Alright, let’s talk about the 2017 NFL Rookie of the Year. Man, that was a fun year to follow. I remember diving deep into stats and player profiles trying to predict who would blow up.
It all started with the draft, of course. I remember watching it live, glued to the TV. I was specifically interested in the running backs. I knew that position could make an immediate impact, and I wanted to see where guys like Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey would land.
Then came the preseason. I started tracking snap counts, targets, and touches. This is where you really start to see who’s getting the opportunities. I remember thinking, “Okay, this guy is getting a lot of reps with the first team.” That’s a good sign.
Next, I dove into game film. Watching how these rookies were performing, not just looking at the box scores. Were they creating yards after contact? Were they making smart reads? Were they blocking effectively? This part takes a bit more time, but it gives you a much better feel for a player’s potential impact.
I would usually focus on a few key players each week. Track their progress, compare their performance to other rookies, and make some adjustments to my predictions. I would jot down notes like crazy, almost like my own little scouting report.
Around mid-season, it became pretty clear that Alvin Kamara was a serious contender. His explosiveness and versatility were just unmatched. I specifically remember one game where he had like, a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a kick return touchdown. I was like, “This dude is the real deal.”
Towards the end of the season, I started comparing Kamara’s stats and impact to the other rookies, guys like Kareem Hunt, who also had a great year. But Kamara just seemed to have that extra “it” factor. I think his role in the Saints’ offense, combined with his pure talent, made him stand out.
When Kamara finally won the award, I wasn’t surprised. I felt like I had followed his journey from the beginning, and I was stoked to see him get the recognition he deserved. It’s always satisfying when your research pays off, even if it’s just for bragging rights among your friends.
Looking back, the whole process was a great learning experience. It taught me the importance of doing your research, paying attention to details, and trusting your gut. And who knows, maybe I’ll be able to predict the next big thing in the NFL.
