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NFL Preseason: 5 rookies to watch for Friday night

By George Stockburger

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines sacks J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines sacks J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Which NFL rookies will stand out on Friday night as the preseason rolls on?

After the fist set of NFL preseason games on Thursday night we have four teams set to play on Friday night. One of those picks is the number three overall selection Sam Darnold, who will generate most of the attention.

Here are the five rookies you should watch for on Friday night.

Isaiah Oliver

Atlanta opted to beef up their secondary in the second round with Colorado cornerback Isaiah Oliver. Selected 58th overall, Oliver came out of school with just three career interceptions.

Oliver is a second-generation NFL player following his father Muhammad Oliver and uncle Damon Mays into the league. He ran a 4.50 at the combine and measured very well. His 33.5″ arms are ridiculous, tying Christian Campbell for the longest arms at the combine this year among cornerbacks.

Those arms and speed make him a terrific downfield corner, and could potentially push him into a starting job this season.

Atlanta’s cornerback room needed another starter to join Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, and Brian Poole. They also come into camp with veterans Justin Bethel and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, among other undrafted free agents.

Assuming he’s healthy, Oliver has 1 of Atlanta’s 53 allusive roster spots this preseason. Now he must focus on beating out Alford for the second starting job.

Here’s our scouting report on Oliver coming out of Colorado.

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