Ranking December Football Rookies by Draft Value
As we dive into December football, it’s time to take a closer look at the rookie draft class and see how they stack up in terms of value.
One player who faced questions about his readiness for the NFL was Zabel, selected 18th overall by the Seahawks from a small North Dakota school. To be honest, I had no doubts since the season kicked off. Zabel has shown exceptional skills as a run blocker and quickly made a name for himself as a guard. His intelligence and toughness stand out, and he’s playing with a confidence that suggests an All-Pro nod could be in his near future.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have zero regrets about picking their wide receiver 19th overall. This Ohio State alum was considered one of the strongest picks due to his skillset, college performance, and high character. Egbuka has proven himself in Tampa Bay, racking up 52 catches, 791 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. He’s a frontrunner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and it’s likely he’ll be a standout receiver for years to come.
Meanwhile, a linebacker from UCLA has been impressing scouts since the lead-up to the draft. Schwezinger, chosen first in the second round by the Cleveland Browns, is emerging as a strong contender for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Demonstrating remarkable instincts, Schwezinger has become integral to the Browns’ defense, accumulating 106 tackles, which ranks eighth in the league. He’s recorded double-digit tackles in six games this season, with a recent run of four straight. Clearly, he’s going to be a significant player for a long time.
Over in Seattle, a safety from South Carolina is quickly rising to stardom, playing a vital role in the team’s defense. Emanwoli, selected 35th overall, has proven worth the trade-up from the Tennessee Titans. At 6-3, 220 pounds and with impressive speed, he’s an exciting athlete. Seattle coach Mike McDonald has utilized him all over the field, and he shows a keen football IQ. He’s set to make a big impression in the league.
The tight end from Syracuse has also made waves for the Los Angeles Chargers, who drafted him in the fifth round. With 38 catches for 534 yards through 10 games, Gadsden, who stands 6-5 and weighs 236 pounds, has turned into a player to watch. Fifth-round picks rarely have an immediate effect, yet Gadsden has turned out to be a valuable asset for Jim Harbaugh’s offense and may very well become a long-term favorite for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Lastly, in terms of later round skill position picks, keep an eye on Monangai from Rutgers, selected 233rd overall in the seventh round. This year produced one of the deepest running back classes in a while, and Monangai, the 22nd back picked, is starting to make quite an impact. He’s part of the exciting duo with Ben Johnson and veteran D’Andre Swift. Recently, they became the first Bears running back duo in 40 years to both rush for over 100 yards in a game—especially memorable during a recent Black Friday win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Monangai’s performance has drawn national attention, with 591 yards and five touchdowns so far. After topping 1,200 rushing yards in his final two college seasons, he could very well be a steal for the Bears as they look to elevate their game.
