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Every player entered the 2021 NFL season with a certain level of expectation. They were based on several factors such as past performance and team situation. Some players have surpassed them while others have struggled to meet them. Here are five players who have exceeded expectations in the 2021 NFL season.
Exceeding expectations in the 2021 NFL season
#5 - QB Davis Mills, Houston Texans
Davis Mills was drafted by the Houston Texans as a prospect for a possible role in the future. He was never supposed to be a starter in the 2021 NFL season, but circumstances forced him into the position. Deshaun Watson is dealing with issues off the field and his replacement, Tyrod Taylor, was injured early in the 2021 NFL season.
All things considered, Davis Mills has done a good job filling in as a starting quarterback sooner than expected. He has statistically held his own with five other rookie quarterbacks who were all drafted in the first round, while he was selected in the fourth.
#4 - CB Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys
Trevon Diggs showed great potential in his 2020 rookie season. He got better as the season progressed and recorded three interceptions over his last five games. He entered the 2021 NFL season with expectations of being a solid cornerback, but he has taken things to the next level.
He currently leads the NFL with a massive seven interceptions. He is three interceptions clear of second place. He has also scored two defensive touchdowns this season and is an early candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
Exceeding expectations in the 2021 NFL season
#3 - RB Ezekiel Elliot, Dallas Cowboys
The 2021 NFL season has seen a revival of Ezekiel Elliot. He had the worst season of his career in 2020 by almost every measure. The short lifespan of running backs made many believe that his best days were long behind him and that he had become just an average player.
Elliot turned things around in the 2021 NFL season and is once again playing like one of the best running backs in the league. He ranks fifth in rushing yards, tenth in yards per carry and third in rushing touchdowns. Zeke is not done yet.
#2 - WR/RB Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons
Cordarrelle Patterson was one of the biggest surprises of the 2021 NFL season. He has done it all for the Falcons this season, leading the team in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and receiving touchdowns while also ranking second in receiving yards and third in receptions. He is also their primary kick returner.
He is now 30 years old, and is having the best season of his career. He has been a utility player in recent seasons but hasn't featured in any offenses. New head coach Arthur Smith has figured out a way to utilize his skillset.
#1 - WR Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja'Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow had elite chemistry when they played together in college at LSU. The Bengals drafted Chase in an attempt to recreate that. Expectations were high for Chase during the 2021 NFL season, but he has far surpassed them.
Chase currently ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards and fourth in receiving touchdowns. He is a master of big plays, leading the league with 21.5 yards per reception. He already looks like an elite wide receiver and he's only played in seven games in his career. He is the heavy favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award for the 2021 NFL season.
