Rookie Watch: Strong debuts in NFL preseason

Week 1 of the NFL preseason is in the books and plenty of rookies had outstanding performances. Here is a review of each rookie's recruitment, how they fared in the opener and a take from Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell.

MORE FARRELL: Three-Point Stance | Twitter Tuesday

Recruitment: Watson committed to Clemson about a year before National Signing Day and stuck with the Tigers. Ohio State, Auburn, LSU, USC, Oregon and Georgia were a few that stayed involved. He was the top-rated dual-threat quarterback and No. 31 overall in the 2012 class. Watson led Clemson to the national title last season.

Performance: Watson is fighting for the starting job in Houston with Tom Savage, who is first on the depth chart at this point. The former five-star completed 15 of 25 passes for 179 yards and he had 24 rushing yards in Houston’s opener.

Farrell’s Take: I’ve long been a proponent of Watson as the best quarterback in this draft and a future star, but his first game action highlighted some of the questions many have had, especially downfield accuracy. That has always been one of his issues, even back in high school, but he continues to improve and he will certainly never be rattled.

Recruitment: Less than two days after visiting Notre Dame and landing his offer, Kizer committed to the Irish. Prior to that, Kizer had Tennessee, LSU and Alabama as his three favorites. He was also keeping a close eye on whether Ohio State would offer. The Buckeyes did not. He was rated as the ninth-best dual-threat QB in the 2014 class.

Performance: There is hope for the Browns. When was the last time that was written? Kizer looked more comfortable than ever in the Browns’ preseason opener completing 11 of 18 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown. If Kizer continues to perform so well through this preseason, could he be the Week 1 starter?

Farrell’s Take: I’ve also been vocal about how Kizer will not be an effective NFL quarterback, but this is a very good start. It’s not as if Cleveland has an established starter. He will get every chance to win the job, but my concern is how he reacts once the chips are down because I don’t think he has mental toughness.

Recruitment: Trubisky committed to North Carolina over Tennessee, Michigan State, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Northwestern and others shortly after a visit to Chapel Hill in the spring before his senior season. He was a three-star recruit and the No. 21 dual-threat quarterback in the 2013 class.

Performance: Mike Glennon might be the starter and that’s how the Bears' front office has been talking, but Trubisky was impressive in the preseason opener and could move up the depth chart if he continues to do so well. In typical Trubisky fashion, the former North Carolina standout completed 18 of 25 passes for 166 yards and a TD in the opener. Bears' fans were cheering. Soldier Field was excited. It’s been awhile since that has happened.

Farrell’s take: Trubisky was a risky pick to me, especially moving up to select him, mainly because he doesn’t have a lot of starts under his belt. He was certainly impressive in his first action although it was against third-stringers and it was clear he ran a scripted, safe, short passing attack. But you have to give him props, he made quick decisions and got the ball out quickly like he did in high school and college.

Recruitment: Mahomes was a high three-star prospect who put up big-time numbers in high school. He picked Texas Tech over Houston, Rice and others. The Whitehouse, Texas, recruit was rated as the No. 12 dual-threat QB in the 2014 class.

Performance: Mahomes was moved up to second on the depth chart this week and K.C. fans must be thrilled since the former Texas Tech star looked so good in the preseason opener. Early on, Mahomes connected on a 40-yard downfield pass that was called back because of holding. Still, he finished seven of nine for 49 yards and a touchdown in a loss to San Francisco. He was good and Kansas City is noticing.

Farrell’s Take: I felt Mahomes was a reach as a top 10 pick, but he did look solid in his debut. He flashed his big arm a couple of times but his accuracy was what impressed me the most. He can move around, he always has, but he also threw well from the pocket a few times. His run/pass versatility helped him throw his first touchdown pass.

Recruitment: Barnett committed to Tennessee midway through his senior season, but he apparently made his mind up much earlier. According to reports, after he saw the Volunteers play for the first time during his freshman year against LSU, Barnett said he knew he’d end up playing in Knoxville. LSU, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Ohio State and others were involved

Performance: Barnett worked against first- and second-team offensive tackles against Green Bay and more than held his own. He finished with two sacks and definitely looked the part as an outside edge rusher. If he continues to be so productive through the preseason – especially against top-flight offensive tackles – then Barnett could be a huge pickup for the Eagles.

Farrell’s take: Barnett was dominant with his hands and showed off his physical nature and motor as expected. He’s the perfect fit for Philadelphia, where they love hard workers who have a lunch pail mentality. He’s always been a big-bodied end, even in high school, but his transformation from high school to college to now has been amazing.

Recruitment: Watt committed to Wisconsin in the spring before his senior season and had other offers from only Minnesota and Northern Illinois. He started his career with the Badgers at tight end but later moved to defense.

Performance: Three tackles, two sacks and a pass deflection for Watt in the preseason opener has some very premature comparisons going to his brother, J.J., but Watt did an excellent job in his first game. Sure, the blocking was horrendous and he was completely free on one sack but Watt got the job done and deserves credit.

Farrell’s Take: Ahhh bloodlines. Sometimes it’s smart to give a prospect the benefit of the doubt based on his last name and that would have been smart with Watt. He has gone from an undersized athlete out of high school to a legit hybrid guy in college and beyond. He’s going to fill that pass-rushing role the Steelers need badly very well based on his first game.