NFL: 15 Rookies who are future Pro Bowlers
By Andrew Garda
Devin Smith, WR, New York Jets
While he’s a second round guy in an offense with a lot of weapons, the future looks bright for New York Jets rookie wide receiver Devin Smith. This year won’t likely ne his breakout season, though.
Smith is going to start off in an offense packed with receiving talent. Ahead of him for sure will be Brandon Marshall (acquired in a trade this offseason) and Eric Decker (added in free agency in 2014). He’s also got tight end Jace Amaro to contend with as well as Jeremy Kerley, the normal number three target in the offense.
On top of that, the quarterback situation is far from settled. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith are the likely candidates to start but neither one instills confidence that they will be effective enough to make a rookie receiver productive.
The next few years could be very different though. While Marshall is under contract until the end of the 2017 season, this is the last year he accounts for dead cap space, so cutting him might not be much of an issue if they find they have to part ways due to a lack of production or a bad case of ‘tired of Marshall’ syndrome.
Kerely’s guaranteed money is almost done, and while he’s a reliable receiver, he’s not indispensable.
Smith is a deep threat who can find the ball on the long throws and often outran the ball (and subsequently had to slow down) at Ohio State. He needs to work on his hands a bit and be more patient on his routes, but overall he has a ton of talent and is an exciting player. Once he gets a chance and a larger role, he will be electric on the field. At that point, Pro Bowls should come his way.
Next: Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland Raiders