After hearing months of analysis, the triumph of being drafted, hacking out a contract, and hitting the field for the grind of training camp, NFL rookies were finally able to suit up for their first crack at live game action this past weekend as Week 1 of the NFL Preseason was in full swing. Anyone looks like a future star in underwear drills and practice, but the live games start to separate the men from the boys.
NFL Rookie Watch: 2011 Preseason Stock Watch
After the jump, check out the risers and fallers from Week 1 of the Preseason Action.
Risers
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones already looks like a monster for the Atlanta Falcons. In his first preseason action Jones was targeted five times by Matt Ryan in three series with the starters. He caught two passes for 43 yards and also had a 12 yard end around. Julio Jones had the look of a big time receiver in this game, and he appears to be just getting started.
Lance Kendricks, St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford was far from stellar in the Rams' first preseason game, but one player that still put up numbers was rookie tight end Lance Kendricks. He caught five passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, clearly establishing himself as Sam Bradford's go-to-guy. It's amazing that a rookie has built up that sort of trust already.
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans: J.J. Watt seems to have parlayed his excellent training camp into a fast start in the preseason. He looked very solid against the Jets and seems to be a perfect fit with Houston's defense.
Fallers
Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints: Mark Ingram did not get nearly as much playing time in the preseason opener as one would hope. He got just one carry in the first half and was stuck behind Pierre Thomas on the depth chart. He'll eventually take over as the starter, but it may not be as soon as initially speculated.
Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins: Daniel Thomas seemingly got stuffed on every carry he received. He is considered one of the favorites for the offensive rookie of the year award simply because of the situation he landed in, but I was not a big fan of Thomas coming out of K-State and I'm not a big fan now. It will be a running back by committee at best in Miami, and Thomas won't be getting the lion's share of the workload. Couple that with the fact that Miami's offensive line looked terrible and there is very little reason for optimism for Daniel Thomas.
Da'Qaun Bowers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn looked solid in the first preseason game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Da'Quan Bowers was a bit uninspiring. Playing only ten snaps in the game, it appears as though Bowers still has some work to do to get back up to full speed.
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