The NFL draft is one of the most anticipated events in all of American sports. Every year, about 250 of the top collegiate football players get drafted to one of the 32 NFL teams. Some rookies, especially those drafted in the first round, have high expectations, while those drafted in the later rounds are destined to be backups. This week, many rookies made their NFL debuts, and here are the rookies who stood out this week.
Jihaad Campbell – Philadelphia Eagles
This first-round LB taken by the Super Bowl champions at pick 31 made a strong debut against the Cowboys on Thursday night. He had 3 tackles and 1 forced fumble during a critical point in the game, helping the Eagles secure the win over Dallas, proving why the Eagles got a stud at this position. Finishing his 3-year collegiate career at Alabama with 184 total tackles and 5.5 sacks, he is one of the most promising linebackers in this draft class.
Emeka Egbuka – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Egbuka, a first-round pick, had an impressive first game against the Falcons, hauling in 4 receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown, a 25-yard laser down the middle by Baker Mayfield, gave the Bucs the lead over the Falcons in the last minute of the game. With Chris Godwin out of the game, Egbuka filled the gap, proving himself as a reliable wide receiver, and he could take Godwin’s spot as WR 2 sometime this season.
Tetairoa McMillan – Carolina Panthers
Finishing the game with 5 receptions for 68 yards, the 8th overall pick had a good game. Although he didn’t pull in any touchdowns, McMillan still showed off his skills, proving that he was one of the best receivers in this draft class. Catching a total of 213 receptions for 3423 yards and 26 touchdowns in his 3-year collegiate span with Arizona, McMillan has the potential to be an amazing receiver in this league.
Dylan Sampson – Cleveland Browns
As a 4th Round pick, Sampson filled the position as RB 1 for the Browns, as second-round pick Quinshon Judkins sat this game against the Bengals out to get more practice, as he was unable to practice all summer due to legal problems. Sampson was not incredibly impressive on the ground, racking up just 29 yards on 12 carries, averaging 2.4 yards per carry. Where he did shine was in the air. Hauling in 64 yards with 8 receptions, Sampson served as a reliable receiving back for the Browns.
Tyler Warren – Indianapolis Colts
The 14th overall pick had a stellar game, hauling in 7 receptions for 76 yards, helping the Colts blow out the Dolphins with a final score of 33-8. This Penn State prospect broke a franchise record for most receptions by a rookie tight end in week 1. Recording 104 receptions, 1233 yards, and 8 touchdowns his senior year at Penn State, Warren showed that year that he’s got what it takes to have a legendary tight end career in the NFL.
