One NFL rookie critical to every team’s success in 2021

Most Important 2021 NFL Rookies: NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: LB Zaven Collins

Kyler Murray took a step forward in year two. In 2021, the Arizona Cardinals defense must step up. Zaven Collins shoulders the load as the lone rookie projected to start for Arizona. He’ll play alongside 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Simmons. There’s no doubt defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will use him at multiple positions.

At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Collins has the size and length necessary to play the take-on role at linebacker. He’ll undoubtedly get used as a downhill backer. He’s extremely athletic with good speed and strength. In pass coverage, he shows flexibility, quick feet, and transition skills. Collins could line up off the edge on passing downs opposite Chandler Jones.

San Francisco 49ers: RB Trey Sermon

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have their team in win-now mode. They have one of the more complete rosters in the league. So, a rookie will find it difficult to play a significant role on this team. With questions surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo’s health, perhaps Trey Lance becomes the rookie the 49ers will rely on.

However, waiting in the wings is Trey Sermon, the No. 88 overall pick. Sermon has the tools to be a workhorse in Shanahan’s scheme. At 6-foot, 215 pounds, he showed good speed, great contact balance, aggressive running style, fights for extra yards and excellent foot quickness. On third downs, he’s shown soft hands, making him a three-down back. He’ll immediately become the man in short-yardage situations. Sermon’s a complete back the 49ers didn’t have that until now.

Seattle Seahawks: CB Tre Brown

With only three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, it wasn’t about quantity but, rather, quality for Pete Carol’s Seahawks. Pinpointing which rookie they’ll rely on came down to need. Second-round pick wide receiver D’Wayne Eskridge is an electric player ideally suited for the slot, but he won’t be the workhorse rookie. That title goes to third-round pick cornerback Tre Brown.

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound defensive back may be a little undersized, but he packs a powerful punch. Brown’s quick powerful hands make him an ideal corner for Seattle’s press scheme. He’s a twitchy athlete who mirrors well. At the catch point, he’s tenacious with good timing on jump balls. He’s capable of playing inside or out, making him a rookie the Seahawks can rely on.

Los Angeles Rams: WR Tutu Atwell

Finding a rookie who’d help the Rams is tough. Sean McVay isn’t shy about giving rookies the spotlight early. In fact, Cooper Kupp was a Week 1 starter as a rookie. In 2020, Van Jefferson received the same opportunity. With McVay’s complex offensive scheme it feels like he needs an electric playmaker, a gadget player he can create plays for; Tutu Atwell is that guy.

For starters, Kupp has yet to play a full season, meaning the rookie should see playing time. Atwell has the speed and quickness incomparable to any other wideout on the roster, including DeSean Jackson. At some point this season, Stafford will find Atwell busting coverages or on quick screens. Expect this rookie to be the focal point of the Rams offense.