Rookie Watch: Hall of Fame Game

Football is back!! How great is it to say that. Ok, so it may only be the hall of fame game, but football is football, right? Sunday will not only be the first game of football we've had since the Super Bowl, it'll be our first glimpse at some of this years rookie class. New Orleans Saints play 'hosts' to the Arizona Cardinals, meaning the most recognizable rookie on show is Michael Floyd, the Cardinals 13th overall pick.

Teams take different approaches when it comes to rookie playing time in preseason. Some teams like to leave their rookies out there as they learn to put all the puzzle pieces from the film room and practice field together into a real game situation. Generally rookies can take a while to adjust to the speed of the NFL game, meaning more play time is very helpful. Meanwhile other teams like to limit their rookie's play time to make sure they aren't injured or get burnt out before the season gets started. The Redskins, for example, are saying rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III will see 12-20 snaps in their preseason opener against the Bills next Thursday. This will be to assure their franchise quarterback doesn't get injured.

So it will be interesting to see what approach the Saints and Cardinals take, given they both have to play one extra preseason game. The Saints will be without fourth round pick Nick Toon, who is out with a foot injury. Third round defensive lineman Akiem Nicks should be available, but his play time could be limit as he's only just recovered from a hand injury.

Outside of Floyd for the Cardinals, I'll be interested to see how their offensive line shapes up. The Cardinals invested three picks (albeit a fourth, fifth and seventh) in tackles Bobby Massie, Senio Kelemete and Nate Potter. There's talk that one of those guys, most likely Potter, could be moved inside to guard and sure up their depth inside. I wonder (but doubt) if any of those guys can crack the starting line up before week one. Massie would be the favorite, given he was rated by many as a second round talent.