We saw some high-quality offensive players go early in last week’s NFL Draft, but which non-quarterback has the best chance to make a big impact in his rookie season?
Bijan Robinson – Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you’re drafting a running back with the eighth overall pick, odds are he’s going to be your three-down back from the jump. While Tyler Allgeier racked up 1,035 rushing yards last season, he only caught 16 passes out of the backfield. Robinson, on the other hand, will be a do-it-all back for head coach Arthur Smith and will be a security blanket for Desmond Ridder. The Falcons may not be very good in 2023, but they’ll at least have one of the more fun offenses revolved around Robinson.
Darnell Wright – Offensive Tackle, Chicago Bears
In much of 2022, Justin Fields was running for his life as defensive linemen broke through the offensive line in split seconds. After some upgrades on the interiror offensive line, Darnell Wright will be the day one starter at right tackle. After drafting him ninth overall, the Bears are hoping that he will be able to replicate his final season at Tennessee. And with his skillset, there’s no reason he cannot become a high-level starter in the NFL.
Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers
For Pittsburgh, one of the few holes on the roster was the offensive line. Kenny Pickett was under constant duress, but played at a high-level when kept clean. By trading up to the 14th overall pick, the Steelers were able to secure their left tackle of the future in Broderick Jones. Jones is a raw prospect, but his tools and traits elicit an insanely high upside. He’ll be a day one starter at one of the tackle spots and will protect Pickett for years to come.
Zay Flowers – Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is staying in Baltimore and a big lure was securing top notch receiving targets for him. After signing Odell Beckham Jr. to a deal, the Ravens drafted Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick. Flowers is a speedy, downfield threat who can take the top off a defense. He brings a different game than Rashod Bateman and OBJ, and should open up the field for Jackson. Expect a high number of targets to go Flowers’s way in his rookie season.
Sam LaPorta – Tight End, Iowa
Perhaps one of the more underrated selections was Sam LaPorta. The Iowa tight end has some serious shake and bake and can terrorize defenders across the middle of the field. LaPorta isn’t the biggest guy and won’t wow you as a blocker, but he can hold his own and will help the Lions’ running game as well. Jared Goff will look to LaPorta early and often as his security blanket.
Jonathan Mingo – Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
After picking Bryce Young with the first overall pick, the Panthers continued to attack the offensive side of the ball by selecting Jonathan Mingo in the second round. Mingo played everywhere at Ole Miss: in the slot, out wide, even as an in-line tight end. He was Lane Kiffin’s offensive chess piece and was schemed open on several plays. With an older (and subpar) receiver group of D.J. Chark, Adam Thielen, and Terrace Marshall Jr., Mingo will be asked to play a key role from the jump and could quickly become Young’s favorite target.
