NFL Mid-Season Review 2013: 12 Most Impressive Rookies
St. Louis Rams running back Zac Stacy (30) makes a reception as Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) makes a tackle during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
RB Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals
This guy has probably been dynamite for your fantasy team if you are in a deeper league, and Giovani Bernard certainly deserves a spot on this list. He is a dynamic playmaker at the running back spot, and it’s always great to have a running back who can make the kind of impact that he does in the passing game. Bernard has 26 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns on the season, and he also has 282 rushing yards and two touchdowns. While he could definitely become a more consistent rusher, there is no denying that Bernard makes a huge impact in the passing game. I decided to include him due to his playmaking ability and ability to make defenders miss. Bernard is agile in every sense of the word, which is a big reason why he has four total touchdowns and 524 yards from scrimmage. It’s a joy to watch him go to work; he has forced 13 missed tackles this season, according to the Pro Football Focus.
RB Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams
It’s a shame he suffered a low-ankle sprain on Monday Night Football, because he’s played well ever since taking over the Rams starting running back gig. Stacy has taken the gig and run with it (no pun intended), and only Lacy has been more impressive as a rusher this season. The Vanderbilt product’s ability to cut, power his way through defenders, explode through holes, and breakaway from defensive players with his speed is all very impressive. Stacy seems to have the total package as a running back, and I love the way he runs with authority. Stacy had an absolutely incredible performance against the Seattle Seahawks, and he is the reason why the Rams weren’t shut out. Kellen Clemens was horrible, thus forcing Stacy to carry the offense whilst facing a more aggressive Seahawks defense vs. the run, but Stacy still managed to amass 134 yards on the ground against an elite D. It was an excellent night for Stacy, and it’s fair to wonder if he is set to become the league’s next great running back.
CB Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals
All Mathieu did in college was make plays, and he’s definitely continued that in the NFL. The “Honey Badger” has been one of the most impressive players on an Arizona Cardinals defense that has the likes of Patrick Peterson, Calais Campbell, and Daryl Washington, and it’s been impressive to watch him play at such a high level in the slot. As guys like Chris Harris Jr. will attest, slot cornerbacks are incredibly valuable in this league, and Mathieu has two picks, five passes defended, 49 tackles, and a fumbled forced this season. Mathieu is filling up the stat sheet at an impressive rate, and that’s exactly what you want out of slot CBs. From what I’ve seen, Mathieu has been solid in coverage, as he is keeping receivers in front of him. He hasn’t missed a tackle since Week 3 after having some issues with that earlier in the season, and he has done a great job of limiting the big play and sticking with WRs in the slot.
FS Eric Reid, San Francisco 49ers
It’s also been a great year for a playmaking rookie DB out of LSU who finds himself as a key member of an NFC West squad. Eric Reid was thrust in as the 49ers starting free safety from day one, and the 49ers haven’t missed a beat with Reid starting over Dashon Goldson. In fact, I’d say that Reid fits the 49ers better than Goldson did, because he gives the 49ers somebody who can excel in deep coverage. He has definitely proven me wrong with his play this season, because he looks much better in coverage and more polished than I ever expected him to be. I criticized Reid before the draft for being too raw, but he hasn’t shown any rawness this season and has only shown the elite physical tools that made him mid-first-round pick. Reid has never been burned this season, hasn’t given up a touchdown pass yet, and he already has three interceptions and six passes defended. Overlook Reid at your own risk, because he is having an amazing rookie year at the free safety position and has been a revelation for the San Francisco 49ers defense.
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