Marcus Peters – CB, Los Angeles Rams Marcus Peters was taken number nine in the 2016 draft out of Washington State University. In his rookie season he was able to start at cornerback and put up 65 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defended, ten pass break-ups, one forced fumble, 14.9 coverage snaps per target, 0.87 defensive touchdowns allowed, and 15.8 quarterback rating allowed (opponents). He did not allow a touchdown over the entire season, tied for first among cornerbacks who played at least 100 snaps. Peters received the highest grade among all cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus, ranking 13th best in the league. On March 21, 2017 the Rams extended Peters’ contract.
DeShaun Watson – QB, Houston Texans DeShaun Watson went undrafted in 2014 after playing high school football at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. After being signed by the Panthers, he transferred to Clemson where he became their starting quarterback after the departure of Tajh Boyd. In 2015, he led the Tigers to a National Championship win with 45 total touchdowns, completing 72% of his passes while throwing just 11 picks. His final stats were 46/68 passing for 607 yards and 10 touchdowns. Watson was drafted by the Texans in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
JuJu Smith-Schuster – WR, Pittsburgh Steelers The youngest player ever selected as a top five pick in the NFL draft, JuJu Smith-Schuttled himself into the spotlight immediately with his play on the field. As a freshman at USC in 2013, Smith-Schuster recorded 81 catches for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He followed up those numbers in 2014 with 83 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite missing three games due to injury, Smith-Schuster had his best statistical campaign yet in 2015, hauling in 82 catches for 1,367 yards and 19 touchdowns. He finished third on the team in receiving yards and second in receiving average. Smith-Schuster continued his success in 2016, posting career highs across the board with 111 catches for 1,509 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and All Pro First Team following his stellar rookie year. Smith-Schuster has been nicknamed “JuJu” since childhood because of his love for Juicy Fruit gum. The nickname stuck for good.
Von Miller – LB, Denver Broncos Von Miller was originally selected tenth overall by the Chargers in 2011 before signing with the Broncos in 2012. In his rookie season, Miller racked up 12 sacks. He then proceeded to go on to record double digit sack totals each consecutive season between 2013 and 2015. Since joining the Broncos, Miller has recorded a total of 80.5 sacks in 51 regular season games. He has been chosen to four Pro Bowls and twice won the award for MVP in 2015.
Ben Roethlisberger – QB, Cincinnati Bengals Ben Roethlisberger entered the NFL as the ninth overall selection by the Steelers in 2004. Over time he developed into one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the league, leading them to back-to-back
