The NFL season has finally begun and the rookies from this past draft class made a lot of noise during the first week of the season. This will be an ongoing series throughout the regular season that will recognize the top performing rookies on offense and defense.
By Kevin Knight
Abdullah Shows Off Versatility vs. Chargers
Ameer Abdullah was the 54th pick in the second round by the Detroit Lions in this past draft. A RB out of the University of Nebraska, he finished his 2014 season with the Cornhuskers with 1,611 yards. Abdullah averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 19 rushing TDs. He also showed some aptitude in the receiving game, catching 22 receptions for 269 yards and 3 TDs.
This week, while playing the San Diego Chargers, Abdullah split time in the backfield with fellow RB Joique Bell. He made his short time on the field well worth it as he finished with 7 carries for 50 yards and a TD. He also had 4 receptions for 44 yards, with one of his catches going for 36 yards.
The rushing TD he scored was in the first quarter from 24 yards out. The run was an HB Stretch that he cut back inside.
He can see that the Chargers’ defense attacks where the run is going rather than keeping discipline in their lanes. This tactic leaves a huge hole in the middle of the line of scrimmage. Abdullah stays patient and as soon as he sees his opportunity, he explodes. This leaves a 1 on 1 situation with All Pro Safety Eric Weddle. He then makes Weddle look silly as he cuts left for an easy TD.
On this next play, he shows how he can be an asset in the passing game for Stafford. On a high snap in the third quarter, Abdullah flares out to the right and Stafford flicks it over to him as his only option. Abdullah then goes on to make defender after defender miss until his is brought down after 36 yards. For a guy who ran a 4.6 40 at the combine, he plays a lot faster during game time.
Abdullah should be another explosive weapon for Matthew Stafford over the next few years and eventually become the starting RB.
Leonard Williams Working Elite Browns Left Side
Leonard Williams was the 6th overall pick in this past draft. Many believed he was the most talented player in the draft and it was believed that the Jets got a steal when they picked him. He was set to play RE in the Jet’s 3-4 defense. In his first NFL game, he had the tough task of being lined up against LT Joe Thomas and LG Joel Bitonio, two of the best offensive lineman in the game. He still managed to amass five 5 tackles with one of them being a solo tackle. While these numbers aren’t eye popping, he did his job throughout the game by controlling the running game.
Williams is lined up over All-Pro LG Joel Bitonio. As soon as the ball is snapped, Williams knocks Bitonio back behind the line of scrimmage. This prohibits him to drive forward. He then sheds the block and tackles RB Isaiah Crowell to the ground.
Williams does this throughout the game, such as when the Browns ran out of the I-Formation with fellow rookie, Duke Johnson, in the backfield.
Again, Williams is lined up over Bitonio and locks up with him at the snap. Once Williams recognizes where Johnson is running, he moves Bitonio and clogs the hole. This causes Johnson to try and bounce the ball outside where he is then tackled by Quentin Coples.
Look for this type of play to continue over the course of the season. He might not put up impressive sack totals like he would if he was playing in a 4-3, but he will be an impact player on the Jets D-Line alongside Muhammad Wilkerson and NT Damon Harrison.
Tyler Lockett More Than Just a Flash in the Pan
Tyler Lockett was the 69th pick in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks. The 5’11” WR was an explosive playmaker for the Kansas State Wildcats over his college career. He was the Big- 12 conference leader in receiving yards and was the national leader in punt return average.
This preseason, he was a monster on special teams for the Seahawks. He returned a kickoff for 103 yards for a TD and a 67 yard punt for a TD. Following this performance, he was a preseason favorite to be a first team All-Pro as a returner. At this rate, that prediction might become a reality.
The Rams experienced Lockett’s talent firsthand when he returned a punt for a 57 yard TD.
As soon as Lockett catches the punt, there is a huge hole for him to blow through in the coverage. He then puts Rams P Johnny Hekker on skates as he blows right by him for the easy score. If he continues this trend, teams might start implementing the Hester rules when they play the Seahawks.
He also contributed 4 catches for 34 yards on 4 targets. The Seahawks moved him all around the field using motion and lining him up in a trips formation for a WR screen play. If he keeps having big games, he might reappear on this list in the future.
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