Predicting 8 Biggest Surprises from NFL Rookie Camps
The 2015 NFL draft is in the books, and now teams are eager to see their selections on the field. From May 8 through 11, clubs may elect to hold a three-day rookie minicamp. These NFL rookie camps allow the young professionals to interact with each other and the coaching staff.
Teams may also hold their rookie camp from May 15 to 18. Either way, this is an exciting time, as the new additions get to learn the playbook and their roles.
With a group of rookies, there are sure to be surprises. Coaches will now have a much larger role in evaluating the new talent.
So what will surprise us the most? We have eight bold predictions.
Who do you think will surprise the most at the rookie camps this month?
Shaq Riddick Will Look Better Than Markus Golden
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The Arizona Cardinals made a head-scratching second-round selection in Markus Golden. Arizona needed to add a pass-rusher, but Golden is more of a run-stuffing, effort player. To add him in the second felt too early for the impact he will likely bring to the team.
Fifth-round addition Shaq Riddick was the pass-rusher of note in the Cardinals’ draft class. At 6’6”, Riddick has the ideal length to become an impact pass-rush threat. He also has great speed and explosiveness.
Together, Riddick and Golden are an intriguing pair. Looking just at their talent, it’s a good duo that can work together at outside linebacker. But the fifth-rounder could easily outplay the second-rounder at rookie camp.
Mario Edwards Jr. Will Be Much More Explosive
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Florida State defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. was one of the top juniors entering 2014. However, the pass-rusher ballooned up to 310 pounds and lost all of his explosiveness. Throughout the draft process, Edwards worked to shed the weight, eventually landing at 279 pounds.
The Oakland Raiders gambled by taking Edwards so high with the 35th overall pick. They needed a strong-side end in their new 4-3 front and figured Edwards would be a great fit.
Now at his more effective playing weight, the Raiders will find Edwards much more explosive with his lower body. If he can return to his 2013 form, he will prove to be a great second-round selection.
Ameer Abdullah Will Claim the Starting Job
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As the Detroit Lions search for a competent running game, they upgraded their backfield talent by selecting Ameer Abdullah in the 2015 draft. The second-round pick should be a more consistent and reliable version of Reggie Bush, whom the team released earlier this offseason.
Abdullah is small, but he plays with power and balance. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field is going to be valuable as he plays behind a mediocre offensive line. Most importantly, Abdullah is a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield.
Ameer Abdullah told the Omaha World-Herald, "I’m going to do whatever they ask me to do, but I think I’m an every-down back."
He’s not going to be a workhorse, but the Lions can thrive with Abdullah as their starting tailback. His dynamic playmaking skill will allow him to pull away from returning backs Joique Bell and Theo Riddick.
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The Steelers Defense Will Evolve
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One of the most surprising changes this offseason comes in the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary. Once physical and long, the Steelers will be transforming into a zone-based scheme if their draft picks are an indicator.
Pittsburgh needed multiple cornerbacks, and they added diminutive options in Senquez Golson and Doran Grant in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. This is the complete opposite of what the Steelers once wanted from their secondary.
Both Golson and Grant are known for their ball skills. A zone scheme will certainly encourage aggressive turnover chasing, so this is a change that should be fun to watch.
Tyler Lockett Will Prove Starter-Worthy
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The Seattle Seahawks have tried to surround Russell Wilson with quality wide receivers the last few seasons to little avail. Former Seahawk Percy Harvin couldn’t keep it together, and he ended up driving Golden Tate away before being traded to the New York Jets. 2014 second-rounder Paul Richardson was drafted too early, then ended up tearing his ACL in late 2014.
CBS Sports Radio Host Doug Gottlieb compared Lockett to "Percy Harvin without the Headaches" on Twitter.
Starters Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin are wholly uninspiring. Super Bowl standout Chris Matthews and new rookie Tyler Lockett could provide a major spark to the Seahawks passing game. Both offer a unique skill set that Wilson can utilize.
Lockett is a tremendous route-runner already. He has small hands, but he compensates as best he can. His short-area quickness and foot speed are among the best in the 2015 class.
Carolina Panthers' Daryl Williams Will Shine
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In an effort to help surround quarterback Cam Newton with a viable offense, the Carolina Panthers invested a fourth-round pick into offensive tackle Daryl Williams. Williams is a mammoth right tackle, standing 6’5” and 327 pounds. He is a solid road-grader who can come in and challenge to start right away.
With three years of experience in college, Williams enters the NFL ready to play. He was easily worth a Day 3 investment and could be a solid upgrade over Mike Remmers or Nate Chandler.
Justin Hardy Will Be a Major Upgrade in Atlanta
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After years of playing Harry Douglas in the slot, the Atlanta Falcons wisely upgraded the position by selecting receiver Justin Hardy in the fourth round of the draft. Hardy is the all-time NCAA leader in receptions, and he will be a much more reliable option than Douglas.
Hardy is not only sure-handed, he is also quick and polished as a route-runner. He lined up all over for East Carolina throughout his career. Although he doesn’t have much upside, Hardy enters the NFL with a clear role, and quarterback Matt Ryan should love having him.
Michael Bennett Will Star for the Jags
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With possibly the steal of the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Bennett in the sixth round. Bennett dealt with injuries throughout the draft process, likely causing his slide. But he is an impact pass-rusher who can provide depth to the Jaguars defensive line.
While at Ohio State, Bennett had 31.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks and seven forced fumbles in just 29 starts. His ability to get into the backfield is not easily found at the position. If he is fully recovered, there will be reports on Bennett’s burst and pass-rush ability from rookie camps.
All stats used are from sports-reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
Editor's note: The headline of this article has been adjusted to clarify that these are predictions.
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