The 2018-2019 rookie class performed at the highest level of athleticism this season. They came into the draft with high expectations, and they exceeded each and every one of them. Although there were many athletes who deserved to win– and an even greater amount that deserved to be nominated– the 2018 NFL All-Team offensive Rookie of the Year was Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), and the defensive was Darius Leonard (Indianapolis Colts).

Offensively, Barkley is a top running back, proving this season how much of an impact  his career in the NFL will truly have. Barkley dominates the field, an explosive player when it comes to making tough plays seem like cake. According to the NFL, Barkley ran approximately 1,307 yards and carried  11 touchdowns,averaging 5 yards per carry.

Running against Barkley was our very own hometown running back Phillip Lindsay from the Denver Broncos. This season, Lindsay truly showed what it takes to be a talented athlete— beginning his career as undrafted. Similar to Barkley, the NFL stated that Lindsay ran for 1,037 yards, carried 9 touchdowns, and averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

It is apparent that the running backs dominated the offensive rookie class— but defensively, it was the outside linebackers who stole the show.

Darius Leonard, an outside linebacker  for the Indianapolis Colts, was truly a forced to be reckoned with this season. The NFL released that he held 163 tackles under his belt— there was no getting past him. Leonard also had 7.0 sacks and four forced fumbles, which is a scary opponent for any quarterback. Alongside with the constant pressure he put on offenses, he also had two interceptions— demonstrating  how versatile he is as an athlete.

The Denver Broncos rookie class was outstanding this year, as  proven by the hair-raising outside linebacker Bradley Chubb. According to the NFL, Chubb had 60 tackles and 12.0 sacks. He also forced two fumbles this year.

Across the board, the NFL rookies showed extreme talent this season. Coming from last season, spectators everywhere were weary and nervous. But each athlete truly brought their ‘A’ game, leaving a fulfilled feeling amongst fans across the nation. They have all showed NFL fans that next season, and every season after, there is something to look forward to.