5 Notable rookie performances by former Texas college and high school stars
D’onta Foreman
Foreman, the former Longhorn star, looks like he hasn’t lost a step, rushing for 67 yards on nine carries (per NFL.com). He should find a role in the rotation between Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue. If he can avoid injury or any more trouble, expect him to slowly get bigger opportunities once the season rolls around.
Patrick Mahomes
Many, including myself, were astounded when Mahomes went ahead of Deshaun Watson. He played sparingly in his debut, at least not enough to make an argument defending his draft spot, but in the time he played, he threw for 49 yards and one touchdown and went seven for nine. His two incompletions came off of correct reads but slight overthrows in the red zone. He played well enough that it was announced Sunday that he’d be moved up to the number two QB.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where rookie QBs, especially first rounders, are expected to start immediately, and while his counterparts, Trubisky and Watson will play a lot this season, we won’t see much of Mahomes this year, but he’s in a good position to sit back and learn from Alex Smith, and eventually take over as the franchise quarterback.
Myles Garrett
The former number one pick was only listed as having one tackle but wreaked havoc all through his limited debut. Based on what we’ve seen and reports coming out of training camp, expect him to have a DROY-worthy year alongside a young but talented Browns’ front seven.
Justin Evans
The talented safety from Texas A&M had five tackles, one solo and four assists, in his debut for Tampa Bay against the Bengals. Expect him to get playing time this season behind Chris Conte.
Solomon Thomas
The former Coppell High School star made his debut for San Francisco and was all over the field. In the limited time he played, it didn’t matter who was guarding him, he always found a way into the backfield.
Game in Review: Texans vs Panthers
The big story is Deshaun Watson and his debut. He had a solid game going 15-25 and for 179 yards and one rushing touchdown. Couple notes from his performance, there are probably a couple throws he’d like to take back, but that’s what preseason is for. He had a couple throws where he made the right read but missed the throw. As far as the QB battle goes, it’s too early to decide anything but Watson has the fans and the coaches behind him. unless Savage looks like a world-beater, expect Watson to get the starting position sometime this season.
One play that stood out to me was a play by JJ Watt and Clowney, Kelvin Benjamin caught a pass 10 yards downfield and bounced right off of Kevin Johnson and only got about five yards down before Watt and Clowney brought him down. A great play by both to make catch up to Benjamin 15 yards away from their starting position. That combo, if healthy, will be feared by every opponent, but that’s a big if.
Speaking of Benjamin, him and Damiere Byrd ran all over the Texans defense. Benjamin had two catches for 40 yards and a touchdown, one against Jonson and one against Jonathan Joseph, two starters who were beat for long gains. Byrd played primarily against backups and future practice squad players, but if week one is any intention of what’s to come, the secondary better step up.
Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys
Rico Gathers, future Cowboys star?
In 2016 the Cowboys drafted former Baylor Bear Rico Gathers in the sixth round, only problem was, Gathers played basketball, not football. Dallas was enticed by his height (6’8) and athleticism, and took a chance on him. He spent last year on the practice squad and is entering this season fighting for a roster spot. He has been nothing short of impressive through two games, catching four catches for 47 yards with a touchdown on Sunday and three for 59 in the Hall of Fame game. While both performances should be taken with grains of salt, one would think he’s done well enough for a roster spot, maybe even some playing time this season.
Rookie to watch: Ryan Switzer
Dallas traditionally has a lot of success with small wide receivers, Miles Austin and Cole Beasley are recent examples, and Switzer sure is small, but he’s a playmaker. The former North Carolina star brings his electric speed and shiftiness to a team that just needs that one final piece to complete their offense, and he may be it. Expect him to take over kick and punt returns, as that is his specialty, seven career punt return touchdowns at North Carolina,(via ESPN). He’ll find a role in the slot role behind Beasley.
Did you forget about Jaylon Smith?
Following a gruesome injury in his final game against Ohio State two years ago, Smith fell from potential lottery pick to the second round. At the time, many didn’t know the extent of his injury, some feared he’d never play again due to nerve damage in his knee. He sat out and rehabbed the entire 2016 season. Entering the 2017 season, he looks healthy, and if he can get back to the player he was at Notre Dame, expect big things out of him down the road. For now, he’ll play limited amounts behind Sean Lee, a great mentor to any young linebacker.
The running back situation
News broke last week that Ezekiel Elliott would be suspended six games, but the Cowboys should be in good hands with Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden, former Redskin and Raider stars, respectively. However, there are enough other offensive weapons that, if needed, they could turn to a pass-first game, at least temporarily.
