Breshad Perriman, Todd Gurley head list of top rookie playmakers
Breshad Perriman and Todd Gurley are two of the most dynamic talents in this year's rookie class.
To me, offensive playmakers are defined as players who are a threat to make chunk-yardage plays whenever they are on the field. They may not necessarily be as consistent, polished or clutch as other players, but they have the potential to change a game any time they touch the ball.
Here's a look at my top five rookie playmakers for 2015. For this list, I took into account each player's fit with their new team. All five of these guys graded out as outstanding in terms of their big-play ability in our pre-draft scouting evaluations of them.
1. Breshad Perriman, WR,Baltimore Ravens
Defenses that give Perriman a clean release do so at their own risk. The long-strider has deceptive top-end speed and the second gear to run past most NFL corners when he's allowed to build momentum. Jamming the 6-foot-2, 212-pound Perriman isn't easy, either, and it should only get harder as he gets stronger and more polished.
Although he wastes some motion shaking defensive backs, he has the upper-body strength and foot speed to beat press coverage with streamlined technique. One of the biggest knocks on Perriman is his inconsistent hands. That said, he's at his best tracking the deep ball and has the frame, body control and leaping ability to make spectacular catches downfield. He's also a productive runner after the catch and shows the ability to break tackles to rip off chunks of yards.
There's a lot to like about Perriman's situation in Baltimore, where he should get plenty of chances to showcase his considerable talents. The Ravens return all five starters along an offensive line, which helps set up the play-action package by establishing the ground game and does a good job of keeping quarterback Joe Flacco upright.
Flacco has very good arm strength and is willing to give his receivers opportunities to make one-on-one plays. In addition, Perriman should draw some favorable matchups with Steve Smith Sr. lining up opposite him and second-round tight endMaxx Williams drawing some attention over the middle.
Breshad Perriman and Todd Gurley are two of the most dynamic talents in this year's rookie class.
To me, offensive playmakers are defined as players who are a threat to make chunk-yardage plays whenever they are on the field. They may not necessarily be as consistent, polished or clutch as other players, but they have the potential to change a game any time they touch the ball.
Here's a look at my top five rookie playmakers for 2015. For this list, I took into account each player's fit with their new team. All five of these guys graded out as outstanding in terms of their big-play ability in our pre-draft scouting evaluations of them.
1. Breshad Perriman, WR,Baltimore Ravens
Defenses that give Perriman a clean release do so at their own risk. The long-strider has deceptive top-end speed and the second gear to run past most NFL corners when he's allowed to build momentum. Jamming the 6-foot-2, 212-pound Perriman isn't easy, either, and it should only get harder as he gets stronger and more polished.
Although he wastes some motion shaking defensive backs, he has the upper-body strength and foot speed to beat press coverage with streamlined technique. One of the biggest knocks on Perriman is his inconsistent hands. That said, he's at his best tracking the deep ball and has the frame, body control and leaping ability to make spectacular catches downfield. He's also a productive runner after the catch and shows the ability to break tackles to rip off chunks of yards.
There's a lot to like about Perriman's situation in Baltimore, where he should get plenty of chances to showcase his considerable talents. The Ravens return all five starters along an offensive line, which helps set up the play-action package by establishing the ground game and does a good job of keeping quarterback Joe Flacco upright.
Flacco has very good arm strength and is willing to give his receivers opportunities to make one-on-one plays. In addition, Perriman should draw some favorable matchups with Steve Smith Sr. lining up opposite him and second-round tight endMaxx Williams drawing some attention over the middle.
