It’s about that time again, you're sitting on the couch watching TV when suddenly an commercial break advertises the start of the NFL pre-season, triggering you to question where your summer has gone with the thought, “No way football is ALREADY starting again.”
We’ve all been there.
So, with the NFL pre-season getting underway in about two weeks, let’s look at the top three rookies that we could see have big debut seasons:
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave is the exact player that this New Orleans Saints offense needs. Throughout his career at Ohio State, Olave finished with 172 receptions, 2,702 receiving yards, and 35 touchdowns. Being a great playmaker in the aerial attack, Olave has exceptional speed, hands, and the route-running ability to become a special talent in the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints’ offense, led by offensive coordinator Pete Carmicheal Jr., thrives when the deep-ball game plan is on full display. Adding a player like Olave, who thrived in a similar deep-ball scheme throughout his athletic career, to an offense garnering starting QB Jameis Winston’s downfield passing ability, the offense can get very scary, very easily.
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson is an extremely polished defensive end. He comes into the league after an outstanding senior season at Michigan, where he finished with 156 total tackles, and 14.0 sacks. His accomplishments at Michigan resulted in Hutchinson being named a Heisman Trophy finalist, an uncommon achievement for defensive players.
One thing that has people sold on Hutchinson in Detroit is that he is from Michigan, and played at the University of Michigan, so he’s been in Michigan all his life. The thing that is really the seller, is that ferocious demeanor Hutchinson plays with, it aligns exactly with Dan Campbell’s coaching and character. With the energy that Campbell also feeds into his players and program, it should be no question that Hutchinson thrives in Detroit.
Jordan Davis, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
When you talk about someone who is a very scary matchup for opponents, you’re talking about Jordan Davis. While he is 22 years old, Davis comes into the league standing at 6-foot-6, 340 pounds. At the NFL Combine, Davis ran a 4.78-second 40-yard dash, which is an amazing display of speed for a player of his size. His time marked the fastest time for a combine participant of 310 pounds or more since 2003, per Next Gen Stats.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in desperate need on the defensive side, especially on the defensive line. With six-time Pro-Bowler Fletcher Cox now being an NFL vet, Davis has someone to learn from and make him better everyday, while the Eagles have their next potential replacement for whenever Cox decides he’s done.
