Every team hopes from big contributions from their rookie class, but these 10 NFL first-year players are going to overperform for their franchise in 2020.
The vast majority of first round picks are expected to be major contributors for the team that drafted them in 2020. The best franchises manage to get meaningful help from guys taken later in the draft.
Prospects selected on Day 2 or even Day 3 need to land in the right situation to be successful. Yes, they need to have the requisite talent to make the jump to the NFL, but they also need an opportunity to earn playing time during their rookie campaigns.
The following 10 players won’t arrive in training camp with the most fanfare, but they are all rookies who can outperform their draft slots in 2020. Each guy can help their team win games during their rookie seasons.
10
Curtis Weaver
LB Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins sport one of the best secondaries in football anchored by star cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. That’s why Miami’s coaching staff looked to strengthen their pass rush by selecting Weaver in Round 5.
Most observers believe Weaver is going to spend the majority of his 2020 campaign learning behind Kyle Van Noy at the outside linebacker position. For the most part, that should be the case. Van Noy is a veteran who can really help Weaver adjust to the rigors of NFL football.
Weaver is going to get a chance to make his presence felt on obvious passing downs though. That’s where he’s going to make his money as a professional. His ability to become a powerful edge rusher is going to allow him to earn more snaps than a typical Day 3 selection. He may not rack up double-digit sacks, but he’s going to generate some serious pressure on quarterbacks who hold onto the ball too long against Miami’s talented secondary.