5 NFL Rookies That Will Make an Immediate Impact Next Season
In the NFL, some guys take time to develop. Tom Brady spent his rookie year behind Drew Bledsoe. Joe Montana rode the bench coming out of Notre Dame. It's normal.
But some guys are pro-ready right out of the gate. Jerry Rice goes mad in '85. LT (the original one) hoots the Giants into the playoffs in '81. Here's who's next.
1. Kyler Murray
Ok, let's get through the big ones first. The number one pick out of Oklahoma may bring concerns because of his size, but he should bring some much-needed life and footwork to a struggling Cardinal offense. The best comparison is probably Russell Wilson because of his size and how much he'll have to scramble due to a weak offensive line. It'll take time to be great, but he'll win some games on his own.
2. Quinnen Williams
The Jets got the best player in the draft. The National Champion defensive end will be the centerpiece of a scary defensive line including Henry Anderson and Leonard Williams.
Williams recorded eight sacks in his sophomore season at Alabama, but he will help the Jets most in run defense. A unanimous All-American, Williams recorded 19.5 tackles for loss in 2018.
3. DK Metcalf
With the release and sudden retirement of Doug Baldwin, the Seahawks have some big shoes to fill. The Seahawks have reinvigorated the run game that helped them win the Super Bowl, but Metcalf is perfect alongside Tyler Lockett and a Russell Wilson who has transformed since that win.
The Rams are the team to beat in the west, but Metcalf raises expectations for Seattle.
4. Damien Harris
Bill Belichick just keeps finding good running backs.
Harris goes from a perennial winner at Alabama to a perennial winner in Foxboro. Alongside Sony Michel and James White (and Rex Burkhead somewhere), Harris will be part of yet another three-headed backfield monster for New England. This one will add to the ground game after Gronk's retirement takes a weapon from Brady.
5. Hunter Renfrow
This is a bit of a sleeper, and it all depends on what happens with Antonio Brown.
However, the Raiders hope 2019 is a turning point, whether or not AB is there, and this fifth-round pick could be that sneaky slot receiver who becomes Derek Carr's on-field best friend.
In hopes to complement the groundwork of Doug Martin, Carr will make it easier on his offensive line by finding the Clemson product in the horizontal passing game.