NFL Draft: Five rookies who had quietly strong seasons in 2017

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball after a interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball after a interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball after a interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball after a interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Rookies made waves during the 2017 NFL regular season, but many were overlooked. Which players’ strong seasons may have been overlooked?


The 2017 NFL Draft produced a rookie class that isn’t receiving the credit it deserves. Between the highly productive offensive players and the sensational defensive standouts, there was no shortage of immediate success during the 2017 campaign.

While some players became overnight sensations as far as popularity is concerned, others continued to fly under the radar despite their success.

The New Orleans Saints swept the 2017 NFL Rookie of the Year awards. Dynamic running back Alvin Kamara won the Offensive honors, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore took home the Defensive award with his shutdown status.

Other rookies, including Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt and Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, managed to steal headlines, as well.

Beyond the obvious names, however, were players who haven’t quite received the respect they deserve. They may not have established themselves as stars, but they set the tone for what should be prosperous careers in the NFL.

The question is: Which rookies were overlooked by the masses during what were unequivocally promising first seasons in the NFL?