RADIO
Every week, this column will spotlight the first-year players who are ripe for a breakout performance. Often, rookies can provide some of the most value as under-the-radar options.
Last week, Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa saw his first live NFL action. Entering with the game well under control, Tagovailoa completed both of his passes for a modest nine yards. Shockingly, Miami's coaching staff has now announced him as the starter going forward over Ryan Fitzpatrick. Things change quickly in the NFL, and like in this case, rookies can be some of the biggest beneficiaries.
This week's article will dive into the prospects of five rookies who have promising futures ahead of them. Whether you are in a redraft or dynasty league, rookies can be crucial to your success, so let's get started.
The Workhorse... Right?
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, KC)
Edwards-Helaire saw a massive workload last week against Buffalo, and he turned it into incredible production. He turned his 30 touches into 169 total yards, leading the Chiefs to an important victory over the Bills. This performance was not even an outlier. CEH has had the second-most breakaway runs of all running backs, and his 212 yards created rank third. His counting stats have been remarkable as well; his 505 rushing yards put him at second in the NFL.
Despite this success, Edwards-Helaire now has some extra competition in the backfield. Kansas City added All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell last week after his release from the Jets, giving the Chiefs yet another weapon. However, do not expect Bell to cut into CEH's usage too much, especially this week. While Bell will have some touches, CEH should still be the team's main guy going forward. How the team balances the two will be important to keep an eye on this week against the Broncos.
The Likely Bounceback
Joshua Kelley (RB, LAC)
Kelley had an excellent chance to step up after Austin Ekeler injured his hamstring. Unfortunately, he failed to take advantage, accumulating just 29 yards on 11 carries against the Saints in Week 5. Now off of a bye, Kelley has to contend with Justin Jackson for backfield supremacy. Jackson out-snapped Kelley 42 to 25 in New Orleans, and he had 20 touches to Kelley's 12.
Warning signs exist for Kelley's immediate fantasy future given the disparity in usage. On the other hand, reasons for optimism exist as well. For one, Kelley is far more effective in the passing game than Jackson; the rookie has averaged 11.63 yards per target compared to Jackson's 4.38. Secondly, that Monday Night contest against the Saints was just one game. In the two previous games he had played this year, Jackson totaled just eight carries for 13 yards. Kelley is still an excellent fantasy option, and he takes on a horrific Jacksonville run defense this week.
The Committee Buster?
D'Andre Swift (RB, DET)
Speaking of the Jaguars Defense, Swift had the first 100-yard game of his career against them last week. This breakout should be approached with some skepticism considering the opponent, but more notable was his snap count. Swift was on the field for just 29 of the team's 77 offensive plays, which suggests that he has work to do to become the team's true lead back. Still, the performance was a good sign overall; his 116 rushing yards last week nearly quadrupled his career total.
D'Andre Swift among rookie RBs in Wk 6:
? Grade: 72.0 (1st)
? Yards: 116 (1st)
? TDs: 2 (1st) pic.twitter.com/l8qkEjWX90— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 19, 2020
Swift will face the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. Take note of how Detroit uses him, as well as teammates Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson. If Swift leads the team in carries, perhaps he will have become the team's top option in their committee. If not, then his game last week might have been a mirage.
The Splashy Speedster
Henry Ruggs III (WR, LV)
Everyone knows Ruggs is fast, but his dominant speed was on full display in Week 5 against the Chiefs. The rookie used his 4.27 40-yard dash talents to blow by defensive backs, turning two catches into 118 yards. Ruggs, who has been dealing with injuries, has just six catches on the season, but some of his stats are ludicrous. He is averaging 29.5 yards per reception and 16.1 yards per target, both of which are completely bonkers. Five of his eleven targets have been on passes 20 or more yards downfield.
Henry Ruggs III with an absurd highlight-reel catch ?
(?: @Raiders) pic.twitter.com/uBi2FSz4xK
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 11, 2020
The Raiders will play the Buccaneers this Sunday barring any new COVID-19 developments. Tampa Bay does pose a tough matchup, especially after shutting down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Nonetheless, Ruggs should see at least a few deep shots from Derek Carr. How many come his way, and how many he actually catches, could be a sign of what is to come for the young rookie.
The Golden Opportunity
La'Mical Perine (RB, NYJ)
As mentioned above, the Jets released Le'Veon Bell from the team last week. Both Perine and Frank Gore were elevated in the offense's plans, although the team's putrid showing against the Dolphins last Sunday made it difficult to get much going at all. Perine did manage to have nine touches for 36 yards, so little hints of value did show through the otherwise miserable contest.
Gore out-touched Perine last week, but the former is 37-years-old. With the season appearing to be lost, the Jets will likely look to Perine, their fourth-round pick, sooner rather than later. The Jets take on the Buffalo Bills this week, a team that just yielded a monstrous performance to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Perine is a definite sleeper option this week given the matchup and his potentially increasing usage.
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