Keyshawn Johnson, the former NFL wide receiver and current FS1 TV host, attended the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles to give his insights on this year’s batch of rookies in the league. As a former top overall pick who lived up to the hype, Johnson’s opinion carries weight. He spoke highly of several rookies, including the Chicago Bears’ Rome Odunze and the Arizona Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. However, he reserved his highest praise for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, predicting quiet success for the young player due to his fit with the team’s coach and playing style.
Johnson compared Daniels to C.J. Stroud, a rookie quarterback who stood out in his first year and won Offensive Rookie of the Year. He predicted that the Chicago Bears’ top pick, quarterback Caleb Williams, may not have the instant success that many expect. Johnson believes Daniels could have similar success to Stroud in his debut season. Despite the Commanders’ struggle last season, the team has a new regime and significant additions that could help elevate Daniels’ performance.
One rookie quarterback Johnson expects won’t see immediate playing time is the Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted in the top 10. Johnson believes McCarthy will start the season on the bench behind experienced starter Sam Darnold. Another surprising rookie selection was Michael Penix Jr. by the Atlanta Falcons, but Johnson sees the potential in the young quarterback despite low expectations of starting in 2024.
While Johnson predicts Daniels could have early success, he also believes the No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, is in a favorable situation with the Chicago Bears. The team has made key acquisitions in the offseason, positioning Williams for a strong start. Johnson also highlighted the Bears’ receiver Rome Odunze as a rookie set up for success in a favorable situation with veteran players. He praised Kansas City Chiefs’ receiver Xavier Worthy for his potential impact on a winning team, despite not leading in receptions.
The Rookie Premiere event allows rookies a chance to engage in photo and content shoots with Panini, the NFL’s trading card partner, marking their first business activity in the league. Johnson, who has been affiliated with Panini for over a decade, shared his experience from playing days with several teams and how he has accumulated a collection of cards over the years. While not an avid collector, Johnson has stored away thousands of cards from his playing career and promotional activities. Despite not opening the boxes, the cards remain in mint condition, serving as a reminder of his time in the NFL.
Overall, Keyshawn Johnson’s insights at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere offer a valuable perspective on this year’s rookie class. With his experience as a top draft pick and successful player, Johnson’s predictions and opinions give fans and analysts alike new angles to consider when evaluating the potential impact of these rookies in the upcoming NFL season. As the rookies gear up for their first season, Johnson’s words serve as a reminder of the excitement and uncertainty that comes with starting a career in the league.
