Projected Stat Lines for TCU Rookies in the NFL
TCU had eight rookies selected in the NFL draft with opportunities to succeed in the league. Here are realistic stat projections and pro comparisons for each of them this upcoming season.
Quentin Johnston: WR - Los Angeles Chargers
Stat Projections: 50 receptions, 750 yards, 5 touchdowns
Pro Comparisons: DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green, Alshon Jeffery
Being selected in the first round, Johnston will be an instant contributor for the Chargers this season. He joins a loaded receiver room that includes veterans Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and a top pass-catching
running back in Austin Ekeler, so his targets will have to be shared. However, with a stud quarterback like Justin Herbert, who was second in the NFL in pass attempts per game last season, there will be enough opportunity to go around. Look for Johnston to be a top rookie wide receiver.
Steve Avila: IOL - Los Angeles Rams
Stat Projections: Day one starter at left guard
Pro Comparisons: Gabe Jackson, Laken Tomlinson, Justin Blalock
With an opening at left guard for the Rams, look for Avila to have a strong chance to become the Day One starter at the position. He was selected as the top interior offensive lineman in the entire draft, so obviously, the Rams are very high on his talent.
Kendre Miller: RB - New Orleans Saints
Stat Projections: 70 rushes, 300 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 20 receptions, 150 receiving yards, 1 reception touchdown
Pro Comparisons: Nick Chubb, James Robinson, Jeff Wilson Jr.
Selected in the third round, Miller goes to a Saints team that already has a stacked veteran running back room with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, so his opportunity will be fairly limited. However, with Alvin Kamara possibly facing a suspension for a felony battery charge going into the season, Miller's opportunity could open up and possibly take more of the running load as the Saints' season goes on.
Dylan Horton: DE - Houston Texans
Stat Projections: 2.5 sacks, 25 tackles, 3 TFL
Pro Comparisons: Cameron Jordan, Michael Danna, Jonathon Cooper
Horton is slated to be a backup defensive end behind TCU veteran Jerry Hughes and first-round draft pick Will Anderson Jr., but should new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans unlock Horton's raw talent; he should be able to work into the rotation as the season goes on and show flashes of the effective player TCU saw last season.
Derius Davis: WR - Los Angeles Chargers
Stat Projections: 8 receptions, 100 yards, 1 touchdown, Starting kickoff/punt returner
Pro Comparisons: KaVontae Turpin, Tavon Austin, Marquez Stevenson
Selected in the fourth round, Davis will join teammate Quentin Johnston in the loaded Chargers wide receiver room. Davis was selected mainly to be the starting kickoff and punt returner. Still, he could also see limited work as a gadget player for Kellen Moore's offense as they will try to find ways to get his speed and playmaking ability involved. Look for Moore to use Davis similarly to how TCU's KaVontae Turpin was used last year on the Cowboys.
Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson: CB - Los Angeles Rams
Stat Projections: 35 tackles, 2 INTs,
Pro Comparisons: Antoine Winfield Sr., Marcus Jones, Duke Shelley
With the departure of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Hodges-Tomlinson goes into a Rams defense thin at cornerback with an opportunity to succeed. Last season's Jim Thorpe Award winner will compete with young corners like Robert Rochell, Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendrick for playing time. If he shows flashes of the success he had at TCU, Tre'Vius could be set up for a successful rookie year.
Dee Winters: LB - San Francisco 49ers
Stat Projections: 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 TFL
Pro Comparisons: Dre Greenlaw, Wesley Woodyard, Tyrel Dodson
Winters goes into a 49ers team with an opening at their strongside linebacker position. With Azeez Al-Shaair leaving in free agency, Winters will get to compete with Oren Burks, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and Marcelino McCrary-Ball for the starting spot, a battle he could likely end up winning. If he gets playing time alongside star linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, Dee would be set up to be very successful in a strong 49ers' defense.
Max Duggan: QB - Los Angeles Chargers
Stat Projections: Backup quarterback
Pro Comparisons: Taylor Heinicke, Sam Ehlinger, Tim Tebow
Duggan was drafted into a Chargers team that has their franchise quarterback established in Justin Herbert, so he will be put in a spot to battle it out with Easton Stick for the second-string quarterback position. Don't expect Duggan to get much playing time this season, but the guy is a flat out dog, so he will be ready if a crazy scenario happens.
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