The rookies of the Detroit Lions have a tough matchup ahead of them with the Dallas Cowboys coming to town in Week 11.
Despite many seeing increased roles in recent weeks, their levels of on-field success have varied.
Here’s what to expect from this year’s rookie class:
Quarterback David Blough
With starting quarterback Matthew Stafford sitting out once again, Blough will go into this game as Jeff Driskel’s backup. The undrafted rookie has yet to see the field this season, and that isn’t expected to change today.
Running back Ty Johnson
Johnson’s availability for this game was uncertain heading into this week, but the Lions sixth-round pick has cleared concussion protocol and is ready to play against Dallas. The rookie running back will be the team’s starter but will share his reps with J.D. McKissic and newly signed Bo Scarborough.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson’s rookie campaign has not been that of a player taken eighth overall, but his role on the offense is clearly defined.
Most Tight End Slot Routes in the last 4 weeks
Hunter Henry – 90
Travis Kelce – 85
Jimmy Graham – 69
Trey Burton – 67
Eric Ebron – 58
Austin Hooper – 56
Tyler Eifert – 56
Greg Olsen – 55
Zach Ertz – 55
TJ Hockenson – 53
Jacob Hollister – 52
Darren Waller – 51— Matt Gajewski (@Matt_Gajewski) November 15, 2019
A bulk of the rookie’s snaps have come from the slot while fellow tight ends Jesse James and Logan Thomas lined up from the traditional inline tight end spot.
Hockenson has made 25 catches on 44 targets this season with just two drops. Interestingly enough, 17 of those 25 receptions went for first downs. If he could keep up that kind of success in short-yardage situations, the offense will have a much easier time moving the sticks against Dallas’ strong pass defense.
Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel
The undrafted rookie has yet to play in a regular-season game, and with a healthy interior offensive line, don’t expect anything different from him.
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai
Tavai has been showing some improvement throughout the season, seeing his snap counts rise steadily. While his increased workload has led to a decrease in Jarrad Davis’ reps at MIKE, it has actually caused Davis to thrive in a new role.
Tavai has done well as a pass-rusher and against the run, but there’s still work to be done in pass-defense. Expect him to get a fair share of snaps from the inside linebacker role while Davis and Devon Kennard hold the outside spots.
jahlani tavai does a great job shedding a block at the second level and stuffing this run pic.twitter.com/DxHcSFVBUy
— mansur shaheen (@mansurshaheen) November 7, 2019
Cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye and Michael Jackson Sr.
Both rookies have had fairly quiet seasons, with Oruwariye being active for two games and Jackson yet to suit up for one.
Detroit’s cornerback group is looking to be at full health for the first time in weeks, meaning that these two could see themselves as healthy scratches on the inactive list this week.
Safeties Will Harris and C.J. Moore
For the second week in a row, Harris has taken every single defensive snap for the Lions. Despite a clear-cut starting role, the third-round pick has struggled to cover opposing receivers.
Harris has allowed an average 113.7 passer rating against him along with one touchdown. Expect this rookie to have a rough matchup against Dallas’ talented trio of wide receivers.
In a much more limited role on defense, Moore has yet to allow a reception against him. His usage on defense will go back down this week if Tracy Walker returns to the field, but expect the undrafted rookie to rotate in on defense while playing a bulk of Detroit’s special teams snaps.