The Minnesota Vikings have lots of established players expected to make an impact this season, but two rookies are making a strong case for themselves early in the preseason. Neither Jacob Roberts nor Jacob Thomas was drafted, which makes their early success even more special. Both players made the most of their time in their NFL debuts, and the Vikings suddenly have two young defenders worth watching as the preseason continues.
Roberts was especially impressive. The linebacker earned a 92.6 PFF grade, making him the highest-graded undrafted free agent during the opening week of the preseason. He was effective against the run and in coverage, posting a 75.8 run-defense grade and a 91.4 coverage grade.
More sports: Rams’ Puka Nacua Has to Avoid a ‘Year With Struggles’ He also didn't miss a tackle, recorded two defensive stops and picked off a pass in coverage. That's a lot to accomplish in a first NFL appearance. Thomas wasn't far behind.
The safety earned a 92.5 PFF grade after also putting together a solid debut. Like Roberts, he avoided missing a tackle and came away with an interception. Thomas' coverage work was strong, earning a 91.6 PFF coverage grade.
The Vikings couldn't have asked for much more from two rookie defenders in their first taste of professional football. Neither player needs to become a star overnight, but performances like these can go a long way toward earning additional time on the field. Sports news: Commanders’ Dan Quinn is Under Extra Pressure This Season There's also some extra reason to look at both players.
Gordon McGuinness of PFF ranked Roberts and Thomas among the best rookies in the NFL so far, with Roberts coming in at No. 3 and Thomas at No. 4 after the first week of the preseason. For Minnesota, that's a great development. The preseason doesn't settle roster battles by itself, and both rookies still have more work to do.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
