10. Tyler Eifert Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals
Eifert did not play for the Bengals against the Cowboys but still hangs on to a spot on this list. The best tight end to come out in years will serve a big role in the Bengals’ offense even with Jermaine Gresham standing in his way.
Eifert sat out with a wrist injury, and likely will be kept out of the final preseason game as a precaution. While he finishes with just three receptions for just 32 yards, he showed improvement as a blocker and is starting to earn more confidence from the coaching staff. Cincinnati could use two-tight end sets this season, which would enable Eifert to see the field more and find better matchups in coverage. Eifert will have a nice rookie season, but his future is going to be even better.
9. Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
It has almost become frustrating when you see Patterson on the field but he is held to just two receptions against the 49ers. We also saw Patterson return a kickoff for 18 yards, but wasn’t used heavily on the night. It could be seen as a similar situation to Austin in St. Louis, but there is a big difference at quarterback.
Patterson is arguably the most gifted offensive player from the 2013 NFL Draft class but has one of the worst quarterbacks throwing him the football. He still has major strides to make with his routes, but his size and speed still makes him a nightmare to cover. Unfortunately, even when he gets open there are still questions about Ponder’s ability to get him the football. Patterson will make some big plays as a rookie, but he will also be frustrating for Vikings fans when he is open down the field and the ball isn’t thrown his way.
8. Kenbrell Thompkins, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Maybe New England may be successful after all when it comes to finding rookie receivers who can bring an impact to the team. While he may have gone undrafted, he has outplayed Aaron Dobson who was a second-round pick and could be emerging as the Patriots second receiver.
Thompkins makes the big jump into the top ten after he shined in an ugly loss to the Lions. He struggled at times with two drops, but still brought in eight receptions for 116 yards and was Tom Brady’s favorite receiver and was targeted 12 times on the night with Danny Amendola sitting out. Thompkins has emerged as the second receiver on this team and with Brady throwing him the ball, could be in for a big year.
7. Giovani Bernard, Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals
Some are starting to wonder if Bernard could become this years Doug Martin and while that may be a little out there, he has the opportunity to do some big things this season. Bernard was given even more opportunities against the Cowboys and was brilliant. If his play can carry over into the regular season, he could become the next great rookie running back.
Bernard saw six carries on the night and made it work, with 39 yards including an 18-yard run. He also hauled in two receptions for 17 yards on the night. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was held to just five yards on five carries without a reception. Bernard will likely start the year out splitting carries with Green-Ellis but if he can improve his blocking, he could emerge as the starting running back for the Bengals.
6. Eddie Lacy, Running Back, Green Bay Packers
The hype surrounding Lacy after his debut against the Rams was snuffed with a very pedestrian game against the Seahawks this past week. He carried the ball eight times for an ugly negative five yards. Against a tougher opponent with the defense focusing on him, Lacy disappointed and questions started to rise again. But when you watch Lacy’s game against Seattle, you notice the stats don’t tell the real story.
While the saying is “numbers never lie” the truth is they can be deceiving and this is an example. Lacy was working with quarterback Graham Harrell who was released this week by the Packers and picked up by the Jets (that should tell you enough about Harrell). Seattle stacked the box against Lacy and the Packers’ offensive line was just manhandled. The holes were simply not there for Lacy to run through and even when he had a big play, it was called back on a penalty. Now with DuJuan Harris being placed on injured reserve, Lacy should become the workhorse for Green Bay, and while an opposing defense is focused on stopping Aaron Rodgers, that will leave plenty of holes for Lacy to run through.
5. DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
Houston kept it safe with its first-round pick and kept Hopkins out of their week three preseason contest against the Saints. Once Hopkins is cleared from the concussion and is allowed to get back on the field, he will get back to building on his chemistry with Matt Schaub and maybe help give the Texans the push they need to make it to the Super Bowl.
Hopkins has all the tools to be a great receiver and will get plenty of chances playing opposite of Andre Johnson. He became a camp sensation for his highlight reel catches and quickly built a strong chemistry with Schaub. It may take him another week to come back but once he settles back in, the Texans’ passing game will become a real threat.
4. Tyrann Mathieu, Free Safety, Arizona Cardinals
We all keep hoping Mathieu brings the “Honey Badger” nickname back, but even if he doesn’t he will become a fan favorite. For the third week in a row, Mathieu made plays and showed the rare versatility he will bring to this defense.
While his name may not have shown up in the stat sheet, Mathieu had an impact on defense and helped force a turnover. He once again brought pressure off the edge against the run and getting into the quarterback’s face against the Chargers. His pressure forced a bad throw that resulted in a turnover. This is someone who until three weeks ago hasn’t played in a live game, and now is emerging as one of the top defensive rookies in football.
3. Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars
Joeckel takes a fall down the list but simply because of the outstanding play by another offensive lineman. Despite the small drop, Joeckel is still poised to be one of the top rookies this season and will prove to be an excellent pick by the Jaguars. While he is still adjusting to playing right tackle, Joeckel has already made tremendous strides as he works to become the best right tackle in football.
Many people questioned the Jaguars after they selected Joeckel with the second overall pick, when they already had a left tackle in Eugene Monroe. But the selection built a foundation for the future, and sets the franchise up for success. When the Jaguars draft a franchise quarterback next year, they will be putting him in the perfect position for success. Two great offensive tackles, three talented, young receivers in Cecil Shorts, Justin Blackmon and Ace Sanders. If they can bring back Maurice Jones-Drew an incoming rookie quarterback will have all the weapons in place to succeed immediately.
2. Kyle Long, Guard, Chicago Bears
Just when you think you have seen a great week from Long, he responds the following week with an even better performance. He isn’t just getting a little better every week; he is making leaps and bounds and establishing himself already as one of the best rookies in football.
Once again Long was dominant, this week it came against the Raiders and their powerless-offensive line. He helped enable Cutler to walk around in the pocket and find a receiver down field for the big play. It may have come against a weak opponent but the performance was still dominant, and just further proof that Long is only getting better. He may not be in serious contention for rookie honors, but his important for this Bears team matched with his talent is just sensational. He could be what gets the Bears back into the playoffs this season.
1. Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams
It was another quiet performance this past week against the Broncos and concern has started to sink in for some Rams fans and Austin owners in fantasy football. After hauling in just one reception for 12 yards, maybe the draft hype got a little out of control and Austin will need more time to develop.
While Austin was hyped coming into the draft it was well earned and there should be zero concern about his performance this preseason. He showed fans his game-changing ability on an 81-yard punt return where he fell just short of the end zone. He has caught just five passes for 40 yards in three games and has struggled with drops. But the Rams have also played with a conservative offense and that has led to Austin not being used properly. When the regular season starts in just a few weeks, we will see the Rams real plans for Austin and he will emerge as the leading rookie of the year candidate.