NFL Preseason 2012: Under-the-Rader Rookies to Watch This Weekend

Rookies rule the preseason.

Short rookies, versatile rookies, bow-hunting rookies, blue rookies, orange rookies. They are everyone during the preseason and they are all out to prove themselves worthy of being in the NFL. 

I don't know about you, but the young studs make these five weeks of football incredibly intriguing, no matter how many starters are actually playing. 

With that being said, let's take a look at the under-the-radar rookies who are putting on the best shows for their teams. 

Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

When the Seahawks signed Matt Flynn to a big contract, it appeared they finally had their quarterback of the future.

Then they went ahead and drafted Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, further complicating things.

Still, while most saw it as an odd selection, it was one that likely wouldn't hurt Flynn's playing time. Wilson is too short. He's too short. He's too damn short. There's no way he would ever challenge Flynn—at least not in his first season.

But two weeks into the preseason, Wilson has been tremendous and the 'Hawks have themselves a full-fledged quarterback competition on their hands.

The rook has completed 67 percent of his passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He's also flashed the ability to run the ball (his 92 rushing yards lead all rookies, not just QBs) and make the highlight play, but it's all been against second and third defenses. 

Not this week. Seattle has announced Wilson will start against Kansas City's first-team defense. If he excels against that talented unit, he could be named the starter on the spot. 

Travaris Cadet, RB, New Orleans Saints

The undrafted rookie out of Appalachian State has always been a long shot to make the Saints roster considering New Orleans' depth at the running back position, but who says running backs (besides whoever named the position) need to run the ball?

Cadet (salute) leads all rookies with 19 receptions, 171 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He's chipped in 51 rushing yards, but his real worth is in his versatility. 

Whether the 6'1" elusive back is making catches or returning kicks, he has proven that whenever the ball is in his hands, he makes plays. He's hoping that translates to making teams, too. 

Audie Cole, LB, Minnesota Vikings

Against the Buffalo Bills, Cole intercepted two passes and returned not one, but both of them for touchdowns.

The seventh-round pick out of NC State has also racked up one sack and four pass deflections, proving that he is just a flat-out playmaker.

Oh, and most importantly, he apparently enjoys bow hunting (via Vikings official Twitter):

"

What does Audie Cole do when he isn't scoring touchdowns? The rookie loves to bow hunt and this weekend he checked out… say.ly/LlS40Fh

— Minnesota Vikings (@VikingsFootball) August 20, 2012"

I'm sold. 

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