The NFL rookies to keep an eye on in 2019

Photo by swimfinfan, CC BY-SA 2.0

Caption: The NFL Draft is the single biggest occasion in the sport—aside from the Super Bowl

One of the most exciting aspects about every new NFL season is the ability to watch newcomers take to the field and try to grasp their opportunities with both hands (quite literally). Some rookies go on to make incredible immediate impacts that cement them as NFL pros for many years ahead. Who can forget the way Dak Prescott—a fourth-round draft pick—took the mantle as the Dallas Cowboys quarterback from day one, leading his team to the 2016 playoffs in his debut year?

Arguably the main reason why college football is so popular both as a sport and as an online wagering opportunity among NCAAF fans is that it’s the primary feeder into the NFL. Millions across the U.S. are intrigued year-on-year as to which NCAAF stars can graduate and make the grade in the big league. Which newbies look capable of stamping their mark on their respective teams in 2019?

Erik McCoy – New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints went into the 2019 Draft with a clear plan—find a long-term replacement for Max Unger. Unger confirmed his inevitable retirement, leaving the Saints in dire need of an inspirational center. Although Nick Easton was snapped up from Minnesota prior to the Draft, it was clear the Saints did not see him as a long-term solution. The Saints were over the moon to nab McCoy in the second round of the Draft, with many believing he should have been picked in the first round. The Texas A&M grad impressed throughout preseason and hasn’t looked back since the start of the regular campaign.

Greedy Williams – Cleveland Browns

Like McCoy, Greedy Williams was another solid second-round pick-up by the Browns. LSU has a long and proud list of defensive backs who have gone on to cement themselves in NFL folklore, and Cleveland will be hoping that Williams follows a similar path. Although he demonstrated some of his raw attributes and a healthy dose of naivety during the preseason, Williams is keen on proving his willingness to defend and make the most of his 185-pound, 6’ 2” frame against opposing cornerbacks.

Dalton Risner – Denver Broncos

The Broncos needed a safe pair of hands they could trust to slot straight in at left guard, and Kansas State’s Dalton Risner has proven a more-than-adequate second round pick. Risner’s arrival has freed up Ron Leary to move out of left guard towards his preferred role at right guard. Such is the impact that Risner has made on this Broncos team that many of his teammates have gone public regarding his talent, stating that he has the mentality and all the attributes to enjoy a long career in NFL.

David Montgomery – Chicago Bears

Photo by Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0

Caption: Montgomery was a star figure for the Iowa State Cyclones

Matt Nagy has a knack of giving rookies a platform to shine. You only have to look back to his time at the Chiefs when he helped third-round selection, Kareem Hunt, become the league’s best rusher two years ago. The now-Bears head coach is looking to achieve something similar with Iowa State grad, David Montgomery. It’s safe to say that Montgomery looks to be a more attack-minded fit for Nagy’s intense offensive style than Jordan Howard, who struggled to make an impression and was promptly traded to Philadelphia in the off-season. Montgomery will be desperate to take his encouraging preseason form into his first full season as an NFL rookie, particularly with the Bears experiencing something of an early-season slide in form.

Juan Thornhill – Kansas City Chiefs

Last, but by no means least, Juan Thornhill looks like a progressive second-round pick by the Chiefs, straight out of Virginia. Having played much of his college career at cornerback and safety, Thornhill has been given a chance to push for a starting safety spot with the Chiefs. The Chiefs’ hierarchy has recognized his propensity to force turnovers and pick off opposition passes, which could certainly help him bag a regular starting gig for one of the most exciting teams in this year’s NFL.