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NFL: 15 Rookies who are future Pro Bowlers

By Andrew Garda

May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is introduced at a press conference at One Buc Place the day after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is introduced at a press conference at One Buc Place the day after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) catches a pass before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) catches a pass before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

As is the case with every receiver on this list, new Houston Texans wide receiver Nelson Agholor is going to have his hands full adjusting to life in the NFL and the accompanying level of play its cornerbacks have.

We know he’ll get plenty of targets, given how this the depth chart is for the Philadelphia Eagles at receiver. Jordan Matthews is the only real threat to steal targets if Agholor is as advertised. Riley Cooper and Austin Miles have moments, but neither of them should take many opportunities from Agholor.

And even in the case of Matthews, he’s not a comfortable fit as the primary receiver, so Agholor could even get more targets.

In the ‘good news/bad news’ category, the Philadelphia Eagles now feature a very good backfield combination of Demarco Murray and Ryan Mathews along with Darren Sproles. Assuming everyone stays healthy, defenses will be unable to key on the passing game and safeties will have to be as concerned with supporting the run defense as they are assisting in coverage.

Meanwhile, there is quarterback Sam Bradford who has never been consistently healthy even when he is, his play has been uneven. Bradford needs to stay healthy and on the field if Agholor is going to have a good rookie year because the options behind the quarterback aren’t wonderful. Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow aren’t Hall of Famers in the making, though Sanchez filled in ably for Nick Foles last season.

Of course there is also a history of USC wide receivers who can’t hack it in the NFL for one reason or another. Mike Williams, Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, Patrick Turner and Damian Williams have been all been either mediocre or flat out busts. The jury is out on Marquise Lee and Robert Woods has been solid, but a lot of USC players leave Southern California and never fulfill their promise.

I tend to think Agholor is more the exception than the rule though, and he can make a few Pro Bowls before he is done.

Next: Vic Beasley, DEOLB, Atlanta Falcons

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