Each NFL team’s rookie most primed to make an instant impact

Oakland Raiders – RB Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs is the only running back from his draft class with zero competition. Jacobs became the starter the day he signed his rookie deal. For the Raiders, he’ll play the role of a workhorse in an offense where he will not face an eight-man or nine-man box.

Jacobs, like his new rookie teammates, is a Mayock and Gruden guy. He’s a patient runner with power and enough short-area quickness to win in open space. In some ways, he’s like backs Gruden had in the past, such as Cadillac Williams. For those who remember Gruden’s run with the Bucs, they understand that Jacobs will be a featured back.

Philadelphia Eagles – J.J. Arcega-Whiteside

The Eagles are loaded at wide receiver but J.J. Arcega-Whiteside adds more than depth. He’s ideally suited for an offense that exploits the middle of the field. When asked to create separation underneath he does it. It helps that he has great awareness and a high football IQ.

He’s a powerful receiver with great body control and leaping ability. If the ball is in the air, he’ll win the battle more often than not. His physicality doesn’t stop there. After the catch, he looks to punish tacklers with his 6-2, 225-pound frame. Arcega-Whiteside is ready to make big plays in big games; it’s only just a matter of time and opportunity.