2015 NFL Schedule: Highly-Anticipated Rookie Showdowns

May 26, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round draft pick quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during OTA drills at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2015 NFL schedule set in stone, everybody has become familiar with where the top matchups will be to watch for the current superstars of today. So what about looking ahead? Here is a sneak peak at a couple of intriguing rookie battles in the wake of the draft.

Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota

Without question this rematch of the Rose Bowl earlier this year between the two best young quarterbacks in the country will be must-see TV. Jameis Winston is probably still smarting from that 59-20 beat down Marcus Mariota and Oregon handed his Florida State Seminoles, robbing them of a chance at a second-straight national championship. This next meeting, in Week 1 no less will be their chance to gain bragging rights as the quarterback should’ve gone first overall in the draft.

Kevin White vs. Trae Waynes

One great thing about the draft is it can often play out like a superb chess match between divisional opponents, constantly trying to stay one step ahead of each other. Case and point was what the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings did. With the 7th overall pick, the Bears took wide receiver Kevin White. Four picks later, the Vikings countered by grabbing cornerback Trae Waynes. That matchup is now set in stone for the next 4-5 seasons, twice a year. Arguably the best receiver and best defensive back in the 2015 class.

Brandon Scherff vs. Malcom Brown

The Washington Redskins turned a lot of heads when they took Brandon Scherff with the 5th overall pick. It was a clear statement from GM Scot McCloughan that he wanted his team bigger, stronger and tougher in the trenches. The New England Patriots have made a living off that on defense with Vince Wilfork for years. Sadly that era came to an end this year, which was why the champs scooped up top nose tackle Malcom Brown. Seeing those two rookies go at it will be a great barometer for how they are stacked up for the future.

Vic Beasley vs. Andrus Peat

Another piece of divisional maneuvering that will have far-reaching impact. The Atlanta Falcons have needed pass rush help for years and looked to boost it with Vic Beasley out of Clemson. At the same time, the New Orleans Saints fortified their edges with giant tackle Andrus Peat from Stanford. What makes this matchup even more interesting is the player skill sets. Beasley is considered an outside linebacker with a thinner frame but surprising power. Peat has the body of a right tackle with its size and power but showed he has the footwork and athleticism to pass protect. A true strengths vs. weaknesses type of showdown.

Tevin Coleman vs. Landon Collins

This is one of the lesser noted rookie meetings people may not know about. Two players in Tevin Coleman and Landon Collins who easily could’ve been 1st round picks but due to difficult circumstances ended up going in the 2nd. Collins is the big safety known for his excellent run defense and good instincts. Collins is the relentless running back who has a nice mix of power and speed. Provided those two become starters as many anticipate, it could lead to a lot of physical meetings on the field, both in the tackle box and in the open field.

Next: The NFL Single-Season Sack Record: Is 2015 The Year?

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL News