The Rookie Report: Preseason Week 2
by Luke Paul Chandler
With the NFL Preseason half done, the first rookie report has been filed; and most of the excitement has come from players drafted outside of the first round.
With the preseason half way over, rookies are starting to carve out roles on their respective teams. The past two weeks have been the tryouts, especially for those facing the first roster cut-down on August 26th. This week is a telling week, and teams will be giving more playing time to the starters and top subs. The limited amount of time the backups will get can be critical now.
The stats right now are a bit inflated, and the players who primarily be backups during the regular season are getting reps on offense and defense, respectively. The performances now will be a valuable experience down the road. These lists are fluid and will be tracked all season long.
Top Offensive Rookies
1. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders - While he hasn’t had the big-play showing that he did at Arkansas, McFadden has looked steady and patient running the ball so far in the preseason. He’s averaged 5.1 yards per carry and is yet to fumble. He hasn’t scored a touchdown so far, but he plays behind a very good run-blocking line. McFadden’s touches will be cut a bit in the regular season because of Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, but he’s the biggest threat on the roster.
2. Josh Morgan, WR, San Francisco 49ers - The sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech has been lighting up the preseason. Morgan has averaged 20.2 yards per catch, emerging as a great deep threat. He gets clean breaks in his routes and fits the bill for a Mike Martz wide receiver. The regular season will show if he’s for real though, as he will face more press coverage. Morgan has struggled in the past with beating the press.
3. Jacob Tamme, TE, Indianapolis Colts - In an offense tailored to a deep, spread-out passing attack, Tamme has fit in well. He has soft hands and has been getting open well on underneath routes. The Colts thrive on a two-tight-end offense, and Tamme could be a nice replacement for Ben Utecht this season.
4. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles coaching staff’s excitement about Jackson is well-founded. Jackson has looked very polished and crisp in his routes so far, despite his tendency to be a bit sloppy and round his routes off at California. The coaching staff feels he’s picking up the playbook well, and he could make a nice impact this year.
5. Jake Long, OT, Michigan - Long has been everything that a No. 1 pick should be so far. Long’s pass coverage technique is flawless, and he’s adapting well to an NFL style pass rush. Long’s demeanor and discipline are uncanny for a rookie.
Honorable Mentions
Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans - His inside running skills and lower body strength have been amazing.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle Seahawks - He could develop into a nice third running back and return specialist.
Chad Rinehart, OG, Washington Redskins - Rinehart’s been a mauler on the ground so far.
Top Defensive Rookies
1. Shawn Crable, OLB, New England Patriots - In a year where the Pats are revamping their linebackers, Crable has stood out. He’s has excelled as more than just a pass rusher: he has also been impressive in coverage. Patriots linebackers have to be versatile, and Crable has been just that.
2. Dwight Lowery, CB, New York Jets - Lowery’s ballhawking abilities earned him a big reputation in his junior season at San Jose State. He appears to be just as good so far in this preseason. He has been reading the quarterback well, and he is poised to become a valuable piece of the Jets nickel packages this season.
3. Curtis Lofton, MLB, Atlanta Falcons - Lofton has to be an early favorite for rookie of the year honors. He plays in a defense that will give him a lot of of opportunities to make tackles and be on the field for all three downs. Lofton is active against the run, and he has the ability to cover sideline-to-sideline as long as his defensive line keeps him protected.
4. Andre Fluellen, DT, Detroit Lions - On a line that features many other busts, Fluellen has been a nice surprise. His quick first step and excellent hand use allow him to be active and penetrate the backfield.
5. Eric Foster, DT, Indianapolis Colts - The Colts priority on finding and developing late-round and undrafted free agents has paid off again with Foster. Foster was thought to be a tweener heading into the draft, but he has carved out a niche for the Colts who favor smaller defensive linemen. He’s played with a great pad level, but he still has to work on anchoring against larger linemen.
Honorable Mentions
Kenny Phillips, S, New York Giants - Phillips is an intimidating player with good instincts. He’ll be a nice weapon for the Giants.
Jerod Mayo, ILB, New England Patriots - Mayo should start early on for the Patriots. His range in coverage will be a plus.
Bryan Kehl, OLB, New York Giants - His run stuffing ability and range are reminiscent of former Giants Kawika Mitchell.
Contact Luke at luke@newerascouting.com