Now that the dust is settled from draft weekend, the next step is analyzing each teams picks and how they fit in that specific scheme, on top of where they land on the current depth chart. I went through all seven rounds and grabbed one player from each round that will have the biggest impact as a rookie, based of the above factors.
Round One
Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
Whether you like Benjamin the player or not, there ia no arguing that he will immediately jump into the Panthers starting rotation after he beats out Tiquan Underwood and Jason Avant by default. Benjamin will finally give Cam Newton the big-bodied target he’s been wishing for since joining the team. Benjamin is also a weapon both vertically and in the red zone. With the Panthers secondary woes likely to continue during next season, expect plenty of scenarios where they are trailing late in games and are forced to chuck the rock, enter Benjamin stage left.
Although he is raw and will hit a learning curve regarding the playbook and NFL nuances, Benjamin’s physical presence allows him to disregard the Xs and Os, and just catch the damn ball. Not many receivers are in the position Benjamin is, as he will be anointed the starting job out of training camp, and will have a quarterback who can find ways to get him the ball.
Round Two
Lamarcus Joyner, Secondary, St. Louis Rams
In general, the secondary group is wildly effected by the amount of pass rush their defensive line can achieve, and no one in football owns a more capable pass-rushing unit with their front-four than the Rams. With four first-round picks on their defensive line, the Rams are locked and stocked to destroy opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary will be waiting to reap the benefits.
Joyner was a joker for the Florida State Seminoles playing every position from slot, outside, and safety, while blitzing the quarterback, and dropping back in coverage. He will likely play the same role under Jeff Fisher and will be utilized in a variety of different ways, but one thing I do know, whereever the ball is, you can find Joyner near by. With the Rams ferocious front-seven making opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable, Joyner will be ready to pounce on their mistakes and continue making splash plays like he did in college.
Round Three
Louis Nix, Nose Tackle, Houston Texans
Still trying to figure out how Nix fell as far as he did on draft day. The only legitimate reason had to be teams weren’t convinced his knee was 100 percent and wouldn’t hold up in the NFL. Believe it or not, Im actually not a doctor, so I can’t argue one way or another. But, I do know when healthy, Nix was the most dominating nose tackle in college football, with his rare quickness and strength that gave opponents fits. Now he gets to play in-between two of the most talented defensive-ends in football in J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, forming the best 1-2-3 punch for a 3-4 defensive line in football.
Nix must be double teamed at all times as he can stuff the run, and create interior pressure. So with the talent surrounding him, he will have plenty of chances to make big plays. Just like most at his position, the nose tackle is typically known for chewing up blockers and helping teammates collect the stats, but Nix should get the best of both worlds, and will receive plenty of recognition for his effect on the field.
Round Four
Devonta Freeman, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
With Freeman’s ability to pass protect and catch the ball naturally he will surly get plenty of playing time early and often, but when you factor in starter Steven Jackson’s inability to stay on the field, Freeman could be in a prime situation to put up huge numbers in a high-scoring offense. With the passing game set to run on all cylinders, and the acquisition of offensive tackle Jake Matthews, Freeman should have plenty of big running lanes and opportunities to produce. With his skill-set, I expect Freeman to excel as a third-down back and be ready to pounce on the starting role if and when Jackson goes down, becoming a 20-plus touch running back.
Round Five
David Yankey, Guard, Minnesota Vikings
Drafting Yankey in the fifth round was highway robbery and the Vikings know it. With four incredibly talented offensive linemen already in place, shoring up the fifth and final spot at left guard was a quiet priority for the purple and gold. Yankey was an All-American at life, earning more awards than Derek Jeter at the ESPYs during his career for the Cardinal. Yankey was an excellent tackle, but thrived inside at guard, where he was one of the best pulling guards in the country. He will pave running lanes Adrian Peterson never knew was possible and help in the pass game immediately.
Round Six
Marion Grice, Running Back, San Diego Chargers
In a deep and talented running back class, Grice was tough to separate from the pack. However, Grice is clearly head-and-shoulders above his peers at catching the ball out of the backfield. Grice made acrobatic catches for the Sun Devils look routine, and will be a dangerous weapon for Philip Rivers. While Ryan Mathews will begin the season as the every-down starter he has never blown anyone away, typically winning the job by default. While Grice isn’t your bruiser in-between the tackles, expect him to win over coaches and Rivers, earning plenty of playing time, opportunities, and targets.
Round Seven
Michael Sam, Linebacker, St. Louis Rams
Im not here to cause controversy, in fact I want nothing to do with it. While I do applaud the achievement Sam has made for the evolution of man-kind, this segment is purely football based. Sam plays linebacker, a position that is heavily influenced by the defensive line playing ahead of him, which for Sam just happens to be four first rounders. Sam, who was the co-defensive SEC player of the year, will have the luxury of playing next to the most talented group of men in the league, including James Laurinaitis and Alec Ogletree. Off the field headlines or not, there is no reason no think that Sam won’t have a big impact in the Rams front-seven, considering he cost just a seventh-round pick.