Sports360AZ
By, Daniel Rios
It’s a little past midseason in the NFL season, and rookies all over the league are getting accustomed to life on their respective teams. Some have clearly settled in fast, taking the league by storm, and today, we’re gonna go over the five rookies who have adjusted to the NFL life fast, dominating the competition.
Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Can’t start an article off like this without mentioning Egbuka. The Ohio State product has further solidified that the Buckeyes produce elite NFL wide receivers. He’s currently ninth in the league in total receiving yards with 677 and has taken advantage of his opportunities with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin missing time this season.
It’s not ridiculous to say that Egbuka has quickly asserted himself as a top 15 receiver in the league, and like his fellow Ohio State product Jaxon Smith-Njigba, he gets open. He’s averaging 2.5 yards of separation per target and 12.8 air yards per target.
Since day 1 in the Buccaneers building, front office members and quarterback Baker Mayfield raved about his IQ, football skills and work ethic. All of it is shown throughout 10 weeks of the NFL season.
Armand Membou, New York Jets
Membou started this season off with a bang against the Pittsburgh Steelers, allowing zero pressures against T.J. Watt. He’s had his fair share of ups and downs throughout the season, being a tackle in the NFL, but overall, it’s been a positive season for the Jets’ rookie right tackle.
He’s allowed 21 pressures and only three sacks in 591 snap counts over 10 weeks, while his divisional rival, Will Campbell, is also having an incredible season of his own. Membou in the run game has been stout, using his 6-foot-3, 314-pound frame to move defenders out of the way.
With New York’s newfound draft capital, whoever they decide to draft as the franchise’s next signal caller will have a reliable right tackle to develop alongside.
Jacob Parrish, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have two players on this list? Not surprising at all, because the general manager, Jason Licht, is. He’s dominated April with superb drafting, and he did it again this past April. Corner was a significant need for Tampa Bay, and they surprised a lot of people by selecting a receiver in round 1. The team addressed the corner in the next two rounds, and Parrish, in the slot, has looked like a clear NFL starter for years to come.
He’s really aggressive in the slot, not afraid to tackle, can cover and is smart enough to understand route combinations on certain looks. Parrish has only one game this season in which he’s given up over 50 yards receiving, and that was against the Seahawks.
Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles
I’ll never forget my reaction when I saw Campbell being drafted to the Eagles on draft day back in April. I couldn’t believe the defending Super Bowl champions got a talent like him in Round 1. He’s a versatile linebacker who can play stand-up or rush the passer and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has taken advantage of that versatility.
He’s logged 336 snaps in the box, 126 along the defensive line and 29 in the slot. With a couple more impressive performances, he could be in the conversation for defensive rookie of the year in two months.
Will Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
Johnson’s slide to Round 2 was surprising during the draft, but teams had legitimate concerns about his health, which led to his fall. The concerns about his knee were legit, and he’s already missed time with the Cardinals this season.
Regardless, Johnson has showcased his ability to be a true shutdown corner in the NFL when he’s on the field. He hasn’t given up over 50 yards in a game yet and has six pass breakups in six games played this season.
