The 2020 rookie class is a melting pot of all everything that contains talent and skill. From Joe Burrow to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, this class is booming with generational talent waiting to be unleashed. Narrowing down all 255 draft picks into a short list of five players I believe will have the most success this season was not an easy task. To make this list fairer, I have limited one selection per position, otherwise this list would consist of mostly wide receivers.
5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs added another explosive weapon drafting Clyde Edwards-Helaire 32nd overall. Edwards-Helaire proved himself to be worthy of a first-round selection after he recorded 1,414 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his championship-winning season last year with the LSU Tigers. Rushing aside, he shines in the passing game catching 55 balls last season for 453 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers felt confident in checking down to Helaire often and allowing him to utilize his athleticism in order to make plays after the catch. Paired with a fast-paced Chiefs’ offense, Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be able to provide stability to the backfield that has seen droughts since Kareem Hunt was released. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid is quite known for utilizing rookie running backs and not being afraid to ease them into the offense. Reid has allowed Kareem Hunt, Spencer Ware, and Damien Williams to shine in the Chiefs’ offense that is otherwise focused on the passing attack with Mahomes as captain. The Chiefs are all about churning out talent in any way possible and I believe that Edwards-Helaire’s ambition, pure athleticism, and versatility will garner him a starting job during the season.
4. Henry Rugs III WR Las Vegas Raiders
In an effort to change the narrative surrounding the Raiders’ organization, the team made two very monumental changes this offseason. First, they moved from Oakland to Las Vegas. Then, they drafted Henry Ruggs. Coming into a receiver room that has been severely lacking talent ever since Amari Cooper was dealt to the Cowboys, Ruggs will come into the season as the undisputed starter. Although the Raiders have offensive weapons in Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller, too much of their offense relied on those two players, and as the season went on defenses could easily halt the Raiders’ offense by targeting Waller or bringing one more player in the box to counter Jacobs. By adding Ruggs, the Raiders have now opened up the field completely for Carr to get to work. The speed that Ruggs possesses will certainly help spread out defenses and will make defenders focus on Ruggs rather than Waller or Jacobs. Although Ruggs might not put up record-breaking numbers during his first season in Las Vegas, his presence alone will most certainly make defenses respect the Raiders’ offense even more than they already should.
3. Isaiah Simmons LB Arizona Cardinals
Although the header for this write-up labels Isaiah Simmons as a linebacker, just know that Isaiah Simmons “plays defense”. Simmons is easily one of the most versatile and effective players ever to step foot onto a college football field. Not only did he play FIVE separate defensive positions during his time at Clemson, he excelled at every single one. Lined up as a traditional inside linebacker? No problem. Isaiah, can you pass rush on this play? No problem. Covering a wide receiver outside or a tight end in the slot? Easy for him. This versatility and uniqueness to his game is exactly what the Cardinals need in order to ignite their defense. The Cardinals have two all-pro talents in pass rusher Chandler Jones and corner Patrick Peterson, but they have failed to have an all-around defensive playmaker since Tyrann Mathieu. Simmons’ ability to line up virtually anywhere on the field will give quarterbacks a hard time deciphering the defense and reading him properly and with Russel Wilson, Jimmy G, and Jared Goff all in the division, it is a good idea to confuse opposing quarterbacks. With a revamped offense, all the Cardinals need is a brick wall of a defense in order to make a name for themselves this upcoming season, and I believe that Isaiah Simmons will want to lay the first set of bricks.
2. Joe Burrow QB Cincinnati Bengals
After leading the LSU Tigers to a National Championship victory and winning the Heisman Trophy earlier this year, Joe Burrow now has to prove that he truly was worth the number one overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although he is going to a team that finished 2-14 last season, the Bengals have put him in a position to find early and consistent success. Even though their poor record may not indicate it, the Bengals have formidable weapons on the offensive side of the ball that will certainly help Burrow in his first season. After missing the whole 2019 season with an ankle injury, A.J. Green returns to the Bengals lineup hoping to prove that he is still the top-10 receiver that he was a few seasons back. They also have Tyler Boyd who came into his own as a starting receiver while A.J. Green was out. In the backfield, Joe Mixon will provide Burrow an excellent safety option in the passing game while being a versatile ball-carrier. Further providing weapons for Burrow’s success, the Bengals drafter receiver Tee Higgins out of Clemson with the 33rd overall pick. Although Higgins will most likely be backing up Green and Boyd, having a reliable third option for a rookie quarterback is an absolute must. With all the weapons that the Bengals have surrounded Burrow with, it is hard to see a scenario in which Joe will not get the job done. Critics point to the Bengals’ poor offensive line play as an indicator of early struggles for Burrow. To these critics I suggest watching LSU film last year and studying how Burrow plays while under pressure. It is phenomenal.
1. Chase Young EDGE Washington Redskins
Although Chase Young might not be in a “Redskins” uniform next year, his impact on Washington’s defense will be astronomical. Washington already boasts one of the best pass-rushing defensive lines in the league starting Daron Payne and Johnathan Allen on the inside and Ryan Kerrigan and (what will be) Chase Young on the outside. Washington also casually has Montez Sweat as a backup edge rusher. Adding a superstar talent like Chase Young will enhance the whole defensive line which will then make the defense as a whole play extremely better. Young is one of the best athletes to come out of this class and his dominating presence on the defensive line will always draw attention from the opposing team’s offensive line. Playing at a position that demands high levels of production and consistency, I do not see how Chase Young does not succeed in this system. If you’re the betting type, I would bet the house on Chase Young taking home DROY.
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