Offseason training is underway for all 32 NFL teams. With only so many spots available on the final roster, both seasoned veterans and eager rookies will be making their arguments as to why they should be named starters for the upcoming campaign. As for the latter, not every newcomer will be inheriting favorable circumstances to succeed, as previously discussed last week.
Here are some more rookies that are getting into arguably the best and worst case scenarios to start their professional careers.
Best and worst rookie scenarios right now (Pt. 2)
Best: J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
He may neither be the most athletically gifted of his position, nor offer the largest sample size for analysis. But J.J. McCarthy is a proven leader and winner when it comes to big games. Going 27-1 under center for the Michigan Wolverines, McCarthy led Big Blue to multiple conference titles and grabbing the elusive College Football Playoff Championship just last year. Though he might have to sit behind Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens for the time being, soon he will have the chance to hit the field with an explosive offense that boasts T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison and the newly re-signed Justin Jefferson.
It all depends on how well McCarthy plays his cards; most quarterbacks in the NFL would be green with envy seeing an arsenal as stacked as this.
Worst: All Rookies Picked Up by New England
For context, remember the old saying, “Patience is a virtue.” With the departure of legendary head coach/de facto general manager, Bill Belichick, the Patriots officially kicked off the rebuild process. Needless to say, it would be quite the culture shock for Patriots fans not seeing him after 23 years of unrivaled success. In the meantime, newcomers that will be calling Foxboro home will also need to understand that winning is neither going to come easily nor immediately. All three of New England’s divisional rivals have retooled their respective rosters, and they each are turning into playoff-contending teams on paper.
The Patriots will take on said teams with a new head coach and under a new general manager. Nobody said that the post-“Brady/Belichick” era will be smooth sailing.
Best: TIE! Keon Coleman (Buffalo) & Xavier Worthy (Kansas City)
Though it may be weird putting both rookies here, they are inheriting similar circumstances; prolific AFC squads entering a retooled wideout lineup; beginning with Coleman. The former Florida State Seminole had scouts turning heads with his large frame and touchdown scoring ability. He will be thrown into the mix with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Curtis Samuel, and Khalil Shakir. The chemistry that builds between will be crucial as to how the Josh Allen-led offense progresses back into a powerhouse with the departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
As for Xavier Worthy, who made waves at the most recent NFL combine with his record-setting 40-yard dash, he will be working to be a next potential go-to for one Patrick Mahomes. His fellow wideouts include Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. With Travis Kelce on limited time in football, it will be up these group of playmakers to open up the field for Kansas City as they eye the first three-peat in the Super Bowl era.
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