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Which newly drafted NFL rookies will make the biggest impact? Picks for all 32 teams
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams, North Carolina, RB
First-rounder Patrick Surtain will have the best career. The former Alabama cornerback has All-Pro potential, but it’s unclear whether he’ll have a major role this season with free-agent additions Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby on the outside.
Williams, the Broncos’ second-round pick, should share carries with Melvin Gordon immediately, and it wouldn’t be a total shock if he became the featured back by some point next season. Williams’ ability to catch out of the backfield and thrive as a blocker in pass protection will make him hard to keep off the field. — Nick Kosmider Broncos draft takeaways
Kansas City Chiefs: Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma, C
The theme of the Chiefs’ offseason has been about protecting superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs used the draft to finish overhauling their offensive line, and Humphrey has a strong chance to be the team’s starting center. In 37 starts at Oklahoma, Humphrey didn’t allow a sack and gave up just two quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus.
In 2015, the Chiefs used the 49th pick to select former center Mitch Morse, who started 15 games that season. The Chiefs believe Humphrey, whom they selected with the 63rd pick Friday, has the talent to have a similar rookie season. — Nate Taylor Chiefs draft takeaways
Las Vegas Raiders: Trevon Moehrig, TCU, FS
Right tackle Alex Leatherwood was the Raiders’ top pick, but he’s part of a five-man unit and will be more reliant on others in order to make a major impact. Moehrig will be on an island as a free safety, so it could get ugly if he were to struggle. On the flip side, he could also help lift what’s been a woeful secondary in recent years. Considering the defense allowed the most points in franchise history in 2020, that would likely make more of an impact than Leatherwood can make on an offense that was already very good. — Tashan Reed Raiders draft takeaways
Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, Northwestern, OT
The Chargers needed a starting left tackle, and they found one in Slater, a polished technician and elite athlete. He should have no problem beating out Trey Pipkins for the starting spot protecting Justin Herbert’s blindside. Slater will also be a valuable asset in the running game with his natural feel for angles, both in one-on-one situations and combinations. The Chargers are excited about what Slater can bring on screen concepts, with his smooth movement and ability to get outside and upfield.
Slater completes what could be an above-average to very-good starting group, playing with Matt Feiler at left guard, Corey Linsley at center, Oday Aboushi at right guard and Bryan Bulaga at right tackle. GM Tom Telesco has admirably overhauled his offensive line in one offseason. — Daniel Popper Chargers draft takeaways
Which newly drafted NFL rookies will make the biggest impact? Picks for all 32 teams
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams, North Carolina, RB
First-rounder Patrick Surtain will have the best career. The former Alabama cornerback has All-Pro potential, but it’s unclear whether he’ll have a major role this season with free-agent additions Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby on the outside.
Williams, the Broncos’ second-round pick, should share carries with Melvin Gordon immediately, and it wouldn’t be a total shock if he became the featured back by some point next season. Williams’ ability to catch out of the backfield and thrive as a blocker in pass protection will make him hard to keep off the field. — Nick Kosmider Broncos draft takeaways
Kansas City Chiefs: Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma, C
The theme of the Chiefs’ offseason has been about protecting superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs used the draft to finish overhauling their offensive line, and Humphrey has a strong chance to be the team’s starting center. In 37 starts at Oklahoma, Humphrey didn’t allow a sack and gave up just two quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus.
In 2015, the Chiefs used the 49th pick to select former center Mitch Morse, who started 15 games that season. The Chiefs believe Humphrey, whom they selected with the 63rd pick Friday, has the talent to have a similar rookie season. — Nate Taylor Chiefs draft takeaways
Las Vegas Raiders: Trevon Moehrig, TCU, FS
Right tackle Alex Leatherwood was the Raiders’ top pick, but he’s part of a five-man unit and will be more reliant on others in order to make a major impact. Moehrig will be on an island as a free safety, so it could get ugly if he were to struggle. On the flip side, he could also help lift what’s been a woeful secondary in recent years. Considering the defense allowed the most points in franchise history in 2020, that would likely make more of an impact than Leatherwood can make on an offense that was already very good. — Tashan Reed Raiders draft takeaways
Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, Northwestern, OT
The Chargers needed a starting left tackle, and they found one in Slater, a polished technician and elite athlete. He should have no problem beating out Trey Pipkins for the starting spot protecting Justin Herbert’s blindside. Slater will also be a valuable asset in the running game with his natural feel for angles, both in one-on-one situations and combinations. The Chargers are excited about what Slater can bring on screen concepts, with his smooth movement and ability to get outside and upfield.
Slater completes what could be an above-average to very-good starting group, playing with Matt Feiler at left guard, Corey Linsley at center, Oday Aboushi at right guard and Bryan Bulaga at right tackle. GM Tom Telesco has admirably overhauled his offensive line in one offseason. — Daniel Popper Chargers draft takeaways
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