Every Wednesday, the Rookies Journal honors the most prominent novices. The regular season being over, we take stock. This week, make way for the offensive type team of beginners. In seven days, the floor will be given to the defence.
Quarterback
Mac Jones – QB/New England Patriots (15th pick)
352/521, 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions
Yes, Mac Jones and the Patriots went out the back door in Buffalo. But they had the merit of going into the playoffs, with a 23-year-old quarterback to lead offensive operations. The former Alabama won his place right from the camp and, in barely a year, New England has found its conductor of the future. The axes of progress are of course still numerous for him, but he is for the moment the number 1 of his vintage, clearly in front of the four launchers selected before him last spring.
The real number 1 did not have the chance to shine with the Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence struggled a lot, even though he finished on a high against rival Indianapolis. Like him, Zach Wilson could not restore color to the Jets. Trey Lance isn’t ready, and San Francisco hasn’t used his athletic profile often, when Justin Fields has had good stints with the Bears. Finally, the dolphin of this class was called a little lower by Houston. Davis Mills has had a successful campaign and the Texans may have their solution.
QB is a tough kid. pic.twitter.com/diZMbCemZT
—Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) January 16, 2022
Running back
Najee Harris – RB/Pittsburgh Steelers (24th pick)
307 carries, 1200 yards, 7 touchdowns + 74 receptions, 467 yards, 3 touchdowns
The debate of the riders chosen in the first round is illustrated here. The former carried Pittsburgh’s dismal offense on its shoulders, steadily gaining ground despite a mediocre line. Najee Harris is a tractor with a racing engine and good hands. He has everything to become the star of his squad, even if the Steelers will have to be careful not to wear him out too quickly (381 balls this season). The second running back of the first round is undoubtedly very talented, but it will be necessary to wait before seeing a recovering Travis Etienne with Jacksonville.
This position regularly offers surprises and in 2021, the biggest is Elijah Mitchell. The number 25 of the 49ers has made several very high level outings and his qualities should allow him to confirm. Another element noticed from its beginnings, Javonte Williams brought a large dose of power and will on the side of Denver. In a similar style, Rhamondre Stevenson delighted Boston fans, when New York bet on a more versatile player in Michael Carter.
Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase – WR/Cincinnati Bengals (5th pick)
81 receptions, 1,455 yards, 13 touchdowns
Jaylen Waddle – WR/Miami Dolphins (6th pick)
104 receptions, 1015 yards, 6 touchdowns + 1 rushing touchdown
Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR/Detroit Lions (112th pick)
90 receptions, 912 yards, 5 touchdowns + 1 rushing touchdown
We expected a class of talented and deep targets, we got it. The first city broke Justin Jefferson’s yards record, the second erased Anquan Boldin’s receptions record. Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle were drafted in the Top 10, both have lived up to expectations and should keep defensemen dizzy for years to come. Amon-Ra St. Brown was not as expected, but he woke up the Lions with his energy and his end to the season is exceptional (6 games, 51 receptions, 560 yards, 6 touchdowns).
DeVonta Smith would also have deserved to join this trio, but he slowed down a bit at the end of the course. The Eagles can still say that they have finally come across a receiver capable of holding his rank, it has not been easy lately. Behind, Rondale Moore had started well with the Cardinals, in a role of rocket used on a good range of games. Elijah Moore also justified his selection by the Jets, when New York or Baltimore saw the potential of Kadarius Toney and Rashod Bateman.
Good luck stopping Ja’Marr Chase pic.twitter.com/VtPar1ELyq
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 15, 2022
Tight-end
Kyle Pitts – TE/Atlanta Falcons (4th pick)
68 receptions, 1026 yards, 1 touchdown
There was no photo in this post. The Falcons (and many others) saw Kyle Pitts as a generational talent, and the 21-year-old tight end’s debut campaign reflects that. The former Florida was on familiar terms with Mike Ditka’s record (1,076 yards), also becoming the Falcons’ first debutant beyond 1,000 yards on reception. His main competitor is really left behind, even if Pat Freiermuth was quickly adopted by the public at Heinz Field and was comfortable in the red zone, with 7 touchdowns to his credit.
offensive line
Rashawn Slater – OT/Los Angeles Chargers (13th pick)
Landon Dickerson – G/Philadelphia Eagles (37th pick)
Creed Humphrey – C/Kansas City Chiefs (63rd pick)
Trey Smith – G/Kansas City Chiefs (226th pick)
Penei Sewell – OT/Detroit Lions (7th pick)
This line is led by two exceptional giants. Creed Humphrey first, the center of Kansas City having managed a full season in the service of the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. He is already among the best at his position, without a doubt. With him, a gigantic Rashawn Slater, enlisted to protect Justin Herbert and left to become one of the benchmarks in the NFL. Only one tackle had been called before him, an effective Penei Sewell with the Lions on the right side, a good base to rely on in Detroit.
To accompany them, two young elements whose medical records could worry, but Landon Dickerson and Trey Smith were able to keep in shape and prove that they had the assets to be solid starters at this level. Other linemen had good passages but will have to find consistency to turn a corner, like Christian Darrisaw or Josh Myers. Some players will still wait before being able to integrate the rotation of their teams, the time to learn and gain in maturity.
Man @creed_humphrey is a 🥞 machine. He knocks down his DT and Trey Smith. 😂 pic.twitter.com/2e4keLc2m0
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 15, 2021
