Spring Break
The Pro Side: NFL rookies making a difference
Mike Mauro
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Sports
There are several young players who are taking the league by storm and becoming integral parts of their teams game plans. There are three exceptional rookies who have stood out above the rest in 2008.
Eddie Royal, WR, Denver Broncos, from Virginia Tech (Round 2, Pick 11) - Royal had an outstanding career with the Hokies but many questioned if he would be successful in the pros because of his size and build. Royal has been the greatest find of the draft so far, proving to be the perfect complement to Denver's No. 1 reciever Brandon Marshall. Marshall is tied for the NFL lead in receptions with 31 despite missing the first game of the year, but Royal is right behind him, tied for third with 27 grabs. Royal has accrued 298 yards with those receptions while scoring two touchdowns. With defenses having to double-team Marshall, Royal has the potential to have a huge year in Denver's high-powered offense led by Jay Cutler.
Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans, from East Carolina (Round 1, pick 24) - Johnson was a speed demon coming out of college with great running, receiving and return skills. Though he is not your typical every down back in the NFL, Johnson doesn't need to be with the Titans and has flourished in his complementary role. Johnson has rushed 67 times for 337 yards for a terrific 5.0 yards per rush average. He has rushed for two touchdowns and added another one in the passing game where he has 10 catches for 65 yards. With speed that few can match, even in the NFL, Johnson should prove to be a game-breaker for the remainder of the season.
Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears, Tulane (Round 2, pick 13) - Forte was expected to come in right away and contribute as the Bears featured running back and he has not disappointed. A tough runner capable of breaking the big one, Forte has scored two touchdowns on the season contributing on the ground and in the passing game. He ranks sixth in rushing yards 347 and also has 18 catches for 147 yards.
Eddie Royal, WR, Denver Broncos, from Virginia Tech (Round 2, Pick 11) - Royal had an outstanding career with the Hokies but many questioned if he would be successful in the pros because of his size and build. Royal has been the greatest find of the draft so far, proving to be the perfect complement to Denver's No. 1 reciever Brandon Marshall. Marshall is tied for the NFL lead in receptions with 31 despite missing the first game of the year, but Royal is right behind him, tied for third with 27 grabs. Royal has accrued 298 yards with those receptions while scoring two touchdowns. With defenses having to double-team Marshall, Royal has the potential to have a huge year in Denver's high-powered offense led by Jay Cutler.
Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans, from East Carolina (Round 1, pick 24) - Johnson was a speed demon coming out of college with great running, receiving and return skills. Though he is not your typical every down back in the NFL, Johnson doesn't need to be with the Titans and has flourished in his complementary role. Johnson has rushed 67 times for 337 yards for a terrific 5.0 yards per rush average. He has rushed for two touchdowns and added another one in the passing game where he has 10 catches for 65 yards. With speed that few can match, even in the NFL, Johnson should prove to be a game-breaker for the remainder of the season.
Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears, Tulane (Round 2, pick 13) - Forte was expected to come in right away and contribute as the Bears featured running back and he has not disappointed. A tough runner capable of breaking the big one, Forte has scored two touchdowns on the season contributing on the ground and in the passing game. He ranks sixth in rushing yards 347 and also has 18 catches for 147 yards.
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