NFL rookie pass-catching debuts that deserve consideration
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A number of rookie pass-catchers stood out in Week 1, producing at a stage few may have seen coming so early of their careers. It was just one sport, although — can they maintain the nice occasions rolling?
Our NFL Nation reporters check out every efficiency and at every participant’s outlook transferring ahead.
Week 1 stats: 4 receptions, 5 targets, 147 yards, two touchdowns
Belongings: Brown has that elite, strike-fear-in-defenses kind of pace. On his 47-yard landing, Brown confirmed the power to interrupt away from defenders after catching a brief slant. On his 83-yard rating, Brown used that burst to get behind the Dolphins’ protection and catch the deep ball. He turned the primary participant in NFL historical past with a number of 40-plus-yard landing catches in a debut, and he completed this on his first two receptions. This kind of deep weapon was missing final 12 months for quarterback Lamar Jackson and his massive arm. Contemplating how defenses should respect Baltimore’s dashing assault, Brown ought to get alternatives for giant performs downfield as a result of safeties will chew on Jackson’s play-action passes.
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown dazzled in his debut with 147 receiving yards and two touchdowns. AP Picture/Wilfredo Lee
Obstacles: Physicality and sturdiness. Defenses are going to see whether or not the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Brown can maintain up. To attempt to cease him from getting a clear launch, larger cornerbacks will look to get their fingers on him on the line. The problem for Brown is whether or not he can beat press protection. With groups getting extra bodily with Brown, he’ll should show he can get wholesome. Brown remains to be coping with ache from his surgically repaired left foot, and the Ravens have been additional cautious with him. Brown performed solely 14 snaps within the season opener. Baltimore goes to wish to get extra from him in larger video games forward. — Jamison Hensley
Quote: “You all seen the pace — you all seen it, proper? I did not have him throughout OTAs, bought him towards the top of camp. We did not actually have chemistry; some performs he did not like as a result of we weren’t finishing them. However [Sunday], I assume he favored the performs — we scored on them.” — Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
Up to date 2019 fantasy projections: 39 receptions, 72 targets, 613 yards, 4 touchdowns
Week 1 stats: Six receptions, 9 targets, 131 yards, one landing
Belongings: Hockenson labored his method into the offense from the day he was drafted, turning into a dependable pink zone menace for quarterback Matthew Stafford with a number of the surest fingers on the staff. What he confirmed Sunday, although, was a capability to get downfield and make performs within the intermediate passing sport, which may open up a brand new dimension to Detroit’s offense going ahead.
Obstacles: Taking part in tight finish within the NFL is difficult, and making the transition from school is without doubt one of the roughest duties for gamers to drag off efficiently. Whereas Sunday was clearly an up day for Hockenson, there shall be typical rookie pitfalls he’ll should take care of because the season progresses. He appeared to dam nicely, however that may enhance as he will get used to the pace of NFL gamers. — Michael Rothstein
Quote: “He is a beast. He is been working actually exhausting. He bought a style of what the NFL is all about in the present day, and he is an incredible participant, nice teammate, and I am excited to see what he does.” — Lions WR Danny Amendola
Up to date 2019 fantasy projections: 50 receptions, 78 targets, 628 yards, 4 touchdowns
Week 1 stats: 5 receptions, seven targets, 125 yards, one landing
Belongings: McLaurin’s pace did not present at Ohio State till final season, nevertheless it was evident in his first sport with Washington. He has additionally change into a stronger route runner, as he is discovered the right way to run routes with extra stability, getting defensive backs to lean a method whereas he cuts one other.
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Obstacles: None, at the least not on the roster. McLaurin will proceed to be the Redskins’ beginning X receiver — they reduce Josh Doctson largely due to McLaurin. However the primary impediment now shall be groups lastly having seen him play in a sport; McLaurin, a third-round decide, didn’t play throughout the preseason. It will be powerful to duplicate these numbers now that defenses know extra about him. — John Keim
Quote: “He is made performs like that each one camp. To see him operating down the sphere, streaking down the sphere open like that — these are performs you dream about as a quarterback. I am trying ahead to his development.” — Redskins QB Case Keenum
Up to date 2019 fantasy projections: 47 receptions, 88 targets, 717 yards, three touchdowns
Week 1 stats: Three receptions, 4 targets, 100 yards
Belongings: Brown labored extensively with receivers coach Rob Moore on being extra sudden together with his launch off the road of scrimmage. It paid off on Brown’s first catch, on which he was instantly in a position to get inside place in opposition to the defensive again. He has additionally discovered to promote his routes, as proven by how his delicate lean turned the protection round on his 47-yard reception. Brown’s enchancment on the line additionally confirmed on his 51-yard reception, on which he turned the cornerback round as he got here off the ball.
Obstacles: The primary obstacles for Brown will come when cornerbacks begin to press him on the line. Brown stated he notices a special diploma of energy from NFL cornerbacks however is assured he can win in opposition to press protection. — Turron Davenport
Quote: “Every time my quantity is known as, I am attempting to make performs. I used to be joking on the sideline and was like, ‘In school, I might have scored.’ I understand at this stage, these guys are quick. It was a blessing to return on the market in the present day and try this.” — Brown, on posting 100 yards receiving in his first sport
Up to date 2019 fantasy projections: 40 receptions, 65 targets, 545 yards, three touchdowns
Week 1 stats: 4 receptions, six targets, 89 yards
Belongings: The 25-yard catch Metcalf made on a scramble throw into site visitors was an indication of the belief he has developed with Russell Wilson, one thing that hasn’t at all times come simply for rookie receivers. He ought to have his share of one-on-one alternatives if defenses pay as a lot consideration to Tyler Lockett because the Bengals did Sunday. Metcalf has the pace to win these, as he reminded everybody on his 42-yard catch down the sideline. Metcalf performed 41 of 53 offensive snaps, a workload that appears to say he will not be restricted by the knee surgical procedure he had 19 days earlier than the opener.
Obstacles: David Moore’s return from a shoulder damage — which may come throughout the subsequent couple of weeks — would logically reduce into Metcalf’s share of targets. His six targets Sunday had been 4 greater than these of Lockett, who was presumed to be the No.1 possibility. Of the 4 receivers who had been lively for Seattle, these had been the one two Wilson focused. Laborious to think about that sample repeating itself. — Brady Henderson
Quote: “That is an incredible begin for him. You may see why we’re fired up about him.” — Seahawks coach Pete Carroll
Up to date 2019 fantasy projections: 42 receptions, 76 targets, 621 yards, six touchdowns