After Ohio State's historic 2015 draft class, it's no wonder former Buckeyes have been turning heads in their first NFL appearances. Here are some of the top rookie performances from former Ohio State players.
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott had perhaps the most anticipated professional debut of any player in the country – and he delivered.
Elliott rushed for 48 yards on seven carries, but beyond the numbers he displayed his physicality as both a blocker and a runner, even lowering his shoulder on Seattle's Kam Chancellor – the hardest hitting safety in the NFL.
Michael Thomas
As just a rookie, Michael Thomas is still a contender to be one of the New Orleans Saints' starters come week one.
Thomas has just six receptions for a total of 95 yards this preseason, but he's turned enough heads in practice that Saints head coach Sean Payton has even advised fantasy football players to draft him to their team.
From nola.com
"I've got high expectations from him," Payton said. "Listen, I think he's going to contribute early. And I don't follow fantasy football, but, shoot, I'd try to have him. I think he's going to do well."
Thomas has not been formally named a starter yet, but one way or another he will be on the field early and often during the regular season, especially if he keeps making snags like this:
.. @saints rookie wide out Michael Thomas with a one handed catch - unreal grab by the rook #wgnosports pic.twitter.com/NKaXhcgtDR
— Ed Daniels (@WGNOsports) July 29, 2016
Tyvis Powell
Undrafted free-agent Tyvis Powell was never supposed to come close to making the final roster, much less earn specific praise from Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. Alas, here we are. The former Buckeye shined in his first preseason game, obliterating a man on special teams and intercepting a pass while playing corner.
Oh... ohhhhhh pic.twitter.com/F1hpgNVoIg
— Jos Rivera (@whoisjoserivera) August 13, 2016
So there's not a chance in hell Tyvis Powell isn't making this team
— Evan (@EvanonFG) August 13, 2016
Powell said he'd do just about anything to make the final 53 man roster, and it seems he's well on his way.
"I don't care if they tell me, 'Tyvis, we need you to get the water for everybody.' I'm going to be the best water boy in America."– Tyvis Powell
Cardale Jones
Like father like son, Cardale Jones also shone in his preseason debut.
With slightly over a minute remaining and his team down seven, Dolodale marched his team down the field for a touchdown as time expired. Unfortunately, the Bills went for the win with a two-point conversion and failed.
"The guy can sling it."
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) August 14, 2016
Bills fans liked what they saw on night one of Cardale Jones' NFL career.https://t.co/COP9XDOErT
Jones finished that game 11 for 21 passing with 162 yards and a touchdown and also racked up 34 rushing yards on four attempts – one of which give his team a crucial first down. In his next game, Jones managed 6 for 12 passing with 83 yards and an interception.
It's unlikely he'll play meaningful minutes this year with Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel ahead of him on the depth chart, but Jones' preseason performance as well as glowing reports from his coach bode well for his future.
Jalin Marshall
Another undrafted free agent is making noise this preseason – Jalin Marshall.
In his professional debut, Marshall burned the Jacksonville Jaguars on a beautiful 84-yard kickoff return
Oh yeah...this guy is a bonafide weapon. RB vision with NFL explosiveness. Jalin Marshall everybody. #NYJ #JAXvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/IM43inh2R0
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) August 12, 2016
In the Jets' most recent game against the Giants, Marshall had perhaps the most Jalin Marshall performance of all time – fumble which directly followed a nice juke move, a bad drop, a misjudged a punt along with a great return, and at one point he led all players in receiving.
Every game he's played in this season, he's been one of the Jets' top performing receivers. But even if he does not earn consistent playing time on offense, he'll undeniably be a difference maker on special teams.
