In 2023, during the Houston Texans training camp, then-rookie wide receiver Tank Dell made a convincing argument for being the Texan’s top wideout. However, before his breakout pre-season performance, few even knew who Dell was. Dell, like many other rookies drafted outside the first round, flew under the radar during the pre-draft and pre-season process. However, in a league that is solely performance-based, youth is a valuable asset in the NFL, and every year, there are bound to be a few unexpected stars.
Braelon Allen:
Scouting Report
First, a look at the new youngest player in the NFL, (National Football League), New York Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen. Allen is 20 years old and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Allen’s biggest strengths are his size and physical capabilities. Standing at six feet, 235 pounds, and boasting an impressive 405lb power clean and 26 reps of 225lb bench presses at the NFL combine, Allen does not lack the physical attributes of a successful NFL running back. Furthermore, Allen’s blazing 4.40 second 40 yard dash beats the running back average of 4.49 seconds, and his 32-inch vertical jump showcases that he possesses the speed and explosiveness of a great NFL tailback. However, according to NFL scouts, Allen’s speed doesn’t always transfer to the playing field. Scouts say that Allen lacks burst through the line of scrimmage, as well as showing slow acceleration out of cuts and moves. Scouts suggest that Allen plays at a lower weight to improve his quickness, which could yield him a more successful career.
Depth Chart
The New York Jets already have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Breece Hall. Hall is the current starter and is expected to stay as the main back for as long as he plays for the Jets. Allen currently finds himself behind Hall as the second-string running back. On some teams, this could mean that he will be getting one or two opportunities to carry the ball when Hall needs to come off the field. However, the Jets do not use a split rushing attack, where both running backs would see targets, meaning Allen can expect a very low volume of carries this year.
Predictions
Allen already has a sufficient amount of experience in a pro-style rushing attack since his Alma Mater Wisconsin used a run-heavy scheme in the 2021-2022 season. This means that he will adjust quickly to the playbooks used in the NFL. However, he did not have a great deal of experience catching passes as a receiving back in college, making it more difficult for him to get used to the balanced offenses in the NFL. This year, Allen will take more of a fullback role on the Jets offense. Due to his size and strength, the Jets will not be hesitant to use him as a lead blocker for Hall. Allen also may be utilized in short-yardage situations, such as third-and-one, fourth-and-one, and later goal-to-go scenarios. Right now, Allen’s situation is ideal for the development of fundamentals necessary for the NFL, such as better ball carrying and agility. After his first few years, he will likely have a chance to prove himself as the starting running back for a team in the NFL, which will likely set him up for a long and successful career.
Caleb Williams jogs off the field during his time at Oklahoma
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/marvin-harrison-jr/32004841-5264-8677-2fca-6edc0b245f94
Caleb Williams:
Scouting Report
Caleb Williams, a quarterback who spent time at the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the University of Southern California (USC), stayed on the radar during the draft process. Some touted him as a generational talent and a “no-brainer” first-round pick. Coming off of two amazing seasons at USC, where he threw for 8,170 yards and 72 touchdowns, Williams turned scouts’ heads every time he stepped on the football field. His impressive 4.56-second 40-yard dash and explosive 36-inch vertical jump allow him to enact extended plays and explosive runs when necessary. Williams also has impressive arm strength and throw power – even when on the run – and cross-body throwing ability. This, combined with his talent to feel pressure and escape, makes for clutch plays that can turn the tide of the game. Scouts would like to see him showcase more decisive running in the NFL, where instead of making a difficult cross-body throw, he takes the easy yards for a first down. Another thing Williams will need to improve upon is trusting his eyes and keeping his progressions fluid. This will help his efficiency as a passer against pro defenses.
Depth Chart
In the NFL, players drafted within the first three rounds are expected to start in their first year. Williams, being the number one overall pick, was an obvious starter. He is backed up by Tyson Bagent, and will continue to be the starter throughout the rest of the year.
Predictions
At USC, Head Coach Lincoln Riley ran an offensive scheme that consisted of air raid concepts and many RPO (run-pass option) plays. In the NFL, RPOs are fairly common, but the air raid is not. Meaning that Williams will encounter a learning curve when learning his new offense. On top of this, quarterbacks must understand every single route, protection concept, and progression (the order in which the quarterback looks for an open receiver) in his entire playbook, and in the NFL, playbooks are extremely dense and complicated. The complexity of the playbooks creates a heavy learning curve and makes it quite difficult for young NFL quarterbacks to adjust to the league. In turn, Williams and other rookie quarterbacks will likely struggle for at least the first few weeks of their rookie year. Lastly, the speed of a college football game is much slower than the speed of an NFL game. This also contributes to rookie struggles at all positions, no matter how highly touted the prospect may be. Ultimately, Caleb Williams will have a productive career because of his unique skill set and physical ability. At first, he may look like a disaster due to his indecisiveness and “hero ball” mentality, which causes him to try to take everything into his own hands. However, after a year or two Williams will pan out into (at the very least) a solid starter.
Marvin Harrison Jr.:
Scouting report
Marvin Harrison Jr. is a 6’3”, 209pound wide receiver out of The Ohio State University. Coincidentally, Harrison’s father Marvin Harrison Sr. was also a wide receiver in the NFL from 1996-2008. Harrison Jr. received a prospect grade of 6.83/8 from NFL scouts. His praise has to do in part with his impressive highlight tape, as well as his pro-ready frame and route-running. Harrison’s tape showcases cunning speed and athleticism, as well as impressive instincts and elite awareness. However, Harrison chose to skip both his pro day and the NFL combine, making it difficult to evaluate his raw physical skills and athletic ability. In his two years as a college starter, Harrison recorded 155 receptions, 2613 yards, and 31 touchdowns. These two successful seasons were enough for Harrison to be picked by the Arizona Cardinals as the 4th overall pick.
Depth Chart
Since Harrison was drafted very early with a valuable pick, he had little competition for the starting spot and is currently the Cardinals’ number one receiver.
Predictions
Harrison is expected by many to follow in his father’s footsteps and become one of the best receivers in NFL history. Out of college, some called him the best wide receiver in his draft class, and even the best player overall. As Harrison finds his footing in his first few seasons, he will need to improve his speed and releases. However, his cunning routes, pro-ready body control, and unique speed changes he employs in his routes will make guarding Harrison a challenge for even the best NFL cornerbacks. As time goes on, Harrison will continue to refine his chemistry with his quarterbacks and will improve on his weaknesses, making him even more dominant. Ultimately, it is hard to imagine a world where Harrison is not successful, even if he doesn’t quite live up to the expectations his father set for him.
