NFL’s 32 top surprises, and rating whether each will continue

In an effort to increase opportunities for minority candidates for NFL jobs covered by the Rooney Rule, it has been suggested to push back hirings until after the Super Bowl each year. ”The whole point of it was to slow down the process, take your time, get the best candidate and make a decision,” Tony Dungy says of the Rooney Rule that was approved in late 2002. Dungy, one of only two African American coaches in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – Fritz Pollard is the other – was in the midst of his Super Bowl-winning career when the Rooney Rule was adopted.

Jay Ajayi is likely to suit up in Thursday’s season opener; Marlon Mack’s hamstring may push him to the inactives list while elevating rookie Jordan Wilkins to bonafide sleeper status; Kerryon Johnson may or may not have a big role in the Lions backfield; and Kenyan Drake’s playing time is