One NFL rookie critical to every team’s success in 2021
Zach Wilson and Trevor Lawrence may get all the hype, but they aren’t the only rookies in the 2021 NFL Draft class who’ll help their teams succeed.
The impact and expectations of an NFL rookie differ from a team’s and fans’ perspective. Those picked in the first round are often looked as day-one contributors. After all, they are the crème de la crème of the class. However, teams don’t always rely on rookies picked in the first round.
For example, there was zero chance Jordan Love would start for the Packers in 2020 despite being a first-round pick. Likewise, AJ Dillon, a 2020 second-round pick for Green Bay, didn’t live up to his draft position either.
The point is, the big contributors as rookies aren’t always the ones who are taken in the first round of the draft. Yes, some from the 2021 NFL Draft like Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Ja’Marr Chase will be big early on but there are other non-first-rounders who will be heard from.
These are the rookies from the 2021 NFL Draft class who will have the biggest hand in their team’s success this season.
Most Important 2021 NFL Rookies: NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: CB Kelvin Joseph
To say the Dallas Cowboys had a bad secondary is an understatement. The Jones’ hoped to nab one of the two top corners in the 2021 NFL Draft but it didn’t work out that way. Like any frustrated team, they traded down and landed linebacker Micah Parsons. Sure, he’ll receive Defensive Rookie of the Year hype but the bigger burden of responsibility falls on second-round pick Kelvin Joseph.
Joseph will start Week 1 with the Cowboys hoping to see him improve as the season progresses. He brings tenacity as a press corner who isn’t afraid of getting scrappy. His aggressive playstyle ideally suited defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s Cover-3 scheme.
New York Giants: CB Aaron Robinson
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney was the headliner of Dave Gettleman’s 2021 NFL Draft class. However, the rookie who’ll help the Giants the most is third-round cornerback Aaron Robinson. Gettleman moved up five spots to take Robinson in for a reason. The former UCF corner is nearly 6-foot with good length and versatility as an inside/outside option.
Robinson gives Patrick Graham another hybrid defensive back. He’s a press corner who moves well in space but may fit best as a nickel thanks to his short-area quickness. He’ll be a reliable option and a great addition to James Bradberry and Adoree Jackson, solidifying the secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles: WR DeVonta Smith
The Eagles are all-in on second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts, at least for now. With any young quarterback hoping to have success, the Eagles drafted him a weapon. With the No 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected DeVonta Smith.
The former Alabama wideout is the rookie who will boost their lackluster receiving corps. Sure, he’s slight of frame, but that doesn’t take away from what he does best. He comes as a polished route-runner with excellent hands. He’ll see plenty of opportunities as he and Hurts are a reunited college duos fans are hyped about.
Washington Football Team: OL Samuel Cosmi
Last season, the Washington Football Team relied on a few rookies. On offense, running back Antonio Gibson’s versatility elevated the offense. Defensively, Chase Young was a workhorse proving everyone right by taking home Defensive Rookie of the Year. This year, offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi is the rookie Washington will rely on.
Veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick takes over for Alex Smith, who led Washington to the NFC East title. Fitzpatrick will need some protection, though. Washington drafted Cosmi 51st overall to start at either tackle position. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle has above-average foot quickness, athleticism, flexibility and hand quickness desired for a starting left tackle. If Washington wants to repeat as division champs, they’ll need Cosmi to step up right away.