The NFL’s Biggest Rookie ‘Gifts’ of 2015

December 24, 2015   ·   Brent Sobleski   ·   Jump to comments

The NFL receives newly wrapped presents in late April and early May. The NFL draft serves as the league's version of holiday shopping. Like any good bargain shoppers, teams can find true value in unexpected places. 
When it comes to the draft, most expect first- and second-round picks to perform well. These are the expectations placed on those deemed the most talented coming out of the collegiate ranks. Even third-round picks can be thrown into the mix, since the round is included as part of the draft's first two days. 
An old NFL rule of thumb stated that a first-round pick should be expected to contribute in his first year, a second-round pick by his second and a third-round pick by his third. Any contributions from players acquired beyond that point is a bonus. 
There are multiple teams that received holiday bonuses from rookies selected in the fourth round and beyond this year, players who won't simply be contributors but actual building blocks for the...

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