NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

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

By Michael Johnson

TEMPE, ARIZONA - MAY 29: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals practices during team OTA's at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on May 29, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA - MAY 29: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals practices during team OTA's at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on May 29, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, ARIZONA – MAY 29: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals practices alongside head coach Kliff Kingsbury during team OTA’s at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on May 29, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA – MAY 29: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals practices alongside head coach Kliff Kingsbury during team OTA’s at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on May 29, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Arizona Cardinals – QB Kyler Murray

This was a no brainer considering the circumstances. Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim traded away his top-10 pick from the 2018 draft, Josh Rosen, to pave the way for Kyler Murray. Now, they have a new head coach (Kliff Kingsbury) and quarterback that specializes in air raid offense.

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Murray also has a plethora of weapons to throw to. The ageless legend, Larry Fitzgerald, plays in the slot and out wide, Christian Kirk is the speedster that can give Murray a target similar to Marquise Brown at Oklahoma and Hakeem Butler is the 6-5, nearly 230-pound rookie who’ll help the quarterback in the red zone. Of course, there’s David Johnson at running back, an elite-level talent who’ll be a dangerous weapon out of the backfield.

Murray is in a rare spot for a rookie quarterback. He’s in a familiar offense that’s tailored made for him. Plus, he’s mobile enough to make the offensive line look better than they should.

Atlanta Falcons – OG Chris Lindstrom

Surprised to see an offensive lineman on the list? Don’t be. Chris Lindstrom won’t be the last as he enters the league at 6-4, 308 pounds with a solid build and elite athleticism. Lindstrom can play inside or at tackle. Of course, he’ll play guard, while fellow rookie Kaleb McGary plays right tackle. He’s a vast improvement at guard for the Atlanta Falcons.

The most notable improvement will come in the passing game. Lindstrom has the quickness to mirror anyone across from him. In pass protection, he has quick feet and hands to match. Lindstrom’s quickness to get to the second level will help out in the run game as well. Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith should see plenty of holes on the right side.

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