As the NFL season fast approaches, here at TSFJ we’re going to be looking at the rookies! Who will thrive in their first year in the league? We’re going to predict a rookie of the year for each position!
Quarterback | Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Who else? The No.1 pick in the 2021 Draft will definitely be the starting QB for the Jaguars in week 1 of the season, and will probably be QB1 for the whole season. Pre-season so far has been an average one, granted, but somehow people are already out there questioning Lawrence’s ability.
We think that Lawrence will be the standout QB in the regular season, with the QB leading the franchise rebuild in Jacksonville.
A Close Second: Trey Lance, 49ers
Running Back | Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Our first two selections are both Jaguars – who’d have thought that? Reuniting with his Clemson teammate Lawrence, this QB/RB partnership is already tried and tested, and has had some great success in college.
Along with James Robinson, who was a standout in his rookie year last season, and arguably the Jags’ best player, a partnership in the position could be built. This would be great for the franchise, as lifting pressure of the young QB.
A Close Second: Najee Harris, Steelers
Wide Receiver | Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Reuniting with college QB Joe Burrows, Ja’Marr Chase was the first receiver to be chosen at No.5 overall in the 2021 Draft. The receiver is already tipped to lead WR rookies in receiving yards, and we agree!
His route-running and athleticism has already received a lot of praise, from training and pre-season, and we expect this to continue throughout the season.
A Close Second: Devonta Smith, Eagles
Tight End | Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
There are plenty of words and phrases to describe just how good Kyle Pitts is, but we’re going to go with generational talent. Pitts was arguably the best non-QB in the Draft, and there was no surprise that he was selected at No.4 overall.
Now with the Falcons, the athletic tight end will offer Matt Ryan and the offense another weapon to challenge in the division. They’re up against it, but with Pitts, defenses will be cautious throughout the season.
A (Not Very) Close Second: Hunter Long, Dolphins
Offensive Line | Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers
There were a few offensive lineman prospects in the 2021 Draft with high levels of potential, including Rashawn Slater. At left tackle, with a team like the Chargers building a strong roster, Slater will be a great addition to the LA line.
A Close Second: Penei Sewell, Lions
Defensive Line | Greg Rousseau, Buffalo Bills
The Bills’ defense has needed a major boost, and one of the best additions they could have hoped for in the draft is Rousseau. As clear front-runners in the AFC East, Rousseau will certainly have a major impact in the league.
A Close Second: Kwity Paye, Colts
Linebacker | Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons has already made a name for himself in pre-season and in Dallas, and we think this will continue throughout the course of the season. The Dallas defense already has a good-standard secondary, allowing Parsons to potentially thrive as an MLB.
His strength and power in the middle of the field will provide a strong option and will impact the opposition’s run game. As No.12 overall, Parsons is another first-round pick we are expecting big things from, of which we will see in the first game of the NFL season!
A Close Second: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Browns
Defensive Back | Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
The Alabama cornerback was highly-regarded as one of the best DB’s in this year’s draft class, and it’s clear to see why. His coverage along with his ability to identify the ball are just some reasons why he was selected in the top 10 overall.
On top of this, he will join an already explosive DB unit in Denver, with safety Justin Simmons leading them. Surtain will be a great addition to the position, and will benefit the Broncos defense almost immediately.
A Close Second: Jaycee Horn, Panthers
NFL – Season Almost Here!
Not long now until the regular season starts! On September 9, the Dallas Cowboys will host Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the first Thursday Night Football of the season! It’s going to be an extremely entertaining game – get ready!
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