NFL Rookie Stock Report After Friday's Preseason Games

Friday night's NFL preseason matchups were pretty exciting for teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns. It was the first time most got a look at highly-touted rookies such as Mark Barron, Doug Martin and Brandon Weeden.

However, several other teams had big-name rookies taking the field. There were also the later-round picks fighting to impress their coaching staff. This is one of the reasons preseason football is so important.

It might be unfair, but many opinions will be developed based on this small sample size. This article will break down how some of the rookies performed and where their stock stands after their first preseason game.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stock: Up

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running attack looked pretty potent Friday. This combination of Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount has the potential to be really effective. Martin showed his ability to quickly make cuts and pick up positive yardage.

From what I saw, it looks like the Buccaneers are set to use this tandem as a solid one-two punch. Teams are going to have a hard time game-planning for these very different backs.

Season Outlook

Early indications are that the Buccaneers plan to use Martin as their lead running back. He's the most talented and well-rounded running back on the roster. His wide range of skills helps him contribute in both the running and passing game.

Martin possesses the burst needed to quickly press the line. He also does a good job using his low pad level to help him break tackles. These two skills are the reason why Martin is capable of fitting any offensive style.

His willingness to protect the passer and reliable hands mean he doesn't have to come off the field in passing situations. This is why he has the potential to develop into an every-down back.

Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stock: Up

I'm done hearing the questions about Lavonte David's size. He is so athletic and quick that his lack of size doesn't matter. David can quickly change direction, which helps him avoid any potential blockers. Don't be surprised if he's the most impactful player on the entire Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense.

Season Outlook

The Buccaneers added three impact pieces through the 2012 draft. Lavonte David has the potential to be the best of the group. He's an explosive athlete with the tenacity needed to make plays all over the field. He may lack ideal size, but he knows how to use his quickness and body to put himself in position to make a play.

David is already projected to open the season as one of the starting linebackers. The Buccaneers have high hopes after some strong offseason moves. Because of this optimism, there will be pressure on David to instantly play at a high level.

Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Stock: Up

Ryan Tannehill better make the most of his preseason snaps, because the injury to David Garrard puts him closer to opening the season as the starter. The fact that Tannehill is physically superior to Matt Moore gives him a chance to earn the starting job.

On Friday, I felt that Tannehill showed the poise needed to hold his own as a starter in his rookie season. This Miami Dolphins franchise needs hope at the quarterback position; Tannehill is that hope, and they might not want to wait to unleash his talent.

Season Outlook

Ryan Tannehill possesses all the physical talents needed to succeed in the NFL. He has the arm strength needed to attack the sideline and stretch the field. His height gives him a good view of the field as he searches for open targets. Tannehill also has good quickness that will help him extend plays.

However, it also takes a strong mental makeup and good decision-making ability to win in the NFL. Tannehill showed during his college career that he's prone to making some questionable decisions. It's because of this that Tannehill is unlikely to start the season as a starter.

Still, it's sometimes tough for coaches to overlook a player's physical talent. This leaves the door open for Joe Philbin to decide to give the rookie a chance.

Quinton Coples, New York Jets

Stock: Up

Quinton Coples showed a lot of versatility in Friday's game. He held up against the run and used a wide array of pass-rush moves. It's obvious that this is a player that has the potential to develop into a dominant NFL player.

The New York Jets would be wise to feature a heavy 4-3 alignment. Coples is the most dangerous pass-rusher on this team. His best chance to make a major impact is lining up at the defensive end slot in a 4-3 system.

However, he showed a good enough anchor to develop into a top-notch 5-technique defensive end.

Season Outlook

The New York Jets are counting on Quinton Coples to help bolster their pass rush. He boasts the size, quickness and length needed to generate consistent pressure. However, there are concerns about his effort. Those question marks were enough to drop Coples all the way to the 16th pick in the draft.

New York plans on using Coples at defensive end in both a four- and three-man front. His responsibilities will be different in each alignment, but he'll need to create some pressure on the quarterback in both schemes.

The fact that New York is talking about playing more 4-3 principles has a lot to do with the addition of Coples. He is a much better fit in that alignment, and it gives him a better opportunity to rush the passer.

Stephen Hill, New York Jets

Stock: Up

Stephen Hill is so talented that he forced himself into major playing time with the New York Jets. Friday night, he showed strong hands and a fearless attitude. Hill has the type of attitude this Jets offense needs to move forward.

One of the biggest things he brings to the table is an aggressive attitude in the running game. He isn't afraid to get physical with a defensive back and help spring a long run.

Season Outlook

Outside of Santonio Holmes, the New York Jets lack any real difference-makers at the wide receiver position. This is what made Stephen Hill so attractive to them as a second-round pick. His combination of size and speed instantly makes him one of the more dangerous players on the team.

Hill still needs time to develop as a route-runner, but his physical abilities give him an opportunity despite his rawness. Look for the Jets to use him as someone to stretch the field and as a go-to target in the red zone. Hill might have some up-and-down performances, but he'll still find a way to make an impact.

Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns

Stock: Down

The recent news that Trent Richardson needed another procedure on his knee isn't promising. Running backs have a hard enough time remaining healthy. At this point, the Cleveland Browns have to be worried about the long-term future of their star running back.

Season Outlook

Trent Richardson will return from his knee problems with enough time to start the season in the Cleveland Browns' backfield. He'll also be healthy enough to carry the load for the Browns' rushing attack. However, I expect to see his workload closely monitored.

The Browns are not ready to compete this season, and running Richardson into the ground won't help them reach that point any sooner. Cleveland will use Richardson just enough to showcase his skills and excite the fanbase. However, once this is accomplished and the team is officially out of the playoff running, Richardson will start to see his carries diminish.

Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns

Stock: Up

Brandon Weeden obviously has a ton of talent. He has excellent arm strength and the ability to drop a ball in with great touch. I was really impressed with the bucket pass he dropped in to Travis Benjamin early in the game.

As expected, he also showed that he's a rookie. There were several plays where he held on to the ball way too long. This is a concern because he really didn't see much pressure in college. The Oklahoma State offense was all about spreading out and quick releases.

Weeden's ability to deal with pressure is the key to the success of his career.

Season Outlook

Brandon Weeden has already been named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Such factors as his arm strength, draft position and age played a role in him winning the job. Cleveland took a big gamble selecting Weeden in the first round. He needs to quickly adjust to the NFL game, or he could be in his mid-30s before he fully develops.

Travis Benjamin, Cleveland Browns

Stock: Up

Speed makes all potential playmakers more important. Travis Benjamin has more speed than anyone on the Cleveland Browns roster. The fact that Weeden can deliver a nice bucket throw means that Benjamin has a role within this offense.

Benjamin is raw and might be a little one-dimensional. However, there is always room in the NFL for elite speed.

Season Outlook

Travis Benjamin has elite speed, and he showed it tonight. This is a player that will make an impact this season. One of the more impressive plays of the entire preseason was the over-the-shoulder catch by Benjamin. It was a perfectly delivered ball by Brandon Weeden, but Benjamin's speed created the opportunity.

Benjamin's season outlook differs from most rookies because he will need to force himself into the lineup. His speed separates him from the rest of the wide receivers, but he must show consistency to earn consistent targets.

David Wilson, New York Giants

Stock: Steady

The biggest thing I took from Friday night's game is that D.J. Ware isn't out of the running to earn major carries. Ware is an underrated player who has some upside as a versatile running back. However, he doesn't possess the same quick burst as David Wilson.

Wilson's ability to score from anywhere on the field is something the New York Giants can't overlook. The Giants won't overlook the playmaking ability of this rookie.

Season Outlook

The New York Giants' decision to add David Wilson to the mix at running back has the potential to increase the offense's explosiveness. Wilson possesses an excellent burst and a second gear that makes him a home-run threat. This is a player that will contribute in both the running and passing game.

Because of the departure of Brandon Jacobs and injury issues of Ahmad Bradshaw, New York needed some depth at running back. Don't rule out the possibility that Wilson is the featured back in New York by the end of the season; he has that kind of talent.

Rueben Randle, New York Giants

Stock: Down

The New York Giants are counting on Rueben Randle to take over for Mario Manningham. However, on Friday he showed that he's a rookie. This is a very talented player, but that doesn't mean he's ready to make an immediate impact.

However, the Giants need someone to take over Manningham's spot in the lineup. That catch in the Super Bowl wasn't a random event. Manningham played a very important role in this offense.

Season Outlook

The New York Giants decided to let last year's Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham leave via free agency. This decision leaves a hole at one of the wide receiver spots. New York likes to feature a lineup with Hakeem Nicks on the outside, Victor Cruz in the slot and someone else on the outside. The hope is that Rueben Randle can claim that role.

It's going to be very interesting to see how Randle performs during the preseason. During his time at LSU, he had to deal with very inconsistent quarterback play. Now that he can catch passes from Eli Manning, we will get a chance to see just what his talent can produce.

Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals

Stock: Down

The Arizona Cardinals' lack of consistency at the quarterback position means that Michael Floyd doesn't have the luxury to slowly adjust to the league. If the Cardinals hope to have any success this season, they need Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald to play way above their talent.

Kevin Kolb and John Skelton have some talent, but they are not capable of leading a team to the playoffs. Look at this franchise and you can see that there are a lot of jobs on the line this season. If this team doesn't make the playoffs, there could be some wholesale changes.

As unfair as it sounds, Floyd is an key factor in the future direction of this franchise.

Season Outlook

The Arizona Cardinals are going to force Michael Floyd to earn a starting job. However, it shouldn't take longer than the duration of training camp for him to accomplish this feat. Floyd was brought into the mix so someone could take advantage of the one-on-one opportunities created by Larry Fitzgerald. There's nobody on the Cardinals roster better equipped to handle that role than Floyd.

Of course, the Cardinals' hope for success this season depends on either Kevin Kolb or John Skelton playing more consistent football.

Matt Kalil, Minnesota Vikings

Stock: Up

Matt Kalil is going to provide Christian Ponder the appropriate amount of time to locate open targets. At this point, the question is whether or not Ponder can make the appropriate decision. The Minnesota Vikings are trying to decide if Ponder is the future. Kalil is going to help speed up the process.

This is a franchise left tackle, and at least the Vikings know that this is one position they have solidified for the future.

Season Outlook

Rookie Matt Kalil already has the responsibility of protecting Christian Ponder's blind side. The Minnesota Vikings didn't hesitate to insert Kalil into the starting left tackle spot. This is the reason he was drafted, as the Vikings want to give their young quarterback someone who can keep him upright.

Kalil's athleticism and good balance are what make him such a strong pass protector. However, he also does a good job opening running lanes. Because of his aggressive playing style, Kalil will open a lot of holes for Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart.

Andre Branch, Jacksonville Jaguars

Stock: Up

Effort and athleticism is the name of the game for Andre Branch. He showed Friday that he'll be able to generate pressure on the quarterback based on his tenacity alone. His presence on this defense is the piece that can help make this unit elite.

Season Outlook

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a strong defensive unit but needed to find a way to bolster their pass rush. This is why they pulled the trigger on Andre Branch in the second round of the 2012 draft. Branch is a terrific athlete with the burst needed to generate pressure off the edge.

Because Jacksonville quickly noticed the type of talent he possesses, Branch has been receiving a lot of reps with the first-team defense.