NFL Draft 2015: Must-See Regular Season Rookie Matchups
By Erik Lambert
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (left) and Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota walk out together after finishing their workout during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Everybody wants to see the big names go against each other every year, but it seems the NFL draft 2015 and the schedule makers have created, whether by accident or design a series of highly anticipated matchups between some of the top rookies of the class. Which ones should fans keep an eye out for?
Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota
This one is too easy. So soon after their hyped meeting in the Rose Bowl, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota get to lock horns again on opening day when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet the Tennessee Titans. Time will tell if both are actually starting by that point. Stranger things have happened. One thing is clear though. Mariota will certainly hope the results are similar from last time (Oregon crushed FSU 59-20).
Kevin White vs. Trae Waynes
The best corner of the 2015 draft in Trae Waynes and what many believed was the best receiver in Kevin White both ended up going to the same division. That means they’ll get to see each other twice a year when the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings square off. It really should be an exciting matchup. The big but fast and athletic White going against the equally fast and physical Waynes. Both of them strong competitors and both hard workers. It should be a dog fight from the first snap.
Andrus Peat vs. Vic Beasley
This is a matchup a lot of people may overlook. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Vic Beasley to help with their horrid pass rush. Andrus Peat comes to the New Orleans Saints in hopes of bringing more size and power to their running game. Beasley has questions about his ability to anchor against the run. Peat was tabbed as a tackle who would struggle against faster rushers in the pros. The intricacies of this potential meeting run deep and should make for an exciting chess match.
Leonard Williams vs. Brandon Scherff
He won’t admit it freely to the cameras but one can bet defensive lineman Leonard Williams seeks to make all five teams that chose to pass on him in the NFL draft 2015 pay dearly for their mistake. None may feel his wrath more than the Washington Redskins, who chose to go with Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff instead of him, a pick that was deemed questionable. What better way for Williams to show they made a grievous error than by making their prized rookie look foolish when they meet this season? Or perhaps the Redskins can gloat they made the right call if Scherff makes Williams disappear.
Nelson Agholor vs. Byron Jones
The Dallas Cowboys drafted Byron Jones in the 1st round because their secondary was a big reason they fell in the playoffs last season. One can bet Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly will be eager to put their newest addition to the test with his own top choice in Nelson Agholor. It’s another case of strengths vs. weaknesses. Jones is known best for his size and lower body explosion but lacks the fluid athleticism in man coverage. Agholor is not overly big but his field speed and precise route running could really hurt defensive backs who can change direction quickly.