Killer Frogs

Rookie Report Cards: Grading Each Horned Frogs’ Rookie Season in the NFL

How did each of the newest Horned Frogs do in their 1st NFL seasons?

Ian Napetian

Rookie Report Cards: Grading Each Horned Frogs’ Rookie Season in the NFL
Rookie Report Cards: Grading Each Horned Frogs’ Rookie Season in the NFL /

With the conclusion of the 2023 NFL regular season, let's take a look at each of the TCU Horned Frogs' rookie seasons. While some of the following players will continue to play through the playoffs, their Rookie Report Cards are based on their contributions during the regular season.

Steve Avila | LA Rams

Grade: A

Perhaps the steal of the 2nd Round, Steve Avila went from an unproven rookie to being the only Rams player to play every snap this season. The 24-year-old was the Rams's first pick of the draft (36th overall). He impressed in rookie camp and was slotted in as the starting left guard, alongside former Horned Frog Joe Noteboom.

Avila was part of a formidable offensive line that protected one of the NFL's premier pocket quarterbacks and future Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford. The Rams' offensive line ranks 7th best in the NFL with 34 sacks allowed and 7th in total offense.

Nov. 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams guard Steve Avila (73) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Avila and the Rams offensive line led from the front, allowing rookie running back Kyren Williams to a 1,000-yard season. Not to mention, rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua set an NFL rookie record for receiving yards and receptions with 105 catches for 1,486 yards. This would be impossible without a strong offensive line that was disciplined, intelligent, developed, and athletic.

After a 10-7 season and coming 2nd in the NFC West, the Rams have punched their ticket to the playoffs, where they will face the Detroit Lions (12-5) in the NFC Wild Card game on Sunday, Jan. 14.

Derius Davis | LA Chargers

Grade: B

After his incredibly successful career with the Horned Frogs as a wide receiver and return specialist, Derius Davis made his mark in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 4th round pick was one of the few bright spots for the Bolts in a disappointing season finishing last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record.

Dec. 31, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis (12) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports / © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The speed demon proved his worth as one of the premier return specialists in the NFL. Davis ranks 2nd in the NFL with 385 punt return yards. When compared to returners with at least 10 returns, Davis’ 16 yards per return ranks 2nd. Davis is also one of only eight players to register a punt return for a touchdown after an 87-yard score against the New York Jets in November.

Davis is slightly less efficient but equally dangerous on kick returns. This season he averaged 22 yards per return which, when compared to returners with at least 15 returns, ranks 10th in the league.

While special teams are Davis’ forte, he contributed offensively as well. He generated 66 receiving yards on 15 catches and 101 rushing yards on 14 carries. His most efficient day was on Oct. 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders where he had 67 total yards.

After an incredibly successful rookie campaign, Davis was named as the NFLPA's All-Pro Punt Returner. In 2024, he will look to build upon what was a tremendous first season in the NFL.

Emari Demercado | Arizona Cardinals

Grade: B-

Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Emari Demercado found success with the Arizona Cardinals. Demercado saw limited time early in the season as the Cardinals struggled to use him as an effective rusher and pass catcher. After a slow start, his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, where he punched home his first career NFL touchdown, stunted what would be a great month of October for the 24-year-old rookie running back.

Dec. 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports / © Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Two weeks later, he would rush for 58 yards against the Seattle Seahawks before notching 20 carries for 78 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 13, he also busted open for a 49-yard rushing touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.

As the season grew disappointing for the Cardinals, Demercado continued to shine. Working as the third-string running back, he generated 284 rush yards and two touchdowns. Rushing for an efficient 4.9 yards per carry, Demercado also provided as a pass catcher, totaling 119 receiving yards. For an undrafted running back, Demercado certainly made the most of his opportunities.

Max Duggan | LA Chargers

Grade: I (Incomplete)

Following his selection in the 7th round by the Los Angeles Chargers, Max Duggan fought an uphill battle in the quarterback room. Going to a team with an established quarterback in Justin Herbert would always be a challenge.

After spending most of the season on the practice squad, Duggan was promoted to the active roster after Herbert sustained a season-ending injury. He would be subsequently waived and re-signed to the practice squad and active roster later in the year, remaining behind backup quarterback Easton Stick. Unfortunately for Duggan, the Chargers signed quarterback Will Grier to backup Stick following the Herbert injury, further distancing the Horned Frog from the field of play.

Dec. 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Max Duggan (8) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports / © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

While Duggan never took an NFL snap, what’s important is that he remained on the Chargers through the end of the season. But the late-season signing of Grier could indicate that Duggan may need to find a new franchise to continue his dream of being in the NFL.

Tre Tomlinson | LA Rams

Grade: C-

Selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Tre Tomlinson joined a young, inexperienced cornerback room in southern California. After impressing head coach Sean McVay in spring practices and preseason, Tomlinson found himself with a roster spot. Tomlinson featured in eight games for the Rams but remained on the active roster all season.

Nov. 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Tre Tomlinson (6) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After making his NFL debut on Sept. 17 against the 49ers, Tomlinson was in and out of the Rams lineup. He had his best game against the Arizona Cardinals in November when he logged four tackles.

Tomlinson secured a spot as the Rams's second-string cornerback behind Cobie Durant, which should give him a solid foundation to build upon next season in Los Angeles.

Dylan Horton | Houston Texans

Grade: I (Incomplete)

Taken in the 4th round by the Houston Texans, Dylan Horton had himself a respectable season. The rookie defensive lineman faced challenges as he found himself behind Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr.

After making his NFL debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars in September, Horton went on to play in eight games in his rookie season. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a non-football illness.

Oct. 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Dylan Horton (92) in action during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports / © Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Days after the Texans defeated the Cardinals on Nov. 19, Horton said, “I’m currently dealing with a personal health matter that will keep me away from the team for an indefinite period of time. I will provide updates from time to time, but my main focus right now is on my health and recovery.”

In his limited time on the field, Horton made 13 total tackles and recovered a fumble. While his season was cut short, the Texans clinched a spot in the NFL Playoffs and will face the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card game on Saturday, Jan. 13.

Quentin Johnston | LA Chargers

Grade: C

Wide receiver Quentin Johnston entered his rookie year with high expectations after being selected in the first round by the Los Angeles Chargers in a stacked receiving room with the likes of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Joshua Palmer. While Johnston struggled to get targeted, his production slowly increased throughout the season.

He scored his first career NFL touchdown in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions, after hauling in four catches for 34 yards. Four weeks later, he had his best day production-wise, with three catches for 91 yards against the Denver Broncos.

The rookie receiver failed to reach 100 yards in any game this season but eclipsed the half-century mark on three occasions. Furthermore, Johnston was targeted 67 times but hauled in just 38 receptions for 431 yards as a rookie, which ranks 12th among rookie wide receivers in 2023.

Dec. 23, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports / © Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

In his final day with the media, Johnston reflected on his first year in the NFL. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs,” he said, “But at the same time a great learning experience.” Johnston undoubtedly has the talent to be a top receiver in the NFL, and at times this season, he showed glimpses of greatness.

One can expect Johnston to return and have a bounce-back season in 2024.

Kendre Miller | New Orleans Saints

Grade: C

Running back Kendre Miller had a quiet first season in the NFL. The 3rd round pick dealt with injuries for most of the season and only featured in nine games. When Miller was healthy, he played second fiddle to New Orleans Saints feature back Alvin Kamara.

Oct. 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) tackles New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / © Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Miller put together his best performance in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, when he rushed the ball 12 times for 37 yards and had four catches for 53, totaling 90 all-purpose yards. He contributed to a dominant victory, where the Saints shut out the Patriots 34-0. In the season's final game, Miller's dream as a rookie came true. He rushed 13 times for 73 yards and punched in his first career NFL touchdown in a mammoth 48-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Despite being sidelined due to injury, Miller made the most of his opportunities. He showcased his various abilities as both a rusher and pass catcher, totaling 156 rushing yards and 117 receiving yards. Miller will look to recover in the offseason to return fully healthy to the Saints in 2024.

Dee Winters | San Francisco 49ers

Grade: C

Taken in the 6th round, Dee Winters went into a tremendously talented defense with the San Francisco 49ers. Playing alongside the likes of Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Arik Armstead, Winters slotted in as the second-string linebacker behind Dre Greenlaw.

Featuring in nine games, Winters made ten total tackles. He was part of a 49ers defense that allowed the 8th fewest yards per game (303.9), the 3rd fewest points per game (17.5), and allowed the fewest touchdowns in the NFL (31).

Aug. 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Max Duggan (8) avoids San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters (53) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports   / © Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

After securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC, home-field advantage and a first-round bye, Winters and the 49ers will have considerable time to recover before playing in the NFC Divisional round.

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Ian Napetian
IAN NAPETIAN

Ian Napetian is currently pursuing a double-major in Journalism and Sports Broadcasting at TCU. He is the creator and host the sports-talk radio show Riff Ram Review on 88.7 KTCU The Choice. He also hosts pregame and postgame shows for TCU Baseball and Women's Basketball on 88.7 The Choice. Additionally, he enjoys attending TCU sporting events with his friends.

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