5 NFL Rookies That Will Make An Immediate Impact Next Season
The NFL can often feel like a waiting game, as top draft prospects can take years even to see serious gametime, let alone become superstars. But every so often players become key contributors from their rookie seasons. Here are five rookies who are set to hit the ground running this NFL season.
1. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
It might be a bit obvious to say that the first overall pick will contribute this season, but Murray is the rookie who will probably have the most obvious impact on the 2019-20 NFL season. The Cardinals traded away Josh Rosen, specifically to give Murray the keys to Kliff Kingsbury’s pass-heavy offense, so expect to see a lot of the reigning Heisman winner this season.
2. Quinnen Williams, New York Jets
The third overall selection, Williams will slot right into a starting spot on the Jets defense. In a Jets team that will be more about developing players than gunning for the playoffs, he will have every chance to make a name for himself as a defensive star. Plus, he’s already established himself as a viral star with his press conference quotes.
"I'm gonna go play with myself today....to see how I feel" - Quinnen Williams, starting off the season the right way @LacesOutShow (via @snyjets) pic.twitter.com/KZGLAIHVAg
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 3, 2019
3. Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills
Another defensive player in the AFC East, Oliver has made a name for himself already by dominating the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line so badly in practice that head coach Sean McDermott feared for the safety of his quarterback. McDermott produces great defenses, so if training camp is any indication, Olliver will be in the nightmares of runblockers across the league this season.
4. DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
A wide receiver out of Ole Miss, Metcalf infamously met with Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll shirtless this offseason, though to be fair if I looked like DK Metcalf I would, too. More to the point, Metcalf is a solid pass catcher, he’s in incredibly good shape and he’ll be playing with Russel Wilson, one of the most reliable quarterbacks in football. He should shine in his first season.
DK Metcalf came into his pre-draft interview with Seattle with his shirt off after a scout talked him into it.
— ESPN (@espn) April 27, 2019
Pete Carroll was shocked so he took his off too ?
(via @Seahawks) pic.twitter.com/7dwBavQGhS
5. Greedy Williams, Cleveland Browns
Greedy Williams not only has the best name in this rookie class, he also will have one of the biggest roles. Cleveland had a star defensive end Myles Garrett, but they needed to draft talent in the secondary to round out the defense. Williams was the most talented cornerback in the last draft, and will be a key piece for a Browns’ team looking for playoff success.