10.) E.J. Manuel QB, Buffalo Bills
Manuel is the only quarterback on this list and is likely the only quarterback who has a chance to start more than 10 games as a rookie. Manuel started the Bills first preseason game and gave fans a glimpse into his future.
While the final stat line looks more impressive, Manuel didn’t get off to a very good start. He completed just one pass on a busted screen play for a loss of six yards on the first drive and the Bills went three and out. The following drive was an even worse result as Manuel and C.J. Spiller couldn’t handle the exchange and Spiller fumbled the ball, resulting in a turnover.
It wasn’t until the two-minute drill to end the first half where we saw Manuel take command of the Bills offense and drive 92 yards down the field for a touchdown. In a game filled with inconsistency, Manuel finished on a high note and gave himself something to build on in the future.
9.) Tyrann Mathieu S, Arizona Cardinals
It had been over a year since Mathieu was able to lace up his cleats and take the field, but Mathieu didn’t show any rust in his NFL debut against the Green Bay Packers. After drawing rave reviews in training camp, the public finally had their chance to see Mathieu play and he delivered on the hype.
He was everywhere on the field, putting pressure on the quarterback, breaking up passes and returning punts.
Mathieu finished the night with a sack, a pass deflected and four solo tackles playing with the Cardinals second-string defense He returned two punts for 26 yards, including a 24-yard punt return. It was a strong debut for Mathieu who was just happy to be back on the field and having the chance to hit an opponent. If he continues to impress in practice he could earn the free safety spot and be a candidate for defensive rookie of the year.
8.) Tyler Eifert TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Eifert already was going to be one of the top rookies to watch this season. But with the Bengals being featured on “Hard Knocks” the focus on him grew even larger. Eifert has shined in training camp, drawing praise from coaches and teammates for his willingness to block along with his ability to go outside and become a receiver. The Bengals were thrilled to draft him in the first round and pair him with Jermaine Gresham.
While Eifert may have had a quite night in his first game against the Falcons when he failed to record a reception, he stood out for his willingness to help block for his teammates. Eifert’s talent as a receiver have never been questioned and with A.J. Green out he has been given more targets from Andy Dalton in training camp. If the blocking skills can continue to improve he could emerge as a major factor this season.
7.) Le’Veon Bell RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Everyone is keeping their eye on the rookie running backs this year, but only Steelers running back Bell has a chance to be really productive this season. He will be the workhorse for the Steelers in Week 1 and should deliver for a team that needs a punch in the running game.
Bell didn’t play in the first game of the preseason, as he was held out to make sure his knee was healthy. He has been cleared to practice, and after Jonathan Dwyer carried the ball six times for only 15 yards, there is even less competition to worry about. Bell returned to practice this week and was working with the starters, and should play on Monday.
6.) Kyle Long OG, Chicago Bears
It may come as a surprise to some to see an offensive guard this high on the list, but that is how valuable Long could be to this team. While many saw the Bears selecting him with the 20th pick in the draft as a reach, their confidence in the rookie has paid off thus far.
While Long worked with backups, he was the star of the Bears first preseason game and could soon find his way into the Bears starting offensive line.
Long was already known for his athleticism, his instincts stood out against Carolina. He knew exactly who to block on each play and moved quickly to create holes for the running back and help keep pressure off the quarterback. If he can keep up his physical play and continue to show great instincts he will earn the starting job and finally give quarterback Jay Cutler time to throw it down the field.
5.) Barkevious Mingo OLB, Cleveland Browns
When the Browns took Mingo with the sixth overall pick, they were hoping he could develop his skills and maybe bring some extra pressure on the quarterback. Mingo delivered on those hopes in a big way last week and could be another candidate for defensive rookie of the year.
While he was working with the backups, Mingo shined for the Browns both on defensive and special teams. Mingo delivered a big hit on the kickoff team for his only tackle of the game. But he did an excellent job getting after the quarterback, with three quarterback pressures during the game and registering two hits on the quarterback. He had one sack that was nullified because of a tripping penalty.
It was an excellent debut fir Mingo who drew praise from teammates and proof of what he can do for the Browns this season.
4.) Cordarrelle Patterson WR, Minnesota Vikings
When the Vikings traded away Percy Harvin in the offseason, many wondered how they could possibly replace him in the offense. They may have already found their man in Patterson who dazzled in his debut.
Patterson started off the game with a 50-yard kickoff return, a great display of his incredible speed and elusiveness. Even though he wasn’t working with the starters, he put the team in great position to score and showed how dangerous he can be as a returner. Patterson finally got his chance later in the game to work with the offense and became backup Matt Cassel’s favorite target.
Patterson was targeted eight times and caught four passes for 54 yards. He finished the night with 104 total yards and after the game Leslie Frazier said they plan to get him the ball more in the coming games.
3.) DeAndre Hopkins WR, Houston Texans
The Texans have spent years looking for a receiver who could start opposite of Andre Johnson and really become a major contributor in their passing game. They may have finally found their man with Hopkins, who showed flashes of his greatness against the Vikings.
Hopkins had four receptions on the night for 52 yards and a touchdown working with both the starting and backup players. It was really a quiet night for Hopkins until he dazzled the crowd with an incredible leaping grab in the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown reception. It was a remarkable display of athleticism and strong hands, as Hopkins went up and grabbed the touchdown in midair while battling tough coverage. It was Hopkins last reception of the game, as he still learns Houston’s offense. Hopkins will play a big role for this offense and should see plenty of targets while Johnson faces double coverage.
2.) Luke Joeckel OT, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars made a unique selection when they took a right tackle with the second overall pick, but you just can’t pass up on a franchise tackle like Joeckel. The Jaguars already have Eugene Monroe but soon could have the best tackle duo in the NFL.
While it took some time for Joeckel to adjust from switching from the left to the right side, he has since obliterated his competition in camp and dominated his opponents.
He made his first start with a very tough battle against Cameron Wake and after giving up early pressure, turned it around and protected the right side for the rest of the game. While the Jaguars still have a big question mark at quarterback with Blaine Gabbert, the offensive line will be benefit running back Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jaguars are still rebuilding but a strong offensive line should serve as the foundation to the future.
1.) Tavon Austin WR, St. Louis Rams
The most electrifying prospect in the draft this year was Austin, and the Rams were elated to trade up for him with the eighth overall pick. Some will point to Austin’s height as a negative but it is hard to find players who are that explosive, fast and still has great hands and can run routes. While it may take him time to adjust to the NFL, he already has become a favorite among teammates.
In his first ever action in the NFL, Austin wasn’t a bright spot when he dropped his only target of the game. He was sent back to return one punt, but never got the chance as the ball never got to him. While it was a disappointing debut for the prized rookie, it is still just one preseason game. He has been the most talked about player on the Rams during training camp and as he continues to learn the Rams offense, his impact will grow even more for this team.
His ability to contribute as a running back and return man will stand out this season, but his skills as a receiver can’t be ignored. He should help Sam Bradford take the next step as an NFL quarterback and hopefully deliver on the hype that existed when Bradford was selected with the first pick. There are few players in the NFL as exciting to watch as Austin, and this year we will only be seeing the tip of the iceberg.