Rookie Preseason 3 Week Review

NFL Mocks is focuses on everything related to the NFL Draft and that means we keep a close eye on the NFL Rookies.  Every Monday during Preseason we will be giving you a review of the top performers from the weekend games.  Here are the rookies that had some noticeable performances.

CJ Spiller– RB- Bills

Spiller is now the man in Buffalo with the injuries to Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch.  Spiller had a very nice performance gaining 54 yards on 10 carries and an electrifying 30 yard touchdown run.  When the Bills selected Spiller I felt that it was a mistake on their part and I still feel that way.  This is nothing against Spiller because I truly believe he is going to be a game breaker but this team had a lot of other needs.

Joique Bell– RB- Bills

Bell is a very talented running back and it was a major shock to us here at NFL Mocks when he went undrafted.  The undrafted label hasn’t stopped Bell from blowing up this preseason.  This past week he ran for 80 yards on 11 carries and added a touchdown. Bell’s performance has to be giving Bills brass the thoughts of moving Marshawn Lynch.  Bell is going to continue his dominance this preseason and will make Buffalo give him carries.

Aaron Hernandez– TE- Patriots

I really have trouble calling Hernandez a tight end because he is basically just a bigger wide out.  He doesn’t bring much to the table as a blocker and the Pats would be foolish to have him try.  However, he is going to make some big plays during the season and I can picture him becoming one of Brady’s favorite Red Zone Targets.

Geno Atkins– DT- Bengals

Atkins has been on everyone of these lists and very much deserves it.  He has been a force all preseason and has spent most of his time in the offensive backfield.  This week he had 4 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 tackle for loss.  Atkins’ play is demanding that he has a spot in the defensive line rotation once the season begins.

Josh Hull– LB- Rams

Hull was drafted in the 7th round and was overshadowed during his career at Penn State.  He is just a hard nosed player that uses his high football IQ to make sure he is in the right place at the right time.  He had 8 tackles this past week and is pushing for playing time on a poor Rams defense.  Either way expect him to be a special team stud like fellow former Penn Stater Tim Shaw.

Sean Lee– LB- Cowboys

Keeping with the Penn State theme Sean Lee made his preseason debut and tallied 8 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss.  Lee is the heir apparent to aging linebacker Keith Brooking.  Lee will also make contributions on special team.

Jahvid Best– RB- Lions

Best has the starting running back gig all to him self and he is turning heads this preseason.  He had another nice performance this weekend rushing for 49 yards on 8 carries.  The only thing that will hold back Best from being a star is his durability.

Ryan Mathews– RB- Chargers

Mathews is showing people why the Chargers made him the top running back selected.  He is a tough runner that is showing that he is more than capable out of the backfield as a runner.  He finds himself in the thick of the Chargers hopeful Super Bowl run.