This past weekend, preseason football returned in full force, with a ton of rookies getting their first chance to become real NFL players. Unfortunately, one rookie quarterback is already out of action, as JJ McCarthy went on injured reserve with a torn meniscus after a solid debut, but there was still plenty to be excited about and look forward to this season as far as the rookies are concerned.
Here are five rookies who turned in performances that should get fans excited for next season.
You can’t have a list like this without starting with Williams.
He looked like a player who has been touted as a potential No. 1 draft pick since he was a senior in high school. He was accurate, took risks on the field and made a couple of dazzling plays that should have every NFL fan excited to see his rookie year take off. Of note: a third-down pass to DJ Moore, the dart along the sideline as he rolled to the right, the contorted move on the screen to D’Andre Swift. In a very small sample of plays, NFL fans got their first taste of Caleb Williams’ experience. He’ll have some tough games along the way as he tests the limits of what’s possible in the NFL, but his first action couldn’t have gone better for him or the Bears.
It’s not very often that a 340-pound offensive tackle moves from right tackle to left tackle, but that’s exactly what the Titans are going to ask of their first-round pick this year. So far, so good for Latham, who looked comfortable on the blind side of the Titans’ offense. He has some incredibly rare movement skills for his size and the Titans’ experiment of throwing him into the fire at left tackle could work. He’s a lot softer in pass protection than he’s given credit for and once he gets his hands on a defensive lineman, it’s over. If Peter Skoronski can improve from an inconsistent rookie season, the Titans might have found two cornerstones on the offensive line to build around for the future.
Preseason overreaction Week 1: Barton was the first-round steal.
Barton was sensational in his first NFL appearance, making a near-seamless transition to center after spending his senior year in college at left tackle. Barton figures to be a mainstay in the middle of the Buccaneers’ offensive line, which could have two elite cornerstones in Barton and All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Barton made life miserable for rookie defensive lineman Kris Jenkins Jr. and should be a big boost to Tampa’s offense.
Nate Wiggins, cornerback, Ravens
It took Wiggins just four plays to show the skills he brings to the NFL. On his first drive, Wiggins deflected three passes in four plays, including a fourth-down pass that was headed his way. He suffered a shoulder injury that ended his day early, but the speedy cornerback made his presence felt with the Ravens. immediatelyThe quarterback won’t be Kenny Pickett every week, but Wiggins’ range and ability to advance the ball in man coverage will get him on the field early in a talented Baltimore defensive secondary.
Let’s give a shout out to a rookie who wasn’t selected in the first round and played well this weekend. Allen has been on the national scene as a talented running back since he was a 17 years old Freshman starter for the Wisconsin Badgers. He was one of the best running backs in college football for three straight years but fell to the fourth round of the draft, where the Jets signed him. Allen looked strong, explosive and decisive in his first NFL action and may already have the RB2 role locked up. Breece Hall and Allen figure to form one of the best running back duos in the league, which would be a huge boost for an all-in Jets team.
