NFL Preseason Games: Offensive Rookies to Watch During This Weekend's Action

Rookies rule the preseason.

There are exceptions, sure. Players coming off injuries, position battles or the slight possibility that a ref will call a penalty on a team that isn't even playing are all things to look out for, but for the most part, fans watch preseason games because they want a first look at the rookies. 

And maybe it's because of the guy drafted No. 1 overall, but after just one week, the 2012 class seems especially, well, special.

Considering this is likely your last chance to get a real look at the top youngsters (important players tend to get less time on the field during the last two games of preseason) before the season starts, I suggest tuning in.

Most notably for the following young offensive studs. 

Note: For a complete look at this week's preseason schedule, check out nfl.com.

Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Luck, without a doubt, is the most highly regarded rookie of the past decade. I mean, during the past few months, he's gotten close to as much attention as Tim Tebow.

That's how you know someone is special.

But in his first ever NFL game, Luck proved the endless speculation was worth it, as he completed 10 of 16 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns and looked like a wily veteran in the process.

Things might not be so easy for Luck on Sunday, however, as he goes up against the vaunted Steelers defense. It may just be the preseason, but if the former Stanford star rips apart Pittsburgh like he did St. Louis, expect the world to stop spinning for a few hours. 

Other QBs to Watch: Robert Griffin III (Saturday, at CHI), Ryan Tannehill (Friday, at CAR), Russell Wilson (Saturday, at DEN)

David Wilson, RB, New York Giants

The blazing running back out of Virginia Tech, regardless of his role, is going to be fun to watch this season.

He may be listed at No. 2 on the Super Bowl champs' depth chart behind Ahmad Bradshaw, but Wilson proved he can get you off that couch onto your feet in a hurry.

The first-round pick rushed for 43 yards on just seven carries, including a 26-yard scamper, a 48-yard kick-off return and a 10-yard reception. 

You may tune into this game to see the New York rivalry or maybe even Tim Tebow (reference No. 2! I'm on a roll!), but don't blink or you might miss Wilson's explosive ability. 

Other RBs to Watch: Cyrus Gray (Saturday, at STL), Robert Turbin (Saturday, at DEN), Doug Martin (Friday, vs TEN), Chris Rainey (Sunday, vs IND)

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears

The issues about Jeffery's lackluster junior year and apparent love for McDonalds (aka people thought he was fat) caused his draft stock to drop, which led to the Bears luckily landing the unique talent with the 45th overall pick. 

Well, let me tell you. Jeffery isn't lackluster, he isn't fat and he isn't slow. He's simply talented. 

The 6'3", 216-pound downfield threat is going to make a large impact on this league right away. If you don't take my word for it (and let's face, you probably don't), take Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice's (via Brad Biggs):

"

Another day, more high praise for #Bears WR Alshon Jeffery. Mike Tice believes his camp performance will translate to regular season. “We can all see that. That is a big, physical specimen. Speed of the game is not too big for him. His demeanor? He is very calm, doesn’t get overexcited, to the point where every day I say, ‘You OK? You OK?’ ‘Yes, sir.’ So, very polite young man, been raised right. Great athlete. You want to throw the ball up to him and let him go get it. He’s going to do that.”

"

Jeffery showed his first flashes of brilliance in an ugly loss against Denver, pulling in four catches for 35 yards while the rest of the team struggled. Expect the dynamic young ball-catcher to continue to improve on Saturday night against the Redskins. 

Other WRs to Watch: Kendall Wright (Friday, at TB), Michael Floyd (Friday, vs OAK), Stephen Hill (Saturday, vs NYG)

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