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David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Through two weeks of preseason action, how are this year's rookies handling their first encounters with live NFL games?
Some, such as New York Quarterback Giants Daniel Jones, Carolina Panthers edge-rusher Burns Brian and Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery, look like bona fide superstars.
But the welcome-to-the-NFL exhibitions have not been kind to all high-profile rookies. Some are having problems getting on the field. Others are finding difficulties on it. Some are not matching draft-slot expectations or adequately filling the roles envisioned by the teams that grabbed them.
Based on the early returns, these rookies have some ground to make up.
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Susan Walsh / Associated Press
How he factors in
The Washington Redskins grabbed Dwayne Haskins at No. 15 in the draft in the hopes of developing a long-term answer under center. While there is an expected rookie learning curve, it makes sense to think he could beat Colt McCoy and dayneyman Keenum Case for the starting gig.
What's wrong?
Haskins simply has not shown enough. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Keenum is "tracking" to start in Week 1. It's not hard to see why. Haskins tossed two picks in his preseason debut and then went just 7-of-14 with 114 yards and a score in the second game. Take out the 55-yard touchdown, and the line gets even worse.
What it means
In the big scheme of things? Not much. Haskins is having a rough time, but he has also seen some playfulness as a runner. That said, he's obviously learning on the fly after just one starter at Ohio State. The upside is there, but it's taking longer than expected for him to grasp some general NFL items (getting calls in, understanding tighter throwing windows).
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Mike Roemer / Associated Press
How he factors in
In a perfect world, a top-12 player like Rashan Gary would make an immediate impact for the Green Bay Packers. Gary was viewed as a boom-or-bust prospect who leaned into his athleticism, so the team was counting on his point of attack to boost a reshaped pass rush.
What's wrong?
Gary is doing more thinking on the field than actual playing. As NFL.com's Bucky Brooks wrote:
"Despite playing significant snaps for the Packers on Thursday, No. 52 did not make much of an impact against the Ravens." struggles to finish his pass-rush efforts – his inability to corral the quarterback after a winning move is a bit of a concern for a player expected to make an early impact. "
What it means
Gary's struggles are more concerning than most. He was a controversial pick, and predictably, pros in the athletic field. His play is to slow down as he tries to think (he got fooled on a bootleg, for example) in real time. Some of that is going to be adapted, which is what the preseason is for, but there is plenty of room for improvement.
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Stephen Brashear / Associated Press
How he factors in
The Seattle Seahawks got a good-looking value with the DK Metcalf receiver in the second round, which became even more important once Doug Baldwin retired. Metcalf always faced a challenging transition, but Russell Wilson was surely going to find a ball in the hands of his new, 6'4 "target.
What's wrong?
Besides on-field limitations from a road-tree perspective, one of the reasons Metcalf fell in the draft was his injury history. Now two weeks into the preseason, he's undergoing knee surgery, as announced by Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. Minor surgery or not, it is a big setback for a guy who needs a lot of things before the games start to matter.
What it means
Should Metcalf stay healthy after this, it will look like a bump in the road in hindsight. He's got best-in-class potential at his position, but he's still in the process of becoming acclimated to the pros now to transition to Week 1, if he's still cleared to play by then.
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Nick Wass / Associated Press
How he factors in
The Baltimore Ravens made Marquise Brown the first wideout off the board this year's draft because they wanted a savvy, speedy playmaker to help along the retooled offense around Lamar Jackson. On the road to speeding, the No. 25 overall is being pigeonholed to the field for the running game while opening things up for others like Willie Snead.
What's wrong?
This is not so much about Brown's being hurt as it's missing at the preseason's halfway point. He had offseason Lisfranc surgery and went on the non-football injury before July.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh Explained to reporters why this is problematic: "It's all about the speed of it, the thinking, the lining up, running the right road. there, and we'll know what to do to him, but it's just great work for him. "
That's reminiscent of the 2017 top-10 pick John Ross in Cincinnati, who had a smaller frame like Brown (5'9 ", 166 pounds), missed offseason time and did not have any impact as a rookie.
What it means
Proper coaching can only be so much for Brown at this point. He has not had the chance to adapt to the game via live reps, nor has he established much rapport with his quarterback. This may not be the case, but it could not be done for the first time.
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Duane Burleson / Associated Press
How he factors in
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots do not often draft wideouts early. Pair picks up with the loss of tight end Rob Gronkowski, and it was easy to think of them for the moment.
What's wrong?
Harry caught two passes in the preseason but then got hurt and was fighting off a hamstring and toe or ankle injuries. Before that, he was outplayed by Jakobi Meyers undrafted receiver. Julian Edelman and Demaryius, Thomas, are back on the field, and Josh Gordon does not seem far off after reinstatement, which means Harry's head start has evaporated.
What it means
Harry is by no means derailed for the long term. He checks for your boxes for NFL success and gets you started with Tom Brady for at least a few years. But given the slow start, he may be relegated to a situational role early in his life.
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Jack Dempsey / Associated Press
How he factors in
The Denver Broncos' revolving door at quarterback continues this offseason with the addition of Joe Flacco and second-round pick Drew Lock. The latter seemed like a good value, not to mention a potential franchise pass down the road.
What's wrong?
Lock suffered a NFL Network's Ian Rapoport classified as "bad," appearing to secure the backup job for Kevin Hogan. But before the injury setback, Lock was having problems separating from Hogan in the competition to back up Flacco.
What it means
Lock's challenges in winning the second job over Hogan (a career 59.4 percent pass) might well explain why he fell in the draft. It is a good time to develop and it would be nice to get it in-game again. Struggling to win the backup job means he will not have a luck.
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Brian Blanco / Associated Press
How he factors in
Will Grier was a third-round pick by a Carolina Panthers team that seemed to question Cam Newton starting. Many viewed Grier has an immense value as a top-100 pick and a strong backup candidate.
What's wrong?
Grier has started his first NFL preseason flat. He was 9-of-16 with a score and a pick in his debut, averaging 4.8 yards per throw, and 10-of-19 with a pick in his second game (3.9 yards per attempt). Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has confirmed Grier will not be the backup to Newton for the third preseason game.
What it means
This situation is hard to read. Some plugged-in analysts are starting to wonder if Grier could end up cut. He had a lot of strength, but his goal was to make a big decision, which is not what they wanted from the 100th pick.
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Eric Christian Smith / Associated Press
How he factors in
The Detroit Lions Taken Into the Heavily Taken by T.J. Hockenson to town, grabbing him with the No. 8 pick. It's a big (6'5 ") threat for the offense, and massive expectations chase him into the league. one Rob Gronkowski.
What's wrong?
The usual tight end struggles upon arrival in the NFL. Through two preseason games, Hockenson has one wrestling for 22 yards.
Terez A. Paylor of Yahoo Sports wrote: "Hockenson will likely start out the year as the Lions' No. 2 tight end behind Jesse James." How quickly does he get down to defensive coverages (sight adjustments) and blocking schemes? the run game. "
What it means
Little, provided fans are willing to give up instant-gratification expectations for a top-10 pick. Tight ends typically have a tough transition to the pros. Hockenson is 22 with massive upside, so it's going to come together at some point, but it's not a guarantee in Year 1.
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