With The First Pick
Fansided

NFL Draft: Five best rookies playing in Super Bowl LII

By Maxwell Ogden

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles picks up a fumble and runs past Jamize Olawale #49 of the Oakland Raiders to score a touchdown as time expired at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 19-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles picks up a fumble and runs past Jamize Olawale #49 of the Oakland Raiders to score a touchdown as time expired at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 19-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles kicks an extra point against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles kicks an extra point against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2. Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles

Drafted: Round 5, Pick 153
Position: Place Kicker
2017 Season Statistics: 15 games played, 26/31 field goals, 39/42 extra points

The Philadelphia Eagles addressed the need for a place kicker by acquiring Jake Elliott in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The former Memphis Tigers standout was known for having a big leg, but struggling on mid-range kicks from 30-to-39 yards.

Elliott was true to form as rookie, producing the type of numbers that could leave one feeling both impressed and confused as the season progressed.

Elliott converted 83.9 percent of his field goal attempts, including 91.7 percent on field goals that weren’t from 30-to-39 yards. He was just 4-of-7 on field goal attempts from that range, which offers some cause for concern entering Sunday.

The intriguing aspect of what Elliott brings to the table, however, is a powerful leg that seems to increase in accuracy the further he is from the goalposts.

Elliott was 17-of-19 on field goal attempts from 40 yards or deeper, including a 5-of-6 mark on field goals from 50-plus yards. His highlights were a 61-yard bomb of a game-winner against the New York Giants in Week 2, and a 53-yarder against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.

Come Super Bowl LII, few players will face more pressure to produce in the manner expected than them than Elliott—whether fair or foul.

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