10 NFL Rookies Who Have Been Impressive and Made an Impact This Year
The 2014 NFL draft class has featured some surprises this year. Very few first-round draft picks have made noise, while some late picks and undrafted players have announced their presence.
By playing well individually and also coming through by making an impact for their team, some rookies have shined and received more talk than others.
In this slideshow, we go over 10 rookies who have played well and helped out their team this season.
RB Branden Oliver, San Diego Chargers
1 of 10
2014 draft: Undrafted
The San Diego Chargers have been fortunate to have Branden Oliver after losing Ryan Mathews to an MCL sprain.
Oliver has run for 282 yards in the past three weeks on 4.7 yards per carry. He has also been active in the passing game, catching 14 passes in four games.
Although the Chargers are best known for their high-powered passing game led by Philip Rivers, Oliver has contributed in moving the ball and reaching the end zone to help San Diego.
It is nice to see another Charger scatback sport the No. 43 jersey and make it look good.
RB Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns
2 of 10
2014 draft: Undrafted
While Ben Tate was absent during the month of September, Isaiah Crowell stepped up and formed a good one-two duo with Terrance West, who is also a rookie. Crowell is fifth in rushing and first in scoring among all rookie rushers.
With Tate back for the Browns, it is uncertain how the offense will continue to get Crowell involved, but he should serve as a viable complement if the team keeps him active.
WR Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills
3 of 10
2014 draft: Round 1, fourth overall
Sammy Watkins has made a big impact for the Buffalo Bills and is one of the more noted rookie receivers so far. With 35 catches for 433 yards and four touchdown receptions, he ranks first or second out of all the rookies in those three categories.
Despite dealing with the change from EJ Manuel to Kyle Orton under center, Watkins still comes through for the Bills in the passing game and has already become a key player and a leader on offense.
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WR Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers
4 of 10
2014 draft: Round 1, 28th overall
In addition to working with tight end Greg Olsen, Kelvin Benjamin has been a big part of Carolina’s offense, giving Cam Newton another weapon.
With a non-existent rushing game, Carolina’s offense has moved the ball through the air. Benjamin has the most receiving yards with 477 and the most touchdown catches with five among all rookies.
Despite being a rookie, Benjamin is on pace to be one of two players on the team to finish with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
OLB Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings
5 of 10
2014 draft: Round 1, ninth overall
Anthony Barr has played well defensively, making the Vikings look good for using the ninth overall selection on him.
Barr has the third most total tackles out of all rookie defenders and leads the team in solo tackles with 35. He also has a pair of sacks and has picked up two fumbles. His pass-rushing skills have helped Minnesota’s defense as he’s been one of the key playmakers.
ILB C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens
6 of 10
2014 draft: Round 1, 17th overall
C.J. Mosley is an early candidate to win the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award, as he has had a hand on nearly every part of Baltimore’s defense. Leading the team in tackles with 63, Mosley has three tackles for loss, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
He has the most tackles among all rookies and is sixth in the NFL. The Ravens have a bright future with Mosley, who will serve as a pivotal leader for the team.
ILB Christian Kirksey, Cleveland Browns
7 of 10
2014 draft: Round 3, 71st overall
Christian Kirksey has been one of the better rookie linebackers in the league so far. He started off slow, collecting just 10 tackles and a sack in the first three games. In the last three games, however, he’s gathered 22 tackles and a sack.
He ties second on the team in sacks and third in tackles, already making an impact for the Browns. In an up-and-down season, Kirksey has been a pleasant surprise and a highlight for the Browns.
CB Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears
8 of 10
2014 draft: Round 1, 14th overall
If awards were handed out today, it is hard to argue against Kyle Fuller receiving Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Not only has he been one of the better rookie defenders, but he’s also one of the top defensive backs in the early going of the 2014 season.
Coming out of Virginia Tech, Fuller has three interceptions and has forced three fumbles. He had a multi-interception game against San Francisco and forced two fumbles against the Jets. He’s also collected 33 tackles on the year, one shy of tying for first on the team.
Despite a rough season for the Bears to start off the year, fans have enjoyed watching Fuller’s quick growth through the first half of the season.
KR/PR Philly Brown, Carolina Panthers
9 of 10
2014 draft: Undrafted
Several rookies have made plays and have gotten noticed on both sides of the football, but a few have shined on special teams. Philly Brown has had only one notable game as a wide receiver, but he has given Panthers fans something to smile about on special teams.
He’s the only rookie returner with a touchdown, even though a Chicago defender interfered on the play, yet Brown got the ball and still took it back for a score 79 yards.
He has the most punt-return yards as a rookie with 137, placing fourth overall in the league.
K Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona Cardinals
10 of 10
2014 draft: Undrafted
Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski is making a push to be the leading scorer for the second consecutive year, but Chandler Catanzaro could challenge him for that title. The rookie, second in field goals made, has connected on all 15 of his field goals, being just one of four kickers to be perfect on the season.
Catanzaro has made a field goal in every game and has booted one from at least 40 yards or more in every game as well.
His most prominent game came against the New York Giants in Week 2 when he split the uprights four times.
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