2014 NFL Rookies Who Could Have A Sophomore Slump

Can Odell top this moment? Photo Credit: Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes a rookie year can be good and then sometimes a rookie year can be amazing. The 2014 NFL draft class was full of loads of talent and the stats certainly don’t lie. A good rookie year doesn’t always guarantee continued success, though. Here are some 2014 rookies that I predict are going to have a sophomore slump.

This prediction might be a little bit out there, but after a tremendous rookie season, there’s a possibly Odell Beckham Jr could have a sophomore slump. I know that he was great, but with a hamstring injury history, Beckham could be in trouble, especially after last season. Of course, Beckham did have a breakout season, but the Giants have limited him this offseason. Another thing that could really plague Beckham this season is his rookie year. With such an explosive year behind him, anything less could be considered a slump for him but an amazing year for someone else. No matter what happens, though, everyone can agree that his one-handed catch was easily one of the coolest NFL moments of 2014 which could be a downside for Beckham too. Teams have seen just how athletic and talented he is and there’s where their defense will hit the hardest.

When you get replaced, it’s never easy to deal with. Just ask Tre Mason after Todd Gurley was drafted. After Gurley was drafted, Mason even said “And at that time, I’m thinking a pick like that—that’s a replacement.” With Gurley’s ACL surgery now complete, it seems like only a matter of time before Mason becomes Gurley’s backup. With almost 800 total rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns under his belt, Mason had a pretty productive rookie year, but with Gurley there, it looks like Mason is going to have to fight for a spot. Right now, it looks like Mason will be starting the season and will make the most of what playing time he does get. Even the name Gurley seems to set Mason off and when Mason was asked about Gurley, he responded with “I feel like he’s my teammate now and if you guys need information on Todd Gurley you should ask Todd Gurley.” If that doesn’t give you the answer on if Mason will have a sophomore slump, there’s not much else that will.

Similar to Mason’s case, Kelvin Benjamin’s job looks like it could be in trouble. Training camp has gone well for Benjamin, but training camp has also gone well for rookie WR Devin Funchess. With Newton’s less than accurate throwing skills, Funchess will make a good target for him. Benjamin had injuries to deal with last year and like with Beckham, they could creep up on him. His injuries could also make way for Funchess to have a breakout season too. With 9 touchdowns and the starting job handed to him, Benjamin picked up where Steve Smith left off and it paid off for him then. Even if Funchess doesn’t play a role in Benjamin having a slump, Cam Newton could since Benjamin didn’t have the best catch rate last year.

To round out my predictions, another wide receiver! Brandin Cooks had a pretty decent year as a rookie with 4 touchdowns, 550 receiving yards, and 53 total receptions. Cooks seemed poised to have a big role this year after the trade of Jimmy Graham, but with an injury that lost him the last few games of the season, it could come back to haunt him. The offensive line has changed quite a bit since last year too which could be a disadvantage for Cooks and even QB Drew Brees. Last season, Cooks got jammed up a few times with the defensemen and that kind of unpreparedness is going to be the thing they’re going to jump on, leaving Cooks as an easy target.