NFL Draft LogoWhat Rookies Made an Impact at OTA’s? – According to this article by Sports Illustrated, several, including some unexpected names. When it comes to speculating on NFL rookies, from an investment standpoint, timing is everything. Wait until a player makes a big impact in a regular season game and it might be to late. Buy in too early and you can be left holding a bunch of players whose cards get relegated to the dollar bin.

So how do you know what players to pull the trigger on and which ones to shy away from? The fact is that there is no easy answer or magic formula. Research, education, and being aware of current events can provide insight in aiding your decision-making process. That’s why paying attention to mainstream sports news is a crucial asset to putting together your NFL rookie game plan. Here is a look at a few of the skill position players cited in the aforementioned article on SI.com.

Phillip Dorsett – Indianapolis Colts, WR, 1st Round, 29th Overall Pick

At first glance, Dorsett may not look like a NFL receiver. At just 5’10”, he does not possess the prototypical physique often associated with the position. However, his vertical leap exceeds 3ft, making him a perfect “jump-ball” asset in the end zone. In 2014, playing for the Miami Hurricanes, 10 of his 36 catches were for touchdowns and he averaged over 24 yards per reception. He is super quick off of the line of scrimmage with a 40 yard time under 4.3 seconds.

What Rookies Made an Impact at OTA’s? Phillip Dorsett Image Gallery

Tyler Lockett – Seattle Seahawks, WR, 3rd Round, 69th Overall Pick

Lockett is another under-sized receiver at 5’10” but his vertical leap of nearly 3ft negates his height as a liability. The Big-12 performer out of Kansas State was a semi-finalist for the Biletnikoff Award as the nations’ top receiver. Lockett won or was nominated for numerous NCAA awards during his collegiate career. He has quickness on his routes and creates separation from coverage at the point of the catch. He also doubles as an asset on special teams with explosive play ability as a kick-returner.

What Rookies Made an Impact at OTA’s? Tyler Lockett Image Gallery

Matt Jones – Washington Redskins, RB, 3rd Round, 95th Overall Pick

Jones successfully recovered from a 2012 knee injury to lead Florida in touchdown rushes in 2014. He is an imposing presence at 6’2″ and 231lbs. He has quick feet for his size and can really grind down defensive tacklers. He is good hands out of the backfield and can deliver punishing blocks. He is a multi-talented asset that gives him a unique advantage at the running back position.

What Rookies Made an Impact at OTA’s? Matt Jones Image Gallery

Taylor Heinecke – Minnesota Vikings, QB, Undrafted Free Agent

A bit of a surprise at OTA’s was Heinecke out of Old Dominion. Despite not being drafted, the Vikings liked what they saw in him and signed him as a free agent. He impressed coaches and is a perfect fit for Norv Turner’s offense which relies on short and intermediate routes. This is exactly the type of throws Heinecke excels at and will make him a competent number three quarterback. Heinecke does not yet have any trading cards, but that should change rather quickly.

The above players can currently be found in several, early 2015 football card products including the following, just to name a few:

Check out the Product Release Schedule for a complete listing of future 2015 football card products in which to find rookie cards, from these and all of the other 2015 NFL Rookies.

Rob Bertrand

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