Which newly drafted NFL rookies will make the biggest impact? Picks for all 32 teams (2024)

At least a handful of rookies will make a seamless transition to the NFL next season. Now that the NFL Draft is over, The Athletic’s writers took turns projecting which ones will do just that for all 32 teams.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest, Edge

While first-round pick Greg Rousseau has more long-term potential, the Bills might get more out of second-round pick Carlos Basham Jr. as a rookie. Rousseau only has one full year of college football on his résumé and opted out of the 2020 season. Basham Jr., meanwhile, had 35.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks in 45 college games at Wake Forest.

He may not be an every-down defensive end right away, but Basham Jr.’s ability to slide inside to three-technique defensive tackle could help him find early production. The Bills drafted with an eye toward the future, but Basham Jr. is ready to see the field now. — Matthew Fairburn Bills draft takeaways

Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle, Alabama, WR

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went 6-3 as the starter during his rookie season, but numerous times, Miami’s offense was plagued by conservative play-calling, which included a lack of downfield attempts.

Not only was Waddle the fastest player in this year’s draft, which should immediately help spread the field, he also boasts familiarity with Tagovailoa thanks to their two seasons together at Alabama. The reunited duo will be looking to spark Miami’s new-look offense, headlined by Waddle and Will Fuller at wideout. Waddle, the 2019 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, will also have the opportunity to return kickoffs and punts. — Josh Tolentino Dolphins draft takeaways

New England Patriots: Christian Barmore, Alabama, DT

As much as I want to say Mac Jones, who I believe will have an opportunity to compete with Cam Newton, I’m not sure Bill Belichick is going to roll out the red carpet to the starting job for the rookie. Barmore, on the other hand, will get a chance to rotate with defensive tackles Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson and Byron Cowart, and I expect Barmore to be the second-best pass rusher of the group (behind Guy). — Jeff Howe Patriots draft takeaways

New York Jets: Zach Wilson, BYU, QB

Coach Robert Saleh laughed it off Thursday because it was his first experience with the “aggressive” New York media. No, after drafting Wilson second overall, he hadn’t given much thought to whether he would start Week 1. Whether Saleh wanted to admit it publicly or not is irrelevant. The plan for the Jets is to play Wilson — as long as he’s not a detriment to himself. If Wilson is good? The Jets might win eight or nine games this year. If he’s bad? Oh boy. Either way, it’s hard to imagine any other player having a greater impact than the quarterback. — Connor Hughes Jets draft takeaways

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Ben Cleveland, Georgia, G

It would be easy to say first-round receiver Rashod Bateman, but the Ravens will remain a run-first and run-often team. The selection of the massive Cleveland is proof of that. He’s expected to start at left guard with Bradley Bozeman moving over to center. The Ravens believe that Cleveland, a third-round pick, will solidify an offensive line that’s been under construction. If they are able to lead the league in rushing for a third consecutive season, Cleveland is a big reason why. — Jeff Zrebiec Ravens draft takeaways

Cincinnati Bengals: Jackson Carman, Clemson, OT

The easy answer here would be Ja’Marr Chase. And honestly, he’s probably the best non-quarterback candidate to win Rookie of the Year if his connection with Joe Burrow picks up where it left off. But Carman is almost certainly going to start at guard for the Bengals. If he’s solid, so much of the offensive line problems fade away in eliminating any blinding weak spot up front. If he proves to be a reach in the second round, you endanger Burrow and his knee yet again. — Paul Dehner Jr. Bengals draft takeaways

Cleveland Browns: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame, LB

The Browns viewed Owusu-Koramoah as a top talent and couldn’t believe they could still get him late in the second round after trading up to pick No. 52. He’s the pick for the most immediate contributor out of this draft class because first-round cornerback Greg Newsome II has plenty of company in the secondary if the Browns keep everybody healthy.

Part of the appeal with Owusu-Koramoah isn’t just that he could play on all three downs for the Browns; it’s that he’s ready to play immediately as they expand their personnel packages in the second year under coordinator Joe Woods. He can help against Lamar Jackson and against top tight ends across the league, two areas in which the Browns have struggled recently. — Zac Jackson Browns draft takeaways

Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, Alabama, RB

The first halfback drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round in 13 years will step right in and be a three-down back, what Mike Tomlin calls their bell cow. He can run, he can catch and he can block and not only will he uplift the NFL’s worst run game last season, he should be an early favorite for NFL offensive rookie of the year. Team president Art Rooney proclaimed in January the Steelers needed to improve their run game. With this guy, they will. — Ed Bouchette Steelers draft takeaways

AFC South

Houston Texans: Nico Collins, Michigan, WR

Aside from Brandin Cooks, who is the Texans’ clear No. 1 receiver, everyone else at the position will be competing for snaps. So, no Texans rookie has a clearer path to playing time than Collins, the receiver out of Michigan whom the Texans traded back into the third round to select 89th overall.

But of this five-man class, no one’s rookie season will be more important than quarterback Davis Mills. Selected with the Texans’ top draft choice at No. 67, Mills will likely get a chance to start at some point next season if Deshaun Watson is gone. — Aaron ReissTexans draft takeaways

Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, Michigan, Edge

The talent? It’s there. Just turn on the tape. The need? It’s obvious. Behind left tackle, juicing up the pass rush was an obvious necessity this offseason for Indianapolis, particularly after the team stayed mostly quiet during free agency. The character? Paye checks all the boxes. “Pulling the card of Kwity Paye was very easy,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Thursday night.

Paye will earn snaps as a rookie in a crowded defensive line room, and there’s a good chance he could be a starter at end for them for a long time. — Zak Keefer Colts draft takeaways

Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, QB

The Jaguars have been searching for a true franchise QB for years. They’ve tried twice in the first round since 2011 (Blaine Gabbert and Blake Bortles) and failed. Lawrence’s job is to change the fortunes of the entire franchise. That’s a lot of pressure, but pressure has never seemed to bother Lawrence. — Andy Staples Jaguars draft takeaways

Tennessee Titans: Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State, OT

How many times after a draft does a fourth-round pick get serious consideration as the answer to this question? That’s the case for the Titans because fourth-round receiver Dez Fitzpatrick will have every chance to be a top-three receiver for this team right away.

But let’s go with Radunz, the second-round pick. There’s too much yet unknown about first-round corner Caleb Farley’s back situation to write him into the lineup early. And Radunz wasn’t taken in the second round to sit around. He will compete with Kendall Lamm for the starting job at right tackle, and it will be disappointing if he doesn’t win that job in camp. — Joe Rexrode Titans draft takeaways

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 TaylorChiefs 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 ReedRaiders 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

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons, Penn State, LB

It’s a crowded linebacker room right now with Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Keanu Neal and Jabril Cox. But Dallas didn’t use the 12th overall pick on Parsons for him to be slowly brought along. New defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is expected to find a variety of ways to get him involved immediately, including as a pass rusher. Parsons said Quinn has already talked to him about how frequently he wants to bring the Penn State product on blitzes. Parsons will have the chance to be among the team’s leaders in several major statistical categories.

“He’s got unbelievable speed and energy,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “He plays the game the way we want to play on defense and the way we’re going to play on defense. We added a player that is outstanding at going and taking the football away. He’s an impact player.” — Jon MachotaCowboys draft takeaways

New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, Georgia, Edge

Yes, the Giants took Kadarius Toney in the first round, and he should be a playmaker. But Toney likely won’t be an every-down player as a rookie. The same can’t be said for Ojulari, who became the Giants’ top edge rusher the moment he was drafted. There’s always a learning curve for rookies, but Ojulari joins the Giants after two productive seasons in the SEC. The Giants have a major need at edge rusher and they’re counting on Ojulari to fill it. — Dan Duggan Giants draft takeaways

Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith, Alabama, WR

If it’s anyone else, something will have gone horribly wrong. The Eagles traded up to select Smith because they view him as a ready-made starting receiver who will change the face of the Eagles’ passing game, size concerns be damned. Smith will start opposite some combination of Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham. It will be a minor disappointment if he doesn’t lead the team in receiving as a rookie. — Bo WulfEagles draft takeaways

Washington Football Team: Jamin Davis, Kentucky, LB

Washington’s defense received warranted attention last season thanks primarily to a potent front led by pass rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat. To go to the next level, it needed a talent boost at linebacker. That didn’t happen in free agency, but Washington struck quickly in the draft with the selection of Davis at No. 19. The 234-pound athletic freak and culture fit who ran an unofficial 4.37 40-yard time will start next to Jon Bostic and Cole Holcomb, but will eventually play all three downs. If Davis’ play matches coach Ron Rivera’s expectations, look out. — Ben StandigWashington’s draft takeaways

NFC North

Chicago Bears: Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State, OT

The Bears traded up to select their new mauling tackle from Oklahoma State in the second round at No. 39. They had a first-round grade on him. Jenkins should immediately push Germain Ifedi to the bench at right tackle. GM Ryan Pace also said that he can handle the left side, which puts Charles Leno Jr. on notice as well. The Bears surely will want Jenkins’ mean streak and toughness on the field as soon as possible.

The answer for the long term is obviously quarterback Justin Fields. He’s the Bears’ next hope at finally getting the most important position in sports finally right. Jenkins, though, will take the field first. For now, the Bears’ plan will put Fields behind starter Andy Dalton. We’ll see how long that lasts. — Adam JahnsBears draft takeaways

Detroit Lions: Penei Sewell, Oregon, OT

The sleeper choice is fourth-round receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who could be a high-volume slot target in a passing game without much at the receiver position. Sewell, though, was a top-10 pick and the right tackle taken for a reason. He’s a special athlete for his position (and his age, 20). He’ll plug in from Day 1 as the Lions’ starting right tackle, on an Anthony Lynn-called offensive scheme that’s going to run zone and utilize a lot of play-action. — Chris Burke Lions draft takeaways

Green Bay Packers: Amari Rodgers, Clemson, WR

The Packers haven’t featured a potent slot receiver since Randall Cobb left after the 2018 season, and Rodgers can fill the role he thrived in at Clemson to round out a suddenly intimidating wide receiver corps headlined by Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard.

Perhaps Rodgers’ biggest contribution as a rookie, though, will come as Green Bay’s punt and kick returner. The Packers’ return units were terrible last season, and they have struggled of late to find a dynamic return man. Even if fans are upset about what’s happening with one A. Rodgers, they should be excited about the potential of the other. — Matt SchneidmanPackers draft takeaways

Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech, OT

The Vikings saw fit to cut their starting left tackle and already had issues on the offensive line, so it shouldn’t be shocking that their first-round pick, Darrisaw, would be the answer here. Kirk Cousins is notoriously dependent on the quality of his supporting cast, and providing him with protection will be critical to any success the Vikings hope to have — and they certainly think they can compete for a playoff spot.

Darrisaw’s impact on pass protection and in the run game will be huge. If we wanted to avoid the obvious first-round choice, the Vikings could look to their other offensive line selection — Wyatt Davis, a guard from Ohio State. — Arif Hasan Vikings draft takeaways

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, Florida, TE

Pitts is the obvious choice. He will be a starting tight end on an offense with a still-productive Matt Ryan as the quarterback and a new creative head coach, Arthur Smith, calling plays. There could be some early hiccups as Smith implements his scheme and the offensive line is potentially reshaped. But the 6-foot-6 Pitts creates so many mismatches that it wouldn’t be surprising to see him finish with similar receiving totals as wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Julio Jones has an uncertain future given trade talks, but if Jones is back then Ryan will have multiple receiving threats. — Jeff SchultzFalcons draft takeaways

Carolina Panthers: Jaycee Horn, South Carolina, CB

Horn, the first-rounder, will be a Day 1 starter, and not only because A.J. Bouye is suspended the first two games. The Panthers wanted a long, physical corner to compete with the likes of Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Mike Evans in the NFC South. Horn brings all that, plus an edge that his father (longtime Saints WR Joe Horn) helped develop. The Panthers will line Horn up in press-man coverage opposite Donte Jackson and let him learn on the fly. — Joseph PersonPanthers draft takeaways

New Orleans Saints: Paulson Adebo, Stanford, CB

Defensive end Payton Turner would be the easy answer as a first-round pick, but he’s likely to be a rotational player at first. The answer is more likely to be Adebo because there’s a big hole at outside cornerback next to Marshon Lattimore. It’s still possible they get another veteran to play that position, however, and in that case, expect linebacker Pete Werner to compete for a job next to Demario Davis. — Katherine TerrellSaints draft takeaways

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon, Washington, LB

The Bucs won’t get a huge impact from their rookie class with so much back from last year’s roster, but Tryon, the first-round pick, can probably make the biggest splash, even as a rotational player. If it isn’t Tryon, one rookie with a real opportunity to play could be fourth-round receiver Jaelon Darden, who could grab the team’s return job and show off his shiftiness and 4.44 40-yard speed. — Greg AumanBuccaneers draft takeaways

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: Rondale Moore, Purdue, WR

Coach Kliff Kingsbury likes to get creative as a play-caller — well, here you go. The 5-foot-7 Moore can be used in several ways. In the slot. On reverses. Fly sweeps. Out of the backfield. As a returner. People may be turned off by his size, but go back and watch Moore’s freshman film at Purdue. He made a lot of Big Ten future first-round draft picks look silly.

With DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green, Moore should have plenty of room to operate. He’s strong for his size and dangerous in the open field. Kyler Murray and Moore in the same offense should be something to see. In simple terms: He makes the Cardinals better. — Doug Haller Cardinals draft takeaways

Los Angeles Rams: Tutu Atwell, Louisville, WR

Most of the Rams’ draft class consists of players who need some time to develop — and even perhaps for a full “redshirt” year. But Atwell, chosen at No. 57, could get a healthy amount of snaps immediately (and especially if the injuries that stalled receiver DeSean Jackson over the last two years pop up once more). Atwell — who is lightning-fast albeit very, very small — will be used in a variety of ways in coach Sean McVay’s offense, including as a vertical threat, but also on gadget plays, motions, sweeps and reverses both as a decoy and a target.

Because McVay expects there to be an upgrade in play at the quarterback position with Matthew Stafford on board, the Rams may be able to spread the ball around among a crowded receivers and tight ends room. — Jourdan RodrigueRams draft takeaways

San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Banks, Notre Dame, G

The 49ers’ biggest pick, of course, is QB Trey Lance. The biggest impact this season? That probably goes to Banks, the second-rounder. The Notre Dame guard will be expected to win the starting spot at right guard and will be charged with protecting either Lance or Jimmy Garoppolo, whose 2020 season was torpedoed after a guard missed a block in Week 2. The 49ers had not selected a guard in the four previous drafts (32 picks total) of the Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch era. — Matt Barrows49ers draft takeaways

Seattle Seahawks: D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan, WR

The Seahawks only made three picks, and just one of those selections came in the top 100, so the answer here is fairly obvious. Eskridge is probably the most talented player in Seattle’s class and has the easiest path to the starting lineup since the Seahawks don’t have an obvious No. 3 option behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Seattle also has a new offensive coordinator for whom only tight end Gerald Everett has experience playing. So although there are other young wideouts with NFL experience on the roster, they only have so much of a head start on Eskridge in this particular scheme. — Michael-Shawn Dugar Seahawks draft takeaways

(Top photo of Zach Wilson: Ben Liebenberg via Associated Press)