FanPost

Best underrated offensive rookies of 2015

Jarvis Harrison. - Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday a published a post on whom I thought were going to be standout defensive rookies and contribute to their franchises despite the fact that they were drafted in the 3rd-7th rounds or signed as an UDFA. Today I'm going to the same for the offense. This has proved to be a bit trickier. As someone that who loves defensive football and has played football on D, I don't claim to be an offensive expert (or defensive for the matter) and after watching a lot of video I've found a new appreciation for the intricacies of running an offense (especially when it comes to blocking schemes on the O line) and the technique these players need coupled with all the physical aspects to be successful players. I decided to pick 3 receivers as I didn't see a Fullback who warranted special attention as well as the fact that it is hard to make any impact at a position which has diminished so much over recent years. So without further ado I present who are (in my opinion) the most underrated and best value rookies of 2015.

Quarterback

Shane Carden, UDFA, Chicago Bears.

After Winston and Mariota there wasn't great depth in the draft at the QB position and most of the other players that were taken in the later rounds went to teams that already had franchise QB's such as the Saints and the Packers. The only exception to this was Bryce Petty and sorry to say this Jets fans, but I don't see him doing anything of note for at least the next two seasons (if ever). After I looked through the drafted players I took a look at the UDFA's and Carden was the only one to stand out. The thing that will really help him is where he has landed. The Bears are far from sorted at the QB position with Jay Cutler, Jimmy Clausen and David Fales they are hardly stacked at the position. From watching the video of Carden the thing that leaps out about him is that he is a good decision maker and game manager although he lacks the arm strength, lower body technique or passing mechanics to probably ever be an NFL starter and can get overwhelmed by pass rush. So why have I included him? Mostly for value, he didn't cost a draft pick and I see him beating out Fales or Clausen for the 3rd roster spot. If coaches can work on his throwing and physical attributes to bring them up to an NFL standard (big if) we could one day see him starting in the NFL. If not what the Bears have is a very smart player who understands all aspects of the game and will be an elite clipboard holder for a long time in the NFL.

Running Back

Tevin Coleman, round 3, 73 overall, Atlanta Falcons.

In my opinion Coleman was the 3rd best back in a draft that was absolutely stacked at the position. Coleman had a huge 2014 season in which he ran for 2036 yards becoming only the 3rd person to achieve this in the big ten and he racked up 307 yards in one game alone against Rutgers (much to my dismay). He needs to work on his change of pace as he tends to make every run at a sprint from start to finish. The reason I think Coleman will break out is because of two things. The first is in Indiana he played behind a weak O line as he was asked to virtually carry the entire Hoosier offense, he was giving very little help and single handedly did big things. The second is the team that has selected him. As a Falcon he has landed with a team that has a solid O line. This is only useful if he gets the ball which I believe he will, from day 1, as a starter. His main competition being Devonta Freeman. For further reading I'd like to refer you to this brilliant article written by Crackback that breaks down how good Coleman really is.

Wide Receivers

Antwan Goodley, UDFA, Dallas Cowboys.

The former Baylor Bear can take the top off a defense no problem, he is faster than his combine 4.44 40 would suggest. Explosive, built like a running back he can make a whole ton of yards after the catch. He seemed to give up on routes quite often in college but I think that will change now he is away from the Baylor offense where targets are pre decided. He needs to concentrate on catching the ball in traffic, but could be very dangerous on bubble screens and quick slant patterns. He can contribute right away on special teams. Expect him to make the Cowboys roster.

Jaelen Strong, round 3, 70 overall, Houston Texans.

Looked like a 1st-2nd round pick and has everything you look for in a big possession wide out. He is still very raw and doesn't show the elite speed NFL teams are looking for in an early round receiver. A converted basketball player he shows great hands and will catch anything in his area. He can go up high to get the ball and can be a dominant red zone threat. With Brian Hoyer now taking charge under centre for the Texans they have a consistent yet far from spectacular QB, who may well find he prefers to throw to a big receiver that can bring in passes that might be a little off target.

Justin Hardy, round 4, 107 Overall, Atlanta Falcons.

Hardy was never originally a thought of mine for this list. However after watching video of Shane Carden it became obvious that this guy can make plays. He constantly made incredibly difficult catches throughout his college career and for me after Devante Parker he has the best hands of all wide outs in this draft. His draft stock was never high being a 5'10" receiver with 4.55 40 speed and for some analysts he was a reach in the 4th round. In my eyes he will transition straight away into a very good slot receiver and 3rd option, filling the gap left by Harry Douglas. Expect him to make short catches on slant routes and turn them in to big plays. He will make tacklers miss and although he lacks speed he has the ability to be a YAC machine.

Tight End

Rory "Busta" Anderson, 7th round, San Francisco 49ers.

TE has been an especially difficult decision for this list. To be honest this was probably the worst draft class for Tight Ends in my memory. Busta Anderson was the only Tight end I can see value in. In most pre draft scouting reports he was the third TE in the class. Due to upper arm injuries, questions about his character and attitude and what was apparently a damning report from one of his college coaches, his draft stock went into free fall. He is a good receiving TE who can create match up nightmares, could be a big time red zone threat and he is also a capable blocker but may need to bulk up slightly. He is a great pick at this point for the 49ers however I am worried how much playing time he will get in San Francisco behind Vernon Davis and Blake Bell the rookie TE who the 49ers took in the 4th round of this draft.

Offensive Lineman

T.J Clemmings, round 4, 110 overall, Minnesota Vikings.

He is still raw and new to the position after playing defensive end in his sophomore and freshman seasons. However he has great feet and power. The Vikes coaches need to get to work on his technique and get him watching tape. I think he has a high ceiling although he didn't have a great time at the senior bowl which seemed to drop him down draft boards. He's raw and needs coaching but his character is reportedly good and he is willing to work. He'll shoot up the Vikes depth chart after camp.

Jarvis Harrison, round 5, 152 overall, New York Jets.

I think here at GGN we've all heard about Jarvis Harrison. I love this guys upside but he needs to do a lot of conditioning and film work. He had struggles getting back in playing shape after shoulder surgery in the 2014 offseason. He has a strong lower body with surprisingly quick feet but could do with strength work on his upper body. It's said that Basketball is the love of his life and he sees Football as distant second. No doubt about it the only thing stopping him from being a top level guard in this league for many years to come is his commitment. The Jets need to get him motivated. If he truly wants to play football and is ready to apply himself to it, he will do big things. This is a high risk/reward pick. He has a huge upside if he shows the commitment being an NFL player will demand of him.

Hroniss Grasu, round 3, 71 overall, Chicago Bears.

A solid four year starter for the ducks Grasu now finds himself in Chicago after being picked by the bears in the 3rd round. He needs to cut down on holding in the NFL where it will be called more, but that is a minor thing that I think pro coaches will get right to work on. I think it was more due to the fact he knew he could get away with it. Has good length at 6'3" but at 297lbs could do with bulking up a bit for the big league. Once again this is something that will be addressed by coaching staff this offseason. He has very good power, very good snapping technique, managed the snap count well and is a keen student of the game as well as a willing leader. As for where he has landed? Chicago recently signed Will Montgomery to a 1 year $950k deal with just $200k guaranteed, Hardly starter money. Don't be surprised if Grasu takes the starting job in camp.

Tre' Jackson, round 4, 111 overall, New England Patriots.

It hurts me to put a Patriots pick in here but I think they did very well in the 4th round in what was for me a very average draft for the Pats. In my opinion they made an average pick in the first with Brown (I had Goldman higher who went in the second) and then two reaches in the 2nd and 3rd taking Jordan Richards and Geneo Grissom respectively. However taking Trey Flowers in the 4th was a very good pick and then Tre' Jackson in the 5th has the possibility to be an absolute homerun. He has great size and power although he needs to shift some weight off his midsection. He relies heavily on pure power and size more than technique but reports from the senior bowl seem to be that he is very coachable. The Pats coaches will get to work for right away and don't be surprised to him starting this season. As much as I hate to admit it, great pick by New England.

Tayo Fabuluje, round 6, 183 overall, Chicago Bears.

The third Chicago Bear on this list which should tell you that I rate highly what they did in the draft and with UDFA signings. This guy is a beast. A huge tackle who played around 360lbs in college but at his pro day he was reportedly closer to 330lbs, which I'd say would be a great playing weight for him in the NFL. He transferred multiple times between TCU and BYU during college due to family problems. If he would have played 3 consecutive seasons in TCU he would have been at the top end of everyone's draft board. I can't say it enough, he is a BEAST. He is huge, strong and powerful with quick feet for a guy his size. For me this was the biggest disappointment of the draft. If he was a Jet he would be challenging for the starting right tackle spot and if not winning it, giving us great depth at a position where there is little.

I'd also like to add an honorable mention, Zach Zenner, UDFA, Detroit Lions. A really great receiving running back that also ran for over 2000 yards for the second consecutive season and was first team FCS All-American. A small school prospect out of South Dakota State with great size and speed. He will make a very interesting camp player and who I think will make the roster. If he gets cut, he can be the receiving back the Jets need, although I don't see this happening.

Once again I welcome your feedback. Do you think I have hit the nail on the head with these or do I know less than Jon Snow? Alternatively are there any players I have completely overlooked or is there someone completely flying under the radar who will break out?

This is a FanPost written by a registered member of this site. The views expressed here are those of the author alone and not those of anybody affiliated with Gang Green Nation or SB Nation.