Image: unsplash.com
The 2021 NFL season concluded with the Rams winning the second Super Bowl title in the history of the franchise and its first as a Los Angeles team. While the Rams’ win, along with temporary retirement of Tom Brady, were undoubtedly the stories of the season, there were several interesting subplots that captivated fans throughout the year. Some of the most exciting narratives involved rookies who were drafted in the offseason, with many of them producing consistent performances that belied their years. Many of these players’ teams are amongst the favorites for this year’s championship according to Super Bowl odds provided by OddsChecker, which means some of these rising stars may be able to place themselves in the 2022 MVP conversation if they continue last year’s impressive form.
Creed Humphrey
Kansas City Chiefs’ Center Creed Humphrey had an extremely impressive rookie season as the Chiefs won their sixth consecutive AFC West title. He impressed both fans and analysts during his college career in Oklahoma, where he was named offensive lineman of the year in the Big 12 Conference in both of his playing seasons after being redshirted in his first year. He entered the draft a year early and was the 63rd second-round pick, which meant not many were expecting him to hit the ground running as he did. However, by the halfway point of the season, he was already being touted as one of the rookies of the year thanks to his strong performances. He started all 17 of the Chiefs’ games as they finished the regular season with a 12-5 record and was named in the PFWA All-Rookie Team of the season. With Mahomes looking settled and the rest of the roster looking strong, Humphrey seems to be in the perfect environment to continue improving. The Chiefs have 12 picks for this year’s draft, so if they address the team’s weaknesses don’t be surprised to see Humphrey’s stock continue to rise.
Ja'Marr Chase
The Bengals’ narrow Super Bowl XXIII loss to the Rams was a disappointing end to the season, but now the dust has settled, Cincinnati fans will be proud of what they did in 2021. It was their first Super Bowl appearance since 1998 and the performances of their free Pro Bowlers, Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Mixon and Trey Hendrickson were a big part of that. Chase was the most impressive of them all with a breathtaking rookie season that saw him voted into the All-Pro second team by the Associated Press. He finished the year as the rookie with the most receiving yards in the season, the most receiving yards in a game with 266 and the most receiving yards in the postseason with 368. He was also the youngest player to receive for over 100 yards in multiple postseason games. Chase will be hoping to make a similar impact in the 2022 season and if he can, the Bengals may be able to win their first-ever Super Bowl. With the Bengals seemingly giving out lucrative contracts to their top players, Chase is surely next in line, so we can expect to see him making touchdowns in Cincinnati for years to come.
Image: unsplash.com
Mac Jones
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones produced a phenomenal rookie campaign which saw him named in the PFWA All-Rookie Team and as an alternate in the Pro Bowl. He was one of the league’s top offensive players and finished behind only Ja’Marr Chase in the voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year. After being drafted in the first round, he performed well enough in the preseason to convince the Patriots’ coaching staff to cut experienced quarterback Cam Newton, who had only been signed in 2020. Jones started all 17 of the Patriot’s regular-season games helping them achieve a 10-7 record to reach the playoffs, their first appearance since Tom Brady left. He completed 67.7% of his passes for over 3,800 yards and 22 touchdowns, with only 7 fumbles and followed that up with two touchdown passes in the Wild Card loss to the Bills. If the Patriots can build a team around him for next season, Jones may be able to improve his performance and lead the team to glory.