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

Carolina Panthers – EDGE Brian Burns

Rookie pass rushers are going to make a ton of noise this season. One of the forgotten talents on draft day was former Florida State edge rusher Brian Burns. He burns tackles off the edge en route to the quarterback.

His opportunities will come in a division with Drew Brees, Jameis Winston and Matt Ryan while playing next to a player like Gerald McCoy. McCoy will force teams to shade protection inside. Because of Burns’ great burst and inside swim move, he’s going to find success in the void left by a sliding guard.

As an outside rusher, there’s arguably no rookie more flexible than Burns. He sinks his hip displaying great bendability. If he doesn’t win the starting job, he’ll still eat on third downs.

Chicago Bears – RB David Montgomery

The 2019 draft won’t ever get confused for having a deep running back class but it wasn’t void of talent. The Bears needed a workhorse back to replace Jordan Howard. Tarik Cohen will get all the splash plays while David Montgomery does the dirty work. Montgomery’s low center of gravity and powerful running style fits what Mark Helfrich likes to do on offense. The Bears are a power run team who’ll use Montgomery’s bruising style often.

On the goal line, he’ll get plenty of opportunities. And he’s a reliable receiver who can stay in on third downs. There’s a scrappy underdog aura that surrounds Montgomery and it shows in his play.