5 Fifth-Round Picks That Will Make Surprising Impact on NFL in 2020
By Tyler Kemp
Just because a player is picked in the fifth round of the NFL Draft does not mean it'll take years for them to make an impact.
Guys like Tyreek Hill, George Kittle, Richard Sherman and Stefon Diggs have all blossomed as late-round picks. In 2020, there are a handful of players who can do the same thing.
These fifth-round picks should catch your eye as rookies in 2020.
5. Jaguars S Daniel Thomas
Following the collapse of the “Sacksonville” Jaguars of the late 2010s, Jacksonville is looking to move in a different direction on defense. With a lot of young and unestablished talent on the roster, Thomas can step in and play a lot of snaps at safety. Whether he is playing in the back of the defense or playing in the box as a substitution linebacker, Thomas will make impact plays in Jacksonville.
4. Seahawks DE Alton Robinson
Following the loss of Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, Seattle was desperate to fill the role of defensive end in the draft, and in steps Robinson from Syracuse. Although teams had questions about Robinson’s character after he was dismissed from Texas A&M, Seattle has never shied away from giving players a second chance. With the combination of Robinson alongside Bruce Irvin and second-round pick Darrell Taylor, Seattle has an edge rushing rotation that could make noise.
3. Buccaneers WR Tyler Johnson
Although Tampa already has a great receiving corps with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard and Cameron Brate, quarterback Tom Brady is going to need another receiver not named Evans or Godwin to take pressure off. Head coach Bruce Arians speaks highly of Johnson, which is already a good sign. If Johnson makes a favorable impression during training camp, he can see more than a few opportunities on the field to take the top off the D.
2. Chargers WR Joe Reed
Similar to the situation in Tampa, someone not named Keenan Allen, Mike Williams or Hunter Henry has to catch passes from either Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert. Due to LA’s lack of depth, Reed can fill in that role as a third receiving option. Reed was also the winner of the Jet Award at Virginia as the country’s best return man. Reed will have countless opportunities on offense and special teams to make plays.
1. Jets CB Bryce Hall
Reed’s college teammate was one of the best corners in the country in 2018. Following a solid start to his senior year that was capped off with an ankle injury, Hall slipped mightily in the draft. The Jets had a need at defensive back, and Hall can play right away if healthy. After Brian Poole and newly-acquired Pierre Desir, the depth chart is open for Hall to get a chance at plenty of reps.