AFC South under-the-radar rookies
With training camp and preseason underway, unheralded rookies will make strong impressions and climb depth charts. Here are four under-the-radar rookies to watch in the AFC West:
Juice Scruggs, C (second round): While Scott Quessenberry’s torn ACL and MCL pushed Scruggs to the top of the depth chart at center, it likely wouldn’t have taken him long to earn the job even if Quessenberry were healthy. Reports out of Texans camp indicate that the 23-year-old rookie has been impressing coaches with his strength, versatility and work ethic.
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound center has a high football IQ, and he’s great at recognizing defensive fronts as well as committing few penalties. Scruggs was one of the better run-blocking interior offensive linemen in college football last year at Penn State, and his presence should be a welcomed addition for a Texans run game that features potential 1,000-yard back Dameon Pierce and backup Devin Singletary.
Indianapolis Colts
Darius Rush, CB (fifth round): The Colts' cornerback group is a mess after trading Stephon Gilmore and releasing Isaiah Rodgers, who was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. But of the 10 cornerbacks in camp with Indianapolis, there doesn’t appear to be any real front-runners for the two starting spots just yet.
Many scouts were high on second-round pick Julius Brents during the draft but reports out of Colts camp indicate that Darius Rush has outplayed Brents so far. One coach even said that Rush’s ball skills and covering ability were further along than they anticipated. Tony Brown and Kenny Moore II may have the inside track on the starting jobs simply because of their experience, but don’t be surprised if Rush is one of Indy’s top two cornerbacks by mid-season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brenton Strange, TE (second round): Evan Engram may have signed a three-year, $41.25 million contract in the offseason, but at 28, his time is clearly limited. Strange has been turning heads with his ability to pick up the Jags' offense quickly, and he could work his way into the No. 1 job by the time Engram’s contract ends.
The 22-year-old out of Penn State has made some highlight-reel catches across the middle of the field during camp and showcased his excellent skills as a blocker. Jacksonville likes to employ two tight end sets, and Strange’s versatility makes an already potent Jags passing offense even more dangerous. A 50-catch rookie season isn’t out of the question.
Tyjae Spears, RB (third round): While Derrick Henry showed no signs of slowing down last season (he ranked second in the NFL with 1,538 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns), it’s clear first-year Titans general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel are hoping Spears is Henry’s successor. Spears, who’s been getting a majority of the work with the second team during training camp, has been seeing a lot of work in the red zone, as a blocker and catching passes out of the backfield.
He’s also looked good taking handoffs and pitches, and the lack of an ACL in one knee appears to have no bearing on his ability to juke, spin and cut up-field. Having a true No. 2 guy behind Henry will likely cut the two-time rushing champion’s workload down quite a bit (he’s led the NFL in carries three of the last four seasons, averaging 343 carries per year) and give the Titans another receiving weapon out of the backfield.
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