One NFL rookie critical to every team’s success in 2021
Most Important 2021 NFL Rookies: NFC North
Chicago Bears: OT Teven Jenkins
The darling of the Bears 2021 NFL Draft was quarterback Justin Fields. His exciting play style and potential have the Chicago fan base hyped. But Fields is not the rookie the Bears will rely on. That job goes to the offensive lineman from Oklahoma State, Teven Jenkins.
Jenkins will protect Andy Dalton’s blindside and help create running lanes for David Montgomery. He’s slotted to start at left tackle, a void left by Charles Leno Jr. The former Oklahoma State tackle plays with power, strong hands and dominates at the point. He’s a tone-setter and leader with a high football IQ. Jenkins will surely be tested facing Danielle Hunter (Vikings) and Rashan Gary (Packers) twice this year.
Detroit Lions: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
Jared Goff takes over for Matt Stafford. He’s stepping into a situation with two bookend tackles. Taylor Decker will protect his blindside with an elite talent prospect Penei Swell on his right. He may have a wall in front of him, but he’ll need weapons to throw to. The fourth-round pick from USC, Amon-Ra St. Brown, is the man Goff will rely on.
It’s a lot of pressure for a fourth-round pick but Brown can live up to it. His quickness and smooth route running make him ideal for the slot. The 6-foot, 200-pound wideout has soft hands, great contact balance and tenacity. He makes plays down the field and he’s tough to deal with once the ball is in his hands. He can step into the slot as a rookie and make himself Goff’s favorite target.
Green Bay Packers: WR Amari Rodgers
Controversy surrounds the Packers and their relationship with Aaron Rodgers. Whispers of a possible trade still linger. Let’s assume Rodgers is the man. They have one of the league’s most explosive offenses thanks to the connection between Rodgers and Davante Adams. After the 2021 NFL Draft, they got more explosive. Former Clemson Tigers wideout Amari Rodgers is someone who will be looked to for continued offensive success.
The offense is tailor-made for Rodgers to succeed right away. They have a field stretcher in Marquez Valdes-Scantling to help open up things underneath. Equanimeous St. Brown is a big-bodied wideout searching for his niche. Rodgers is an ideal slot target with outside ability who excels with the ball in his hands. He’s a clever route runner who excels at fakes.
With the ball, Rogers shows power and uses his sturdy build at 5-foot-9, 212 pounds. He’s a quick screen big-play threat who could end the year with over 60 or more caches and over 700 yards.
Minnesota Vikings: OT Christian Darrisaw
This could be the make-or-break year for the Viking brass. Change may be on the horizon if they don’t get into the playoffs. Their offense must carry the weight of a defense that ranked 27th last season. Of all the players, Kirk Cousins is under the most pressure. Rookie offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is looking to make his quarterback’s job a lot easier.
The 6-foot-5, 322-pound tackle replaces Riley Reiff. He’s a better athlete with great later quickness and hands to match. He’s anchors well and understands how to use his length. The former Hokie does his best work in the run game. While not a complete player, Darrisaw has the traits and tools desired for a left tackle. Getting thrown into the fire as an offensive tackle is no easy feat. Luckily for the Vikings and this rookie, they have an elite talent in Dalvin Cook to ease some pressure.