The first round of the NFL Draft is where franchises swing for the fences. It’s where GMs hope to land on that one future star who can turn their franchises destiny around, or to continue it’s winning ways. But it’s the middle rounds where a team is truly built. As such, I’ve put together a list of a rookie on each team who wasn’t drafted in the first round to watch over the course of their careers. Some of them might be instant stars, some of them will have long, winding roads to becoming a player of note, and some might burn out entirely, but I think that every single one of them is at least worth paying attention to.
ARIZONA CARDINALS: Marquis Hayes, G
For better or worse, the Cardinals starting offensive line seems set. Justin Pugh is settled at LG and Will Hernandez has impressed in camp at RG, but depth is crucial where the big men are concerned. Marquis Hayes, the seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma, has impressed. He’s had some runs with the first-team offense, and be it through injury or poor play above him, there’s potential the Sooner product could get his chance to impress under the bright lights this season.
ATLANTA FALCONS: Arnold Ebiketie, Edge
Atlanta is desperate for production from the pass rush, and the Falcons hope Ebiketie can be part of the solution. Even in a draft that was as stacked at edge rusher as the 2022 Draft was, Ebiketie stood out amongst his peers. Atlanta’s front office must be elated he was available for them in the 2nd round, and he will be the recipient of notable playing time on a Falcons defense starving for playmakers in the front seven.
Desmond Ridder is probably the flashier pick here, but Ebiketie is more likely to receive notable playing time right off the bat.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: Daniel Faalele, T
Faalele was something of a fan favorite during draft coverage due to his outlandish size (6’8” and nearly 400 pounds), but now that he’s with the Ravens, his practicality becomes apparent. Baltimore is a very run-happy offense, and anybody with Faalele’s considerable mass is going to be an absolute menace in the run blocking game. He’s behind Morgan Moses on the depth chart, but it’s only a matter of time before he gets his chance to replace the 31-year old.
BUFFALO BILLS: Christian Benford, CB
To give you a quick look behind the curtain, I had this article almost entirely finished before the Bills played on Thursday, and James Cook was my pick here. He was practically a no-show against the Rams, however, and as such I decided to call an audible. Removing a player from this list off one bad game is way too reactive, so instead of seeing this last-minute change as an indication of how good I think Cook is (he’s probably quite good), one should instead see this as me giving props to Benford.
With Tre’Davious White out, circumstances became favorable for the rookies in the Buffalo secondary to show out, and Benford took the opportunity. Kaiir Elam, the first-round pick this last spring, was the heavy favorite to start, but Benford has evidently impressed throughout the summer. He not only started the game, but also out-snapped Elam throughout the rest of the night. Having too many good corners is a great problem to have, and one the Bills seem to be currently sifting through.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: Brandon Smith, LB
The Panthers had a pretty bare cupboard this draft with only six picks (and none from pick 7 to 93), but even so, they seem to have landed on several strong prospects. Offensive lineman Cade Mays has impressed the coaches with his versatility, but it’s linebacker Brandon Smith who might be the biggest pick-up.
Smith flys to the ball and lays down punishing hits on the regular. Those in the know seem to think he will be mostly subbed in on certain packages as he finds his footing in the NFL, but it shouldn’t be long before the 3rd rounder is contributing regularly for a Panthers defense that could turn some heads this year.
CHICAGO BEARS: Jaquan Brisker, S
Most expected Chicago to grab some offensive weapons to complement Justin Fields and the passing offense, which led many to be surprised when they instead took a safety off the board in the second round. Brisker, however, has quickly established himself as a key piece of the secondary. Both him and fellow rookie Kyler Gordon are expected to be Day One starters for a secondary badly in need of a makeover, and Bears faithful are hoping the impact is instantaneous.
I also considered Braxton Jones, their new starting left tackle, but I think Brisker will be an absolute star.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: Cordell Volson, LG
After the Rams had Joe Burrow on the run for much of the Super Bowl this February, shoring up the offensive line became a top priority for the Bengals front office, and they seem to have dug up a gem in Volson. After a preseason that had the Bengals star quarterback impressed, Volson was officially named the starter over veteran Jackson Carman at left guard. Along with several other improvements on the line, he has a chance to be a vital piece on one of the most improved units in football.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: David Bell, WR
The Browns were already looking to beef up a paltry wide receiver room, but Jarvis Landry’s departure to New Orleans this offseason made the need even greater. Donovan Peoples-Jones can be a dangerous downfield threat, but they need a route-running specialist volume receiver who can work the middle of the field. Enter David Bell.
His speed hardly jumps off the page (his official 40-yard dash clocked in at 4.65), but his crisp route running and uncanny ability to make difficult catches earned him a consensus AP All-American nod. He’ll be gifted a chance to immediately carve a notable spot on the offense of a team with playoff ambitions.
DALLAS COWBOYS: Sam Williams, DE
With the seismic impact that Micah Parsons had on the Cowboys defense from his first day, Dallas has the early building blocks of a tenacious pass rush, and they expect Sam Williams to be a key figure.
Williams featured heavily in the Cowboys preseason games, exhibiting his ability to win with both speed and power. Once he learns how to turn those wins at the line into sacks and hits, he will become the stuff of nightmares for quarterbacks. His initial playing time might suffer as he still sits behind Demarcus Lawrence on the depth chart, but make no mistake, he’ll make himself known when he does take the field.
DENVER BRONCOS: Montrell Washington, WR
Denver already has a talented skill group on offense, but the fifth-round selection just might be able to find a spot for himself among the starters. Him and KJ Hamler will likely split duties in the slot, and his usage this preseason has seen him often used in pre-snap motions.
Outside of this usage on the offense, Washington has secured his spot as the teams top punt and kick returner. He has been an absolute dynamo on special teams every time he touches the ball.
DETROIT LIONS: Malcolm Rodriguez, LB
I’ll let Hard Knocks do the hard work for me here. Rodriguez has a keen ability to read plays and is a very sure tackler. He’s impressed the coaching staff in Detroit, and very well may already have played himself into a starting role on the defense that desperately needs some juice. His strong play gave the front office the confidence to release Jarrad Davis, a former first-round selection at the position who resigned with Detroit this offseason.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: Romeo Doubs, WR
Our third receiver in five picks!
Much ado has been made about the lack of high-profile playmakers in the Packers receiving corps this year, and the Green Bay front office looked to squash those concerns by drafting two receivers. Christian Watson was the bigger name on draft day, but Romeo Doubs is the one who made a name for himself this summer.
Aaron Rodgers, who is notably candid with the media, has not shied away from heaping praise onto Doubs, going so far as to say he reminds him of the best to ever play the position for the Packers. Looks for Rodgers to find Doubs early and often.
HOUSTON TEXANS: Dameon Pierce, RB
If you play fantasy football, odds are you’re already familiar with Pierce. After an outstanding rookie preseason, Pierce has been flying up draft boards farther and farther every day. He’s as powerful as he is quick, and can turn the most dire play into a positive gain.
The only question, of course, was whether he would be RB1 in Houston. Marlon Mack was picked up by the Texans in the offseason, and Rex Burkhead was also already on the squad. But with Pierce receiving the bulk of the work in the preseason and Mack’s recent release, the runway is cleared for Pierce to take the vast majority of the snaps at running back.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Nick Cross, S
With the signing of Rodney McLeod and Armani Watts, safety wasn’t exactly at the top of most Colts fans’ needs for their team, but Indy didn’t hesitate when they had a chance to grab Cross in the 3rd round this spring. Good thing too, as Watts has since suffered a season-ending ankle injury and 3rd-year safety Khari Willis retired.
While Cross’ physical gifts are apparent (4.34 40-yard dash, 37 inch vertical leap), it’s his maturity and quick mind that has impressed his coaches. He’s played himself into a position to earn lots of early playing time, and with opportunities opening up in front of him, he could be a starter for a Colts team that will heavily lean upon its defense if it hopes to make a run at the Lombardi.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Luke Fortner, C
After a mulligan of a rookie season, the Jags are looking to build up a foundation around Trevor Lawrence, and a franchise center to help command the offense would be a strong addition. Luke Fortner looks to be that guy.
Fortner and Lawrence have been in lockstep all offseason, working hard to turn the pathetic offense of last season into something formidable. You may not think of center as a position of priority in creating a NFL-caliber offense, but it’s typically up to the center to assist in audibles and shift protections when required, which Fortner has supposedly excelled in.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Bryan Cook, S
The only projected starter for the Chiefs from this draft class was Trent McDuffie, their first pick, so my work was cut out for me on this one, but I think that Bryan Cook is the right call.
With both Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid on the depth chart in front of him, it may be hard to envision much field time for Cook, but the Chiefs love to run three-safety nickel packages on defense. Three different safeties for Kansas City played at least 65% of defensive snaps last year, and Cook seems to have played himself into the number three slot at safety. It’s no guarantee that the Chiefs want to run the same defensive schemes as last year, but if it’s any bit similar, Cook will get plenty of time to shine.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Zamir White, RB
Josh Jacobs has been the recipient of the lion’s share of the rushing work for the Raiders since his drafting, but the runway may be being cleared for White to become the lead man in Vegas as early as next season. With Kenyan Drake being cut from the roster and Jacob’s fifth-year option being declined, the front office is more than willing to reshape the running back room, and White is in line to be the recipient of the starting job if Jacobs is indeed off the roster this time next year.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Jamaree Salyer, G
Ask those whose knowledge specializes in offensive line play, and they’ll tell you that Salyer very well may be the steal of the draft. Despite being a very technically sound pass protector from the SEC, the Chargers had the good fortune of adding him to their roster in the sixth round.
Part of his incredible value comes from his versatility. He played center, guard, and tackle at Georgia. He fits onto the roster as a depth piece for now, but keeping Justin Herbert upright is a top priority for the Chargers, and if he becomes the clear best man for the job, the starting position will be his in time.
LOS ANGELES RAMS: Decobie Durant, CB
The Rams are a veteran-heavy team, and also one that prefers to spend their draft picks outside of the draft. Suffice to say, it’ll be hard for any rookie to stand out for the defending champions. In spite of it all, Durant, the fourth-round pick out of South Carolina State, may do just that.
He’s listed as a nickelback on the Rams roster, and as of this moment, is listed behind veteran Troy Hill on the depth chart. That could keep him off the field for now, especially as Hill is a multi-year Rams vet, but Durant is certainly not going down without impressing some fellow teammates. Jordan Fuller, one of the Rams starting safeties, described Durant as “a special talent” earlier in the offseason. Los Angeles will look to improve in any way they can this season, and if the rook gives them a boost in the secondary, he won’t be on the sidelines long.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: Skyler Thompson, QB
After breaking the bank to get Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins had the least tools of any team to work with this draft, having only 4 picks total. In spite of these obstacles, they still may have managed to stumble upon a late-round gem in Thompson, their seventh-round selection out of Kansas State. Thompson absolutely balled out all summer, having one of the best pre seasons of any player at any position in the league. He impressed so thoroughly that Miami decided to keep him on the roster along with two other quarterbacks.
The issue, of course, is that there are two other quarterbacks on the roster. However, Tua, the incumbent starter, is in a prove-it year for the Dolphins. If he fails to impress, there is reason to think Thompson very well may overtake Teddy Bridgewater for the backup spot, and eventually the starter role. It’s a long shot, but any shot at all is better than most seventh-round quarterbacks get.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Ed Ingram, G
The Vikings have had a handful of roster woes over the past few years, but ask any fan and they’ll probably tell you that the offensive line has been the most persistent thorn in their side. The unit as a whole is coming together, but entering the season, there were still some question marks regarding the interior line. Ed Ingram has emerged as the answer. After impressing during his preseason play with the second-team offense, he’s joined the starters in practice and is very likely going to be starting come Week One.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Marcus Jones, CB
The Patriots have had some turnover at corner lately. After JC Jackson’s departure to the Chargers and Malcom Butler’s release, New England is in need of stars at the position. Those who follow the Patriots are confident that Marcus Jones, sooner rather than later, will be just that. He might fit in as the backup slot or nickleback at first, but his promise combined with his potential special teams contributions should put him into the good graces of the coaching staff.
Fun fact, Marcus is now the fourth player with the last name “Jones” on the Patriots roster.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Alontae Taylor, CB
With only three picks after the first round and only one of those three on the 53-man roster to start the season, I had just about zero wiggle room here.
Some recent developments in the Saints defensive backs may spell bad news for the team as a whole, but could afford an opportunity for Taylor to step up. The Saints current depth chart only has PJ Williams listed at nickelback and only three other cornerbacks at all. With Paulson Adebo facing a realistic chance of missing time with an injury, it’s not impossible that Taylor will be called upon to play this very Sunday.
NEW YORK GIANTS: Daniel Bellinger, TE
More than anything else, the Giants are desperate for consistency at any level from their offensive playmakers. Some of their receivers are good when healthy, but “when healthy” is becoming a tough-to-achieve qualifier for them. After the Evan Engram experiment ended this offseason, dependable is the name of the game for tight ends, and Bellinger is exactly that. His size makes him a notable blocker, but he’s also consistent with his route running and catching when he does sneak out for a route. Daniel Jones has a plethora of options to pass to, so his counting stats may not flash, but Bellienger should have a consistent role in the offense going forward.
NEW YORK JETS: Breece Hall, RB
Hall is, once again, a name you know if you’re big into fantasy football. The Jets have invested serious capital into reviving their offense in recent years, and Breece Hall is one of the cornerstones of what they hope will become a strength of the team.
He’ll be splitting the backfield with Michael Carter (who will handle most of the pass-catching), but sharing backfield duties hasn’t kept the likes of Aaron Jones or Nick Chubb from becoming stars at the position, so why should it stop Hall?
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Nakobe Dean, LB
Dean was the recipient of much talk from pundits pre-draft. He was a top contributor on a Georgia defense that was amongst the best to ever grace college football, but injury concerns and his relatively small stature made him a risky prospect in the eyes of some. It seems these trepidations were held by more draft rooms than not, as he was still available when the Eagles picked 83rd overall.
Philly’s 4-3 scheme limits the amount of times Dean might see the field and he has T.J. Edwards in front of him, but if the rave reviews he’s earned from teammates mean anything at all, we should expect Dean to be making a name for himself far sooner than later.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: George Pickens, WR
A recently-torn ACL and some off-field concerns kept Pickens from being a first round pick, but his physical traits and what can be only described as “edge” made sure he didn’t sit around for much longer than that. The talent is clear, and so is the opportunity. With Juju Smith-Schuster now catching passes in Kansas City, the audition to be Trubisky’s/Pickett’s top guy has begun. Additionally, Diontae Johnson, the incumbent to be Pitt’s WR1, could miss Week One, allowing an opportunity for Pickens to immediately take hold of the spot.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Samuel Womack, CB
From walk-on at Toledo to starter for the San Francisco 49ers, Womack’s journey to the NFL has been incredible, but he’s hardly finished yet. In three games (he only played defensive snaps in two), Womack has been an instant difference-maker with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a PBU that led directly to an interception. Fans have quickly come to love their new fifth-round pick, and his teammates are spreading the good vibes too. After the team’s win over Green Bay in their preseason opener, star linebacker and team captain Fred Warner was quick to praise Womack’s tenacity and how he uses his unusually long frame (he is listed at 5’10” but has a 6’2” wingspan) to leverage receivers.
Being a rookie starter is already a lot of pressure on its own, but Womack will be starting on a defense that is expected to be the stronger side of the ball on a Super Bowl contender. Can he handle all those expectations? Time will tell.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Boye Mafe, Edge
A far cry from the Legion of Boom days in Seattle, the pass rush has become a shadow of the feared unit it once was. Grabbing Uchenna Nwosu was the first step to improving the group, but that wasn’t enough. By drafting Boye Mafe, the Seahawks might again have a group to put fear back into the hearts of passers across the league.
Mafe has literally impressed from the start, recording a strip of Steelers QB Mason Rudolph on his first snap of the preseason. His explosive power off the line and talent to pursue outside of the pocket are clear to everybody watching, and if anybody has a clear picture of exactly what they want out of their defensive personnel, it’s Pete Carrol.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Luke Goedeke, G
As one could have probably guessed, the story of the offseason has been Tom Brady several times over. The underlying concern regarding the roster, though, has been the complete reimagining of the offensive line. The starting tackles remain the same, but the entire interior has turned over (until center Ryan Jensen returns from injury, at least). They brought over Shaq Mason from New England and Robert Hainsey spent last season learning behind Jensen, but Goedke is set to get tossed right into the fire come Sunday night.
Bucs fans, of course, are concerned. Tom Brady runs like he’s wearing steel-toed cleats, so handling pressure up the middle is not his forte. Can Goedeke keep Tampa Tom upright? He’ll get a tough first test against Dallas this week.
TENNESSEE TITANS: Malik Willis, QB
This is maybe the pick that will take the longest to come to fruition, but I’m just as intrigued by it. Ryan Tannehill is firmly entrenched as the starter for the Titans this season, and he is currently under contract through the 2023-2024 season. He’ll be 36 before the 2024-2025 season however, and as much as Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers might convince you otherwise, most quarterbacks aren’t successful NFL starters far past that age. If Willis can learn to pilot the offense while also honing his considerable physical talents, the Tennessee starting job will be his to lose in only a few years time.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: Sam Howell, QB
Ending the article with two straight project quarterbacks? You say lazy, I say coincidence.
Prior to the draft, most saw Howell as a tier below the rest of the QB prospects, but Washington was willing to spend their fifth-round pick on him anyways to see if he is the answer to their question regarding the position. It’s only been three preseason games, but there is already reason to think that Howell might be a serious contender to claim the starting job before long. Carson Wentz is under contract for the next three seasons, but if he isn’t getting the job done, what does Washington lose by giving Howell a shot?
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