Why Giovani Bernard Is the NFL's Most Exciting Rookie

If you watched Thursday night's game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins, you likely got a few good looks at rookie running back Giovani Bernard.

And you probably have a good idea why the Bengals made him the first running back selected in April's draft.

The former North Carolina star makes plays. 

Not only does Bernard make plays, he makes exciting plays, scoring plays and game-changing plays.

A quick glance at Bernard's stat line doesn't indicate exactly how explosive the 5'9", 208-pound back is. Entering Thursday's game, Bernard ranked eighth among rookie running backs with a mediocre average of 3.9 yards per carry.

However, as is often the case, a single statistic can be deceiving.

The real secret to Bernard's success lies in his ability to hurt opposing defenses in a variety of ways. 

After Thursday's game, Bernard finds himself second on the team with 361 yards rushing, third on the team with 30 receptions and second on the team with six total touchdowns.

As a runner, Bernard has a rare combination of power and elusiveness. He is capable of lowering his compact frame and gaining the tough yards between the tackles. He is also shifty enough to bounce runs to the outside, quick-cut past defenders and elude tackles in the open field.

As a receiver, he is sure-handed and a capable route runner. In both roles, he is a threat to break a game open each time he touches the ball.

Rush Att	Rush YDS	Rec	Rec YDS	Total TD
81	361	30	267	6

For proof, look no further than Bernard's performance on Thursday night.

Against a vastly underrated Dolphins defense, Bernard produced 79 yards on just nine carries and 25 more yards on four receptions. He also scored two touchdowns, including a 35-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter.

There is no denying that Bernard will be a focal point of Cincinnati's offense for the foreseeable future. The question is why the Bengals haven't been using him more to this point.

Sixth-year running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis continues to get the bulk of the ground work in coordinator Jay Gruden's offense. Through the first half of the season, Green-Ellis had logged 110 carries to Bernard's 72, even though he averaged more than a half-yard per carry less per run.

While a veteran back will often gain priority over a rookie based on pass-blocking ability and system knowledge, this does not appear to be the case with the Bengals backfield.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Bernard has a positive blocking rating (1.8), nearly identical to that of Green-Ellis (1.9).

Perhaps more importantly, Bernard has a higher rating than Green-Ellis in all other categories, including receiving, running and penalties.

In fact, Bernard's overall rating (12.7) is second in the entire league among running backs. The only back Pro Football Focus has rated higher than Bernard is LeSean McCoy.

This is excellent company for the first-year back. However, to truly appreciate what Bernard brings to the table, you have to watch him play.

If the Bengals truly wish to take advantage of one of the best rookie weapons in the entire NFL, they will start giving him more opportunities.