5 Rookie Stand-Outs in Week One of the NFL Pre-Season

Pre-Season games in the NFL are less about showing starter dominance and winning the game, and more about having new additions to the team show their worth and potential. Some of these players want to move up the roster depth chart, and some just want to make final cuts come season start. Let's look specifically at five rookie players that caught my eye:

Anthony Dixon

 Anthony Dixon is a rookie running back from Mississippi State, that currently resides on the San Fransisco 49ers. He debuted this weekend in a game against Indianapolis. While only so much can be said since most rookie's and non-starters go up against other non-starters, all stats must be taken with a grain of salt. Though overall, Dixon still produced starting-like numbers.

Week 1 Stats: 

21 Rushing Attempts for 100 yards (4.8 Yard Avg, 1 TD)

3 Receptions for 22 Yards (7.3 Yard Avg)

Pat Angerer

Iowa Linebacker Pat Angerer made his first appearance for the Colts this weekend as he had some playing time against the 49ers on Sunday. His ability to get to the opposing QB and create pressure could make him a valuable addition to the defense come the start of the season.

Week 1 Stats:

2 Sacks

5 Total Tackles, 3 Assisted Tackles (8 Combined)

Daryl Washington

 TCU Linebacker Daryl Washington showed the finesse of a much more experienced defensive player as he racked up tackles to put him at the top of the list for week 1. Washington also showed some awareness as he defended a couple of passes.

Week 1 Stats:

9 Total Tackles, 4 Assisted Tackles (13 Combined)

2 Passes Defended.

Keiland Williams

LSU Running back Keiland Williams debuted for the Washington Redskins this weekend. He showed promise as a goal line back as he had quite a knack for finding the end zone on multiple occasions.

Week 1 Stats:

11 Rushing Attempts for 51 yards (4.6 Yard Average, 2 Touchdowns)

1 Reception for 7 Yards

Devin McCourty

Devin McCourty showed signs of impacting the field on in multiple ways. While as a Defensive Back he only has 3 tackles, he also had a forced fumble, and as a special teams player, returned 2 kickoffs over 50 yards.

Week 1 Stats:

1 Total Tackle, 2 Assisted Tackles (3 Combined, 1 Forced Fumble)

3 Returns for 114 Yards (Avg 37, Long 52)