One NFL rookie critical to every team’s success in 2021
Most Important 2021 NFL Rookies: AFC South
Houston Texas: WR Nico Collins
Right now, the Houston Texans are a mess. Scandal and uncertainty surround franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Whoever starts for them at quarterback will need all the help they can get. Kenny Stills and Will Fuller are no longer on the roster. The notable wide receivers are Brandin Cooks, veteran slot man Randall Cobb and Andre Roberts. Nico Collins is the rookie who’ll step up as a reliable option.
Collins is an ideal boundary wideout. He comes in ready for red-zone targets. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound wide receiver has excellent length and jump ball skills. He’s a deep threat with body control and soft hands. Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly will probably run the ball a ton if Watson isn’t the guy. Luckily for them, Collins is a great run blocker.
Indianapolis Colts: DL Kwity Paye
Carson Wentz has the headline as the face of the Colts franchise. However, Frank Reich’s team is known for its defense. Last season, the Colts finished ninth in yards per game and tied for 12th in sacks (40). Rookie edge rusher Kwity Paye is the man who’ll shoulder the responsibility of getting to the quarterback.
The former Wolverine will start Week 1 on the edge. Paye’s greatest strength is his short-area quickness and burst off the line. With a great first step, quick hands and flexibility, he’s a problem for opposing tackles. Thanks to his compact build, strength and speed, he displays power on bull rushes. No one will be surprised if he ends his rookie season with double-digit sacks.
Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Trevor Lawrence
There was no need to get cute with this one. Trevor Lawrence is a rookie on a team who’ll lean on him to lead them into the future. Urban Meyer and Lawrence are tied at the hip. Their success, or lack thereof, will fall on the arm of Lawrence. Gardner Minshew played well with the talent Lawrence will inherit.
Lawrence has been the golden child for the NFL since he arrived at Clemson. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound signal-caller is an athletic, big-armed passer. He makes plays in and out of the pocket, with precision passes. Lawrence’s ceiling is sky-high with a great base. If he’s ready to go Week 1, the Jags will rely on this young star to help them over the hump.
Tennessee Titans: CB Caleb Farley
The Titans are an offensive power and Derrick Henry is the driving force behind the franchise. Relying on Henry means the defense must continue to hold it down. The focus will be on their defensive backs, specifically their corners. Janoris Jenkins is the veteran presence Shane Bowen hopes will upgrade over Malcolm Butler. Opposite Jenkins is rookie Caleb Farley shouldering the burden of the secondary.
Farley has excellent length on his 6-foot-2, nearly 200-pound frame. Aside from his size, he has good speed and lateral movement to match up in man coverage. Farley’s press ability and aggressive nature are what the Titans need. The former Hokie has Pro Bowl potential, but the Titans will rely on the rookie — though it all depends on his health.