Every year, there are always a few rookies who fly under the radar and end up surprising everyone with their performances. These players often go unnoticed during the preseason but make a name for themselves once the games begin. In this article, we will take a look at some of the potential under-the-radar rookies who could surprise people this year. Kelvin Gulledge Jr. was a seventh-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University and had an impressive senior season, recording 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Gulledge Jr. has been praised for his athleticism and quickness off the edge, which makes him a potential pass-rushing threat. If he can translate his college success to the professional level, he could be a steal for the Falcons. Jalen Pitre was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor University and was a unanimous All-American in 2021. Pitre is known for his versatility and ability to play both safety positions effectively. He also has experience playing as a slot cornerback, which adds value to his game. With the Texans' secondary struggling in recent years, Pitre could be a key piece in improving their defense. Isaiah Likely was a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Coastal Carolina University and finished his career as the school's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. Likely is a unique tight end prospect due to his size (6'4", 247 pounds) and speed (4.48 40-yard dash). He has been compared to Travis Kelce because of his ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. If he can develop into a reliable pass-catcher, Likely could be a valuable weapon for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense. Bo Melton was a sixth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers University and had over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his final two seasons. Melton is known for his speed and elusiveness, which makes him a dangerous deep threat. He also has experience playing on special teams, which could help him earn more playing time early on. If he can find a way to stand out among the Lions' crowded wide receiver room, Melton could be a breakout star this season. Cameron Thomas was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at San Diego State University and rushed for over 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior season. Thomas is a big back (6'0", 217 pounds) with good speed (4.53 40-yard dash) and agility. He also has experience catching passes out of the backfield, which adds another dimension to his game. With Saquon Barkley recovering from an injury, Thomas could see significant playing time early on and potentially carve out a role for himself on the Giants' roster.
Are there any under-the-radar rookies who could surprise people this year?
Introduction
Every year, there are always a few rookies who fly under the radar and end up surprising everyone with their performances. These players often go unnoticed during the preseason but make a name for themselves once the games begin. In this article, we will take a look at some of the potential under-the-radar rookies who could surprise people this year.
Under-the-Radar Rookies to Watch Out For
1. Kelvin Gulledge Jr. (Defensive End, Atlanta Falcons)
- Kelvin Gulledge Jr. was a seventh-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University and had an impressive senior season, recording 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
- Gulledge Jr. has been praised for his athleticism and quickness off the edge, which makes him a potential pass-rushing threat. If he can translate his college success to the professional level, he could be a steal for the Falcons.
2. Jalen Pitre (Safety, Houston Texans)
- Jalen Pitre was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor University and was a unanimous All-American in 2021.
- Pitre is known for his versatility and ability to play both safety positions effectively. He also has experience playing as a slot cornerback, which adds value to his game. With the Texans' secondary struggling in recent years, Pitre could be a key piece in improving their defense.
3. Isaiah Likely (Tight End, Baltimore Ravens)
- Isaiah Likely was a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Coastal Carolina University and finished his career as the school's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
- Likely is a unique tight end prospect due to his size (6'4", 247 pounds) and speed (4.48 40-yard dash). He has been compared to Travis Kelce because of his ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. If he can develop into a reliable pass-catcher, Likely could be a valuable weapon for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense.
4. Bo Melton (Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions)
- Bo Melton was a sixth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers University and had over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his final two seasons.
- Melton is known for his speed and elusiveness, which makes him a dangerous deep threat. He also has experience playing on special teams, which could help him earn more playing time early on. If he can find a way to stand out among the Lions' crowded wide receiver room, Melton could be a breakout star this season.
5. Cameron Thomas (Running Back, New York Giants)
- Cameron Thomas was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at San Diego State University and rushed for over 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior season.
- Thomas is a big back (6'0", 217 pounds) with good speed (4.53 40-yard dash) and agility. He also has experience catching passes out of the backfield, which adds another dimension to his game. With Saquon Barkley recovering from an injury, Thomas could see significant playing time early on and potentially carve out a role for himself on the Giants' roster.
Conclusion
While these rookies may not have received much attention during the preseason, they all have the potential to surprise people with their performances this year. It will be interesting to see how they develop throughout the season and whether any of them can become impact players for their respective teams.