Elite level athletes are making a difference on their teams right away. Rookies and a number of 2nd and 3rd year guys are making their mark on the league early and often. These players are already considered some of the best at their position. Out of the 44 offensive and defensive all pro selections, 25% were aged 25 or younger. Including 3 (!!) rookies. So who is poised to make a key impact in their rookie season? I’ve got six names to keep an eye on this season, pulling from their tape and similar rookies who have found success. To make it a little bit tougher on myself, no EDGE or QBs will be included in this list.
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
We’ve seen NFL GMs fall in love with the big athletic safety in recent years. Many of the guys drafted play vital roles on the teams that have drafted them: (Kyle Dugger, Jeremy Chinn, Jevon Holland). But no one has been as polished coming out as the safety from Notre Dame. At 6’4″ 220 lbs he is essentially a LB playing the safety position, with all the physical tools you would want. Because of his athleticism, his ceiling will be the scheme that he is drafted into. But if the team that is lucky enough to take him is smart, they’ll put him all over the field and reap the benefits.
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner is a name you have likely heard all throughout bowl season. You’ll likely be hearing his name a lot more throughout the draft process and even after his name gets called. Gardner was not a top level CB prospect when he first came into college. But his natural ball skills and competitiveness provided him an opportunity to be a three year starter at Cincinnati. He showed what he was capable of year in, year out and will likely bring that edge to whatever team takes him, likely in the middle of the first round.
Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London is a name you need to start familiarizing yourself with in this draft process. At 6’5″ and 210 lbs he possesses high level release technique, with the acceleration to separate. Additionally, there are two reasons why he makes this list. First is the success of WRs at the next level coming out of USC (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Pittman, Juju Smith Schuster). They have an incredible track record of preparing their WRs to be high end contributors. Second is the fact that he’s not likely to be taken as one of the first receivers off the board. But he is certainly worthy of a 1st round pick. As a mid to late 1st round pick, he’ll be slotted in an offense where he’ll be able to find success right away.
Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The 2021 Butkus award winner is a great pick to make an impact right away. You would be hard pressed to find a specific weakness in his game. He excels as a tackler, in pass or run coverage, and at diagnosing the two. Dean has the ability to be an every down player as a rookie and will make his presence felt.
Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
Kyren Williams reminds me of another Williams who entered the draft just last year. Javonte Williams has turned heads with his nasty, tough running style. I believe this Williams possesses those same tendencies. Although he’s listed at 1 inch shorter and 10 lbs lighter, he makes up for it in pass blocking/catching. In fact, Notre Dame ran him out as a slot WR a number of times this year. With the right fit, Williams will produce big numbers right away at the next level.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
This guy is fun to watch. The redshirt senior is electric with the ball in his hand. He has done a great job in college at using his speed to create separation. He most recently clocked at 4.33 40 yard dash time. Additionally, Dotson has two drops on 91 catches on the season, he has no issues keeping the ball in his hands. Look for him to have a similar rookie season as Elijah Moore.
