2015 NFL Rookie of the Year: Way Too Early Predictions
May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Runner Ups: Jameis Winston and Amari Cooper
Jameis Winston:
Normally when a quarterback is selected with the first overall pick, the offense of the team drafting is usually depleted, lacking an abundance of proven weapons for the quarterback to lean on. Much like it is for Melvin Gordon, James Winston’s situation is not the norm.
Winston is going to a team with two very good and proven receivers on the outside…oh and I forgot to mention that they are HUGE! With Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans both measuring in at 6’5″, Winston has two large weapons on the outside that he will be able to lean on during his rookie campaign.
On top of having the two giants on the outside, the Buccaneers have a very young and athletic tight end in Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who will be able to give Winston a solid presence in the middle of the field and expect Seferian-Jenkins to be relied upon as a safety valve for Winston, at least early on.
Winston’s situation continues to get better with two physical running backs, in Doug Martin and Charles Sims, to help ease the pressure off of Winston in the passing game. Along with them, the Buccaneers invested two second round picks this year in to their offensive line, which should help provide Winston with plenty of time to deliver the ball from the pocket.
Amari Cooper:
For a change, I am finally beginning to feel optimistic in what the Raiders are building in Oakland…for now. I know I have been pretty down and harsh on the Raiders in the past, but I think the Raiders are only a year or two away from being a competitive team again, and Amari Cooper will have a lot to do with that.
Cooper comes to Oakland as the top receiving option, but he does have some help around him to ease some pressure off of him and prevent teams from double teaming him all the time.
Oakland signed Michael Crabtree in the offseason, who has shown in the past that he has the talent to be a very good receiver in the NFL. Having Crabtree across from Cooper should prevent defenses from focusing all of their energy on the rookie.
The Raiders also have an up-and-coming threat at tight end, in Mychal Rivera, along with a talented, young running back in Latavius Murray and let’s not forget about the emerging Derek Carr at quarterback. While most of the talent surrounding him is unproven, Cooper should still be able to put together a strong rookie campaign.
Next: Sleeper Picks