitive in a tough AFC North.
Freeman Frenzy (LAC, 5-4)
Lamar Freeman, drafted 29th in Round 4 (67 OVR, ??), has been a surprise breakout for the Chargers. With six sacks and two deflections, Freeman has become an integral part of their pass rush, showcasing a knack for getting to the quarterback.
Shivers Shakes Off Blocks (NYJ, 6-3)
Bobby Shivers (75 OVR, ??), a Round 2 steal, has turned heads with five sacks and a recovered fumble. His consistent ability to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield is elevating the Jets' defense into one of the AFC’s most dangerous units.
Alexander’s All Around (CIN, 2-6)
Max Alexander, selected 4th overall (74 OVR, Normal), is quietly putting together a solid rookie season. His 18 tackles and two sacks aren’t eye-popping, but his ability to cover ground and disrupt plays has shown promise, even in a struggling Bengals defense.
Wilson’s Wrecking Ball (PIT, 5-5)
Alex Wilson, picked 11th in Round 2 (77 OVR, ??), has been a force on the Steelers' defensive line with six sacks and 18 tackles. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks is providing Pittsburgh's defense with the spark they need to stay in playoff contention.