TC56 PRESENTS: THE ROOKIE REPORT – WEEK 1

Unlike last season, this year’s rookie class was given a full training camp and preseason games to get acclimated to their new franchises. The six players on this week’s list seem to benefit from that extra work they got in the summer and came out flying in the opening week. Three players from the SEC and two players from the BIG 10 are on this list, as both conferences continue to pump out quality pros at all positions. Like last season I look forward to the game within the game and the individual battles that come each week. Success in these one on one battles help translate to team success. Football is back!

TOP 5 ROOKIE PERFORMANCES WEEK 1

CINCINNATI BENGALS

WR- Ja’Marr Chase – 6’0” 208 – LSU – 1st round pick (5th Overall) vs. Minnesota Vikings (W, 27-24)

Game Day Stats: 5 receptions / 101 receiving yards / 1 touchdown

Chase struggled with drops in the preseason and some of the media where down on the 1^st round pick from LSU. The rookie wide out has not played in an official game since the National Title in 2020. Last season, Ja’Marr opted to sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. His preseason woes did not translate in week 1. Chase came out flying, catching outs and slants using his big frame to muscle past defensive backs for 3 first down catches. His big play of the afternoon came right before half. The LSU Tiger connection found each other as Joe Burrow hit Chase on a 50 yard bomb down the sideline for Ja’Marr’s first career touchdown. If both players can remain healthy this offense (finish 29^th in scoring in 2020) could be lethal with the addition of the talented wide out.

Performance Rating: 4.50

Next Game: at Chicago Bears 1:00pm Sunday

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

2. WR – DeVonta Smith – 6’1” 175 – Alabama – 1^st round pick (10^th overall) vs. Atlanta Falcons (W, 32-6)

Game Day Stats: 6 receptions / 71 receiving yards / 1 touchdown

The 2020 Heisman trophy winner did miss a beat in week 1 for the birds. In the first quarter, Smiths first catch of his career was an 18 yard touchdown to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead. Smith on his next 5 receptions showed off his slick route running and ability to find open windows in zone defenses. Another SEC reunion of quarterback and receiver, Jalen Hurts will love having Smith as an option all season long. Along with last season’s first round pick Jalen Reagor, the Eagles passing attack will be much improved in 2021.

Performance Rating: 4.00

Next Game: San Francisco 49ers 1:00pm Sunday

LOS ANGLES CHARGERS

3. OT – Rashawn Slater – Northwestern – 6’4” 315 – 1^st Round (13^th Overall) vs. Washington (W, 20-16)

Game day Stats: All 81 offensive snaps at left tackle / 0 sacks given up

What ultimately put Northwestern Rashawn Slater on the NFL’s radar was his performance in 2019 against Ohio States Chase Young. This performance propelled Slater to be the 13^th pick in the draft, even after sitting out the 2020 college football season. Flash to 2 years later and Slater begins his career in a matchup with the very same guy that put him on the map. The result was more of the same with Slater looking strong at left tackle protecting Justin Herbert. Herbert was only sacked twice, neither coming from Slater’s side. The Austin Ekeler opening touchdown of the game was run right behind an excellent block by Slater. Justin Herbert has to be fired up with the fact that he has a rock solid tackle watching his back.

Performance Rating: 4.00

Next Game: vs. Dallas Cowboys 4:25pm Sunday

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

4. CB – Paulson Adebo – 6’1” 192 – Stanford – 3rd round pick (76^th overall) vs. Green Bay Packers (W, 38-3)

Game day Stats: 3 total tackles / 1 interception for 33 yard return / 1 pass break up

Starting your career as a defensive back in the NFL, there is always your list of a handful of quarterbacks you would like to steal a ball away from for an interception. Paulson Adebo probably had Aaron Rodgers in his top 2. It only took 1 week, but Adebo can cross the Packer great off his list. In the third quarter, during a pivotal drive in the game, and the Packer down 17-3, the 3^rd round pick out of Stanford picked off a heavily pressure Rodgers in the red zone. After the turnover the Saints went on to score 21 second half points and dominate the Packers. Not a bad start to a career for the young defensive back.

Performance Rating: 3.90

Next Game: at Carolina Panthers 1:00pm Sunday

BALTIMORE RAVENS

5. DL – Odafe Oweh – Penn State – 6’5” 253 – 1^st round pick (31^st overall) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (L, 33-27)

Game Day Stats: 2 total tackles / 1 tackle for loss / 1 sack

At Penn State, Oweh had only 7 sacks in 20 career games and 0 last season. However, at 6’5” with a sub 4.4 40 yard dash most coaches will look past the low productivity and say “I’ll make him productive.” It only took one week and the freak athlete made an impact for the Baltimore Ravens. Oweh chased down running backs down the line for a loss. The 1^st round pick put pressure on Derek Carr causing a rushed throw that led to an interception and chasing him down for his first career sack. The Ravens have been great producing quality defensive players since the franchises beginning. Oweh has limitless potential to become another one of those players.

Performance Rating: 3.80

Next Game: Kansas City Chiefs 8:20pm Sunday Night Football

SLEEPER 6

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

RB – Elijah Mitchell – 5’11” 217 – Louisiana – 6^th round pick (194nd overall) vs. Detroit Lions (W, 41-33)

Game day Stats: 19 carries / 104 rushing yards / 1 touchdown

The former Ragin Cajun had a productive career at Louisiana but nothing that lit the world on fire. Mitchell had an excellent bowl game (172 total yards) and managed to become a sixth round pick of the 49ers. He was slated to be a backup for Raheem Mostert. Mostert, early in the game, suffered a season ending injury and Mitchell was thrust into a bigger role than anticipated. Mitchell made the most of his opportunity, showing off his bruising running style. On his third career carry, Mitchell burst through the hole, broke a tackle, and headed to the end zone. This early scored gave the 49ers the lead and they never looked back. Mitchell definitely staked his claim to be the starter however, fellow rookie Trey Sermon will be challenging for that spot as well

Performance Rating: 3.75

Next Game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles 1:00pm Sunday

Week 2 2021 Draft Class Match ups:

New England Patriots QB – Mac Jones vs. New York Jets QB – Zach Wilson

Both rookies showed flashes in week one. Jones took care of the football and was very efficient. Wilson got off to a slow start and was sacked 6 times. In the second half he got going by improvising on the run throwing 2 second half touchdowns. Neither QB wants to start off 0-2.

Week 2 Throwback Draft Class Match up:

Cal quarterbacks collide on Monday Night Football:

Detroit Lions – QB – Jarod Goff ‘16 vs. Green Bay Packer QB – Aaron Rodgers‘05

2 of California’s most famous football alumni take the field on Monday night desperate for a win. Rodgers and the Packers where smoked by the Saints being held to just 3 points. Goff did not fare much better, however he did make a push in the second half before ultimately falling to the 49ers 41-33. Goff is at a career crossroads and Rodgers future after this season is up in the air. The Monday stage will be the back drop for this QB California dual.