Rookies can make or break a team. Whether it is a playoff team that needs one final piece to compete or a rebuilding team that is counting on their investment to payoff, rookies can be just as important as established veterans. In this article we will look at offensive rookies. Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive lineman will all be considered for this list. Without further a do, let’s get into it.
AFC North: RB Najee Harris- Pittsburgh Steelers
This was a tough choice between Najee and Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase but Chase’s preseason struggles plus the impact I think Harris will have in his first year led me to give the title to Harris. I think Najee is going to be one of the best pure rushers in the NFL from week one. I expect Najee to establish a fearsome ground game that will open up this Steelers offense.
AFC South: QB Trevor Lawrence- Jacksonville Jaguars
I was one of the people that said Trevor Lawrence was one of the best quarterback prospects of all time and I still stand by that statement. Watching him play against a fierce Saints defense, failing, and then adjusting told me everything I need to know. Lawrence is going to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league when it comes to making a play once the pocket collapses and I can’t wait to start watch him sling the football on sundays.
AFC East: QB Zach Wilson- New York Jets
I watched BYU a couple times last year to get a real feel for Wilson and goodness was I impressed. Zach Wilson is an incredibly intelligent quarterback who may struggle early on but will make the adjustments each week to be better and better. I think he is one of the most physically impressive quarterbacks in the league and I can’t wait to watch him take the Jets somewhere for the first time in a long time.
AFC West: RB Javonte Williams- Denver Broncos
I am beating the “start Javonte Williams” drum. He is a very talented running back who aims to run over all eleven defensive players on the field when he has the ball in his hand. He is powerful yet shows finesse and an incredible rusher yet a savvy receiver. I cannot wait to see this guy tear up the West.
NFC North: QB Justin Fields- Chicago Bears
Perhaps the most hyped up rookie in the preseason was Justin Fields. Personally, I think he should be starting already and no matter when he starts this season, he is going to come out the gates hot. Fields is an insane athlete with Mahomes esque miracle play abilities.
NFC South: TE Kyle Pitts- Atlanta Falcons
The best tight end prospect of all time is Kyle Pitts. It is going to take Pitts no time to start abusing NFL secondaries and establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in the league. With Calvin Ridley stretching the field and Matt Ryan’s accurate arm, Kyle Pitts will have plenty of opportunities to make plays early and often.
NFC East: WR DeVonta Smith- Philadelphia Eagles
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner is one of my favorite college players in recent memory. He is humble, talented, and most of all, he is mentally strong. I expect him to come out here and shut up all the people who call him to small. I was and in a way still am one of those people but in the end I have a gut feeling that his overwhelming level of talent will win out in the end.
NFC West: QB Trey Lance- San Francisco 49ers
I don’t think Lance should start the season and I don’t think he should start for a few weeks but when he does take get the nod to be the 9ers signal caller, there is no way he is backing down. Trey Lance is one of the most gifted athletes I have seen in college football in a long time and I think he is exactly what Kyle Shanahan wanted and more. Look out world Trey Lance is coming.
