10 NFL rookies likely to make biggest impact in 2017
5. Solomon Thomas, DE, San Francisco 49ers
This spot could have just as easily gone to linebacker Reuben Foster, but when it comes to the 49ers, they have an embarrassment of rookie riches. If Foster turns out to be the player many expect, that’s a gem for San Francisco. But if he doesn’t, they’ll still have defensive end Solomon Thomas, who many believe is a truly sound prospect.
Thomas is strong, fast, athletically gifted and quite knowledgeable. There are precious few rookies who can come in and seamlessly make an impact, but he could very well be one of them.
The one lingering question about Thomas is his effort, which has been described as “hot and cold.” But in an NFL locker-room full of veterans, “cold” will never be accepted. So with that sort of guidance and motivation, the versatile pass rusher appears poised for a big rookie campaign.
4. Jamal Adams, S, New York Jets
The Jets could not possibly have expected Jamal Adams to fall into their lap — no one could have. But that’s the strange nature of the NFL Draft. At the end of the day, anything is possible.
That, of course, is great news for Gang Green.
While the Jets had been preparing to go in a different direction, fate smiled upon them. And in a rare moment, they were the golden goose of the draft and not the black sheep. They landed the best safety available and immediately upgraded the position ahead of 2017.
Adams will be the starter in New York. He will be a leader in the secondary and he will eventually become a defensive captain. There’s also a strong possibility he’ll be in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year because he is legitimately that good.
3. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
Christian McCaffrey adds a truly unique dimension to the Panthers offense, especially when you consider the athletic ability of Cam Newton at quarterback. It creates a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses due to the versatility of both players.
McCaffrey has already proven the ability to be a successful three-down back, and that’s unlikely to change in the NFL. He can pound the rock if need be, bounce things to the outside, find the smallest of holes to burst through, and he can split out wide.
McCaffrey will also help produce higher percentage passes for Newton, which will draw in linebackers and safeties, essentially opening up the field for other playmakers.
Oh, and McCaffrey can also enter the game as a return man and cause headaches in open space. He truly is a do-it-all talent who is likely to have an immediate and profound impact in Carolina.
2. Myles Garrett, Edge, Cleveland Browns
There is a reason Myles Garrett was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, beating out several potential franchise quarterbacks, elite running backs and elite defensive backs. It’s because he was the most complete, NFL-ready player available, and his ceiling is ridiculously high.
There is a belief that Garrett could be as good as Julius Peppers was in his prime and that it won’t take Garrett long to get there. Some have already projected him to record double-digit sacks in 2017, which would make him the first Brown in a decade to reach such a feat.
What else needs to even be said? Cleveland hasn’t had a solid pass rush in over 10 years and in the blink of the eye, Garrett has changed that. His presence will make Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib better, it will take pressure off the secondary, and it will boost not just the defense, but the entire Browns team.
1. Leonard Fournette, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Leonard Fournette was the easy pick for the Jags, and the reasons are predominantly obvious. He was the most talented pure runner available in the draft, and that’s exactly what Tom Coughlin wanted in Jacksonville.
Yes, Fournette will face a learning curve that someone like Christian McCaffrey won’t. The former Tiger will need to round out his game to find the same sort of success Ezekiel Elliott did in his first year with Dallas, but the hill he needs to climb may not be as steep as some speculate.
The Jaguars knew exactly what adjustments Fournette would need to make at the next level, but they’ve pieced together an offense that will allow him to flourish despite that ongoing transition. Initially, he’ll be used as a first and second down back, aiming to carve up some yardage and make third downs more manageable for Blake Bortles. Eventually however, Fournette will become a dominant three-down back who creates a nightmare scenario for opposing defenses.
Fournette may struggle a little with that transition early on, but he’s talented and motivated enough to get it all under wraps by the end of the regular season. At that point, he’ll be one of the most talked about rookies in the entire league.
