Rookie Impact Players by Division
By: Nathan Brown, Team X Analyst
Every year in the NFL, rookies step up and make an impact on their team. So I decided to take a look at this years draft class and key in on players that will make an immediate impact for their new team. I went with an offensive and defensive player from each division.
AFC North
Offense: Hollywood Brown WR Baltimore Ravens – The top WR taken in the draft has the ability to take the top off a defense in a flash. His deep ball ability should keep teams from stacking the box on the Ravens potent running game. He can take any touch and turn it into a house call, which is going to benefit the young and still developing Lamar Jackson.
Defense: Devin Bush LB Pittsburgh Steelers – This one is easy to me, the Steelers have been missing a rangy MLB in their defense since Ryan Shazier’s injury. Now they have it, Bush can go sideline to sideline and is very good in coverage. He should be a staple of their hard nosed defense for years to come.
AFC South
Offense: Parris Campbell WR Indianapolis Colts – I have a feeling wide receiver is going to be a popular pick for this category but the Colts receiving core lacked talent. Campbell brings more size and speed with outstanding ability to create plays after the catch. Pairing him with Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton spells trouble for the rest of the south.
Defense: Josh Allen LB Jacksonville Jaguars – Allen can do it all, rush the passer, drop into coverage and stop the run. In a division that has potent offenses in Indy and Houston, adding a player of his skill level is huge. Especially with Telvin Smith taking the year off.
AFC East
Offense: N’Keal Harry WR New England Patriots – With Rob Gronkowski retiring it opens up a spot for the big bodied target in the red zone. He ran better at the combine than expected. His ability to run after the catch and go into traffic to make the tough play will make Brady love his new target.
Defense: Quinnen Williams DT New York Jets / Ed Oliver DT Buffalo Bills / Christian Wilkins DT Miami Dolphins – This was a tough one, all four teams added impact defensive players. The addition of these three defensive tackles all add the ability to rush the passer in their own ways. The goal in the AFC East is to beat the Patriots and the best way to do that is getting pressure on Tom Brady. The fastest route to the quarterback is straight up the gut. I expect all of them to have a big time impact for their defenses.
AFC West
Offense: Mecole Hardman WR Kansas City Chiefs – With the suspension of Tyreek Hill and uncertainty he ever rejoins the team, Hardman will be thrust into a key role early. His dynamic speed and playmaking ability should give their offense the replacement they need to keep the train rolling.
Defense: Jerry Tillery DT / Nasir Adderley S Los Angeles Chargers – I went with the Chargers first two picks because they both greatly improve their defense. Adding Tillery will give them inside pressure they need to go along with Bosa and Ingram. He’s long, athletic and is disruptive in the passing game. Adderley is going to be the deep, rangy centerfielder paired perfectly with do it all safety Derwin James. He covers a lot of ground and has good ball skills.
NFC North
Offense: Garrett Bradbury OC Minnesota Vikings – When you back the Brinks truck up for a quarterback, you have to protect him to protect the investment. The Vikings line was awful and adding Bradbury at center presumably allows Pat Elflein to move back to guard and creates a much better situation. Dalvin Cook is poised to breakout which will bolster that offense and better offensive line play will go a long way in assuring that happens.
Defense: Darnell Savage S Green Bay Packers – In a division that loves to throw the ball around secondary play is vital. The Packers have added a ton of corners in the last few years and hope brining in Savage will finish off their secondary rebuild. He’s a fast, ball hawking safety in a similar mold to Earl Thomas, but not nearly as good a tackler.
NFC South
Offense: Chris Lindstrom OG / Kaleb McGary OT Atlanta Falcons – In order for the Falcons offensive attack to be high powered the offensive line needed to improve. Adding whats projected to be the right side of their starting unit in the first round was a big get for them. Both are big, athletic and best suited for the run game. They became fast friends at the Senior Bowl and built great chemistry which is key for an offensive line.
Defense: Brian Burns DE Carolina Panthers – I was torn between Burns and Tampa Bay rookie Devin White. I have White as my favorite to win DRoY but the impact a good pass rush can have on a defense outweighs the impact White will have. Burns has great athleticism and seemed to live in the backfield during his time at Florida State. Didn’t always have the greatest sack numbers but had plenty of QB hurries and pressures. He’s going to be thrust into a starting role with Julius Peppers retiring.
NFC East
Offense: Miles Sanders RB Philadelphia Eagles – Even with the trade for Jordan Howard, I expect Miles Sanders to eventually take over majority of the snaps because he has the ability to everything the Eagles typically use 3-4 backs for. He’s fast, shifty, strong and has the hands to make an impact in the passing game.
Defense: DeAndre Baker CB / Julian Love CB New York Giants – In a division that loves to air the ball out having a good secondary is a must. The Giants added the Jim Thorpe Award winner for top college corner and the runner up. That’s a pretty good start to rebuilding your defense. Baker is a man to man corner who has the talent to match up with number ones. Love is great in press zone coverage and had a ton of PBU’s during his time in college. Both are great at playing the ball and could develop into a formidable duo.
NFC West:
Offense: Kyler Murray QB Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals picked the player they had too, he’s a perfect fit for new head coach Kliff Kingbury’s offense and was the best quarterback in the class. He has great arm talent and accuracy to execute in the NFL. His athleticism will be huge early on though with the Cards offensive line struggles. He’ll be able to move around and get outside the pocket sort of hiding their deficiencies.
Defense: L.J. Collier DE Seattle Seahawks – With the trade of Michael Bennett last year, and Frank Clark this year the Seahawks are going to need someone to step up and play early. Built in a similar mold to Bennett, he’s going to make most his plays using his strength rather than athleticism. Collier is going to be expected to set the edge in the run game and create pressure from day 1.
Team X Scouting 