Weeks 1 & 2: NFL Rookies

Silver+Football+and+NFL+Logo+by+C_osett.+2015.+Public+Domain

“Silver Football and NFL Logo” by C_osett. 2015. Public Domain

Lia Tassinari, Copy Editor

There is no denying the talent that many rookies have coming into their first NFL season. However, in just the first two weeks of football, NFL fans are beginning to see the true potential and athleticism that many of these young players have.

Let’s begin by looking at a few impressive rookies who have made a big impression these first two weeks:

QB Carson Wentz (Eagles) – Carson Wentz has been looking super impressive this first couple of weeks, particularly in last night’s game against the Chicago Bears. Now, the windy city is certainly no easy place to play football but somehow Wentz was able to pull off a win and even outplay Jay Cutler, who sprained his right thumb during the game. Wentz has yet to throw an interception. In addition, the rookie threw for 190 yards, completed 21 of his 34 passes and scored one touchdown. His previous game against the Cleveland Browns was even more impressive, where Wentz passed for 278 yards and completed 22 of his 37 passes. So far, Wentz is looking great for the Philadelphia Eagles.

QB Dak Prescott (Cowboys) – Here’s a rookie quarterback that can really put up some numbers for fantasy players. In his first NFL game against the New York Giants, the young QB completed 25 of his 45 passes for 227 yards. Even better against the Washington Redskins, Prescott completed 22 of his 30 passes for 292 yards and rushed for one touchdown! This QB seems as though he’s already had some experience in the NFL instead of coming into the league as a rookie, am I right?

RB Ezekiel Elliot (Cowboys) – Growing pains are definitely normal for rookies. The last game Zeke Elliot had against the Washington Redskins was nothing short of a struggle, as he fumbled not once but twice. However, no one can deny his potential. The young running back had 41 carries and two touchdowns in his first two games. Don’t be surprised if there are bumps along the road with Elliot, but don’t also be surprised if he has multiple breakout games, too.

WR Will Fuller (Texans) – This guy is truly incredible as a rookie wide receiver. Not only should NFL teams be looking out for the Texans defense but they should certainly look out for Will Fuller. Against the Chicago Bears in week one, the rookie caught five receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. Similarly, in his second week against the Kansas City Chiefs, Fuller caught four receptions for 104 yards! Even though it’s only the first couple of weeks, Fuller’s athleticism and talent as a wide receiver is truly outstanding. Watch out for this guy!

WR Corey Coleman (Browns) – Although the Browns are 0-2 this year, Coleman is looking like a star. In his last game against the Baltimore Ravens, this talented wide receiver finished the game with 104 yards and two touchdowns. The defenses (Ravens and Eagles) that Coleman was going up against, especially as a rookie, are no joke. Fantasy football players, keep your eye on Corey Coleman.

WR Sterling Shepard (Giants) – The first game Shepard had against the Dallas Cowboys was not too shabby. The young wide receiver finished the game with 43 yards and one touchdown, but his numbers against the New Orleans Saints in week two are even more impressive. Shepard caught all eight of his passes for 117 yards. Don’t forget, Shepard also happens to be teammates with Odell Beckham Jr. So, while cornerbacks will be focusing on OBJ, Eli Manning will be looking to throw the ball to Sterling Shepard more.

And these are only some of the talented rookies I have listed out of the outstanding rookie class of 2016. Check back next week for more information in the NFL!