5 NFL Rookies That Will Make an Immediate Impact Next Season
The wait is over and football season is back. As everyone prepares to draft their fantasy teams and follow the preseason games for a good late-round pick, there is a bunch of new talent this season. Here are five rookies who will shine in the upcoming season.
1. David Montgomery (RB, Chicago Bears)
Draft Position: Round 3 - No. 73 overall - Iowa State
Two years ago, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy was on the Chiefs with third-round pick Kareem Hunt. Hunt became the NFL's lead rusher. With Nagy now becoming Head Coach for the Chicago Bears, if he works his magic yet again, Montgomery can become their #1 weapon.
2. Jalen Hurd (WR, San Francisco 49ers)
Draft Position: Round 3 - No. 67 overall - Baylor
Jalen Hurd recently transitioned from running back to wide receiver two years ago, but has been shining ever since. Playing against the Cowboys, he was able to make two touchdown catches. Hurd's chances of playing are high due to Trent Taylor's foot injury. The 49ers drafted Hurd for his physical combativeness against defenders, and is an offensive weapon, capable of lining up wide, in the slot, at tight end and in the backfield as a running back.
3. Erik McCoy (C, New Orleans Saints)
Draft Position: Round 2 - No. 48 overall - Texas A&M
.@Saints @Erik_McCoy_73 started and played 28 snaps v @Vikings and was damn near dominant. Especially in the run game. #GeauxSaints #whodat and the offense might be better as a result. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/sxIvkUqAG6
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 13, 2019
The Saints signed Nick Easton after Max Ugner retired, but they still traded up just to take McCoy. Now, both are listed as co-starters. He participated in 28 offensive snaps against the Minnesota Vikings. He has shown nastiness and has dominated with speed and power in the run game.
4. Miles Boykin (WR, Baltimore Ravens)
Draft Position: Round 3 - No. 93 overall - Notre Dame
Man, that Boy-kin catch.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 11, 2019
That @Lj_era8/ @MBoykin814 connection ?? pic.twitter.com/CaIOmkx2dm
The Baltimore Ravens have struggled trying to draft and develop their own wide receiver. Luckily, the Ravens might have found their answer. Boykin has been looking like the real deal. He's been difficult to handle in training camp practices and has found quick chemistry with QB Lamar Jackson to create big plays. He is a must watch.
5. Alexander Mattison (RB, Minnesota Vikings)
Draft Position: Round 3 - No. 102 overall - Boise State
Dalvin Cook is still the starter at running back, but a torn ligament in 2017 and a strained hamstring in 2018 has slowed down his start in Minnesota. Mattison not only provides excellent depth with his skill-set, but if Cook is hurt again, he could become a starter in no time.