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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BOCA RATON, FL – DECEMBER 20: Tony Pollard #1 of the Memphis Tigers in action during the first half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016, in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL – DECEMBER 20: Tony Pollard #1 of the Memphis Tigers in action during the first half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016, in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys – RB Tony Pollard

The Cowboys haven’t yet paid Ezekiel Elliott, leading to him holding out of camp and threatening to sit out the season if he doesn’t get a new contract. When he’s on the field, there’s likely no better pure runner than Elliott. With that said, the rookie running back Tony Pollard has breakout potential.

While at Memphis, Pollard was Mr. Everything, proving his worth as a return man and receiver out of the backfield. The Cowboys will likely continue to get that kind of usage out of him. With his ability to make defenders miss, he’ll find success.

More importantly, Pollard will spell Elliott, which means he’ll always have fresh legs. He’ll play behind a line that’s getting healthy and back to greatness. Pollard could end the season leading all rookies in total yards.

Denver Broncos – TE Noah Fant

With Joe Flacco at quarterback and former 49ers quarterback coach Rick Scangarello at offensive coordinator, expect Noah Fant to get some work. George Kittle became the focal point of an offense that saw Scangarello’s quarterbacks get him the rock.

Moreover, Flacco’s best years as a passer in Baltimore happened with him featuring the tight end. Fant can stretch the field and his 4.5-second 40-yard dash proved it. He’s a modern-day tight end who’ll make it difficult for linebackers and safeties to cover him one on one.

In the red zone, he’ll see plenty of targets where he can use his leaping ability. He’ll probably flex out and line up in the slot as he gets more comfortable in the role. Don’t be surprised if he ends up with eight or more touchdowns.

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