The 2015 NFL season is just about here, as some teams already have their rookies reporting to training camp. It’s just a matter of time before real games are being played in August, and then just one month later we’ll have games that count.
Training camp is an exciting part of the NFL season, as it breeds competition, gets the ball rolling on fantasy football talk and reminds everyone that the NFL regular season is just around the corner. With NFL training camps just now picking up and all teams hitting the practice field by August 2nd, we thought we’d take a look at the top rookies well want to be tracking:
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
Mariota is without a doubt a top rookie to watch, as he’ll eventually engage in a semi-battle with fellow passer, Zach Mettenberger. That’s probably a losing battle for Mettenberger, but the competition could still be exciting and it could bring the best out of Mariota, as well. Mariota is the classic dual threat quarterback but has actually received a lot of praise for his command of the offense and decision-making since being drafted. If Mariota can continue making strides in his transition to a pro system, he could end up finding solid success in his first season. Seeing that transformation from day one in training camp could be a fun journey for Titans and NFL fans, alike.
Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s a similar story with fellow rookie passer Winston, who rounds out the only two strong rookie bets to start under center at the position in 2015. A very different player, Winston is less of an athlete and more of a pure game, as he can fit balls into tight windows and takes chances that can be huge for his team. He’s got great pocket presence and has the size and arm strength to tower over the line and hit any pass. Of course, Winston is also a headcase off the field and can be prone to turnovers on it. His development early on will be fun to watch as he tries to turn from a poor decision-maker into a more reliable, disciplined passer.
Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers
Ryan Mathews is gone and Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver aren’t starting caliber running backs. Translation: Gordon is slated for a huge role as a rookie and could end up being one of the better rookies to hit the field. There’s no denying Gordon’s college production or his explosive ability, but he also has some work to do. Gordon will have to prove early on that he can be trusted in pass protection, both as a receiver and blocker. He’ll also have to prove he can handle the ball on a regular basis without coughing it up. If he can do those things, he could be well on his way to stardom in year one.
T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Todd Gurley should be next in line here, but a knee injury should have him sitting out most of his first go at training camp. That puts Jacksonville’s Yeldon as the next RB to watch this year. Set up to be the Jags’ top running back in just his first season, Yeldon has the build and skill-set of a true featured runner. There is little to dislike about his NFL-ready game, but his offensive line was awful a year ago. Can Yeldon find success up the middle and successfully convert outside runs despite shaky blocking? We should find out early during training camp and in the preseason.
David Cobb, RB, Tennessee Titans
There are other rookie rushers to track, but few others will have a sure-fire crack at a big role right away. Cobb is probably the last realistic candidate for a big role in year one, as he’s really only behind the unimpressive Bishop Sankey. Sankey is tentatively expected to start 2015 as the Titans’ lead back, but the balanced Cobb could push him hard in camp.
Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland Raiders
No one is denying Cooper’s amazing upside, as he brings a big, athletic body and solid speed to the table as a rookie. He’s also got an NFL-ready skill-set and is probably the most polished rookie receiver in this year’s class. His main issue is that he plays for the Raiders, but after seeing what Derek Carr could do in 2014, that may no longer be such a bad thing. Cooper should impress right away and be one of the funnest rookies to monitor in camp.
Kevin White, WR, Chicago Bears
If you’re looking for pure upside out of your rookie wide receiver, no one gives you more than White. A Julio Jones clone, White has amazing size, speed and ball skills. He’s a tad raw and we’ve only see this elite version of him for one year, but the sky is truly the limit for his NFL potential. He’s in a good offense with a great supporting cast, but it will be interesting to see just how long it takes for him to make an impact.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Agholor is another strong rookie receiver who has the size and speed to be a terror right away at the highest level. His upside is given a boost by Philly’s amazing offense and if Sam Bradford can stay healthy while returning to form, the Eagles rook may take off from day one.
Maxx Williams, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Dennis Pitta is on the shelf as he continues to rehab his second dislocated hip in two years and Crockett Gillmore is his top replacement at the moment. Cue stud rookie tight end Maxx Williams, who has the size, build and athleticism to be an absolute terror. Made in the Jeremy Shockey mold, Williams is a strong two-way tight end that could carve out a role in his first season. Tight ends don’t normally make a huge impact as rookies, but Williams may not have a choice. It will be interesting to see if he can wow the Ravens enough in camp to earn the starting nod right out of the gates in 2015.
Got a rookie you like even more heading into camp? Let us hear who it is in the comments below!
