Which rookies have the best shot at statistical bests in 2019? We look at the first-year players who are the best bets to post league-leading totals.
Not every rookie will hit the ground running in 2019. However, there will be a select few this season who instantly join the elite at their position.
The likes of Saquon Barkley, Derwin James, and Darius Leonard all secured star status in 2018 with stellar rookie seasons.
But who is poised to do the same in 2019? Here we try to predict which rookies will set statistical bets this season.
Passing yards – Kyler Murray
Daniel Jones has shown better in preseason and there’s an argument Dwayne Haskins could compete for this as well if he starts the full season.
However, both Jones and Haskins look set to watch their Week 1 encounters unfold from the sideline. Murray will be in the thick of the action for the entirety of the season barring injury.
The Cardinals may not win many games and Murray will undoubtedly have his ups and downs. Still, with his skillset perfectly suited to the Air Raid offense, Murray should rack up monster numbers. He will lead all rookies by a wide margin even if Jones and Haskins see the field.
Passing TDs – Kyler Murray
The same logic applies when it comes to passing touchdowns, though an early-season introduction for Jones or Haskins could see them challege if the Cardinals struggle in the red zone.
Arizona will likely rely on the pass-catching ability of David Johnson and the dependability of Larry Fitzgerald to ensure that does not happen. Murray’s hopes of a high touchdown count would also be helped by Andy Isabella and Hakeem Butler avoiding drops that were a constant of their respective college careers.