Photo Credit: USATSI
With the draftees already practicing with their teams, it’s never too early to be able to predict who will be making an impact as a rookie. My predictions for impact rookies in the 2015 season are Danny Shelton, drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Bud Dupree, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Maxx Williams, drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, La’el Collins, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and Trae Waynes, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.
Danny Shelton was already making a big impact at the draft after he picked up Roger Goodell. With Cleveland’s unfortunate pick last year, they needed someone who would be making a good impact for them, Danny Shelton is a perfect fit for that. While some teams were worried about his size, Shelton makes up for that by making sure that he has eyes all over the field and being able to get to the offensive lineman easily. His size can also be an advantage for Cleveland, because as big as he is, he takes up a lot of space which some offenses could underestimate. Even though Shelton is not going to be missing the organized team activities, he is finishing his degree which only speaks more to his character and his priorities which is exactly what Cleveland needs.
Bud Dupree is filling a huge need for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since Polamulu announced his retirement, the defensive line had lost one of their most dependable players and arguably one of the best players to wear a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform. Bud Dupree will fit in with the Steelers, because he has the perfect body for a defensive player. He’s strong, is freakishly athletic and is being thrown into a defense that is known for being big. While Dupree has been missing some off-season activities to finish his degree, it’s clear that his character and priorities are where they need to be which can only help the Steelers.
While some predicted that the Steelers would take Maxx Williams, the Ravens got to him first. The Ravens needed a tight-end who could also play receiver. Williams has big hands and the perfect body for his position and he’s going into a pretty decent offensive line which is only going to aid him in the long run. Following in the footsteps of father, Brian Williams (former center for the New York Giants), he has a legacy to carry on. Williams has a lot to bring the Ravens offense and with the right coaching by Richard Angulo and hard work, Williams is going to make a big impact for the Ravens.
Before one can even mention La’el Collins, everyone is quick to bring up his ex-girlfriend’s murder which Collins was cleared of having any involvement in. That obviously affected him going undrafted but the Cowboys were able to pick him up. Collins is being added to one of the most stellar offensive line in the game today and he will only add to their success. Collins has the ability to play at least 3 positions and he is known for being very hard-working. Collins is now the biggest guy on the offensive line and he’s a very physical and aggressive player which is going to make a huge impact on their offensive line. With Murray gone, the Cowboys needed someone to help beef up their offensive line again and Collins is a great addition.
Trae Waynes is an interesting player since he could have been an offensive player. When he was young, he decided that he wanted to play defense and it took off from there. Waynes has a very professional demeanor in terms of the media, but once he hits the field, he becomes a completely different person. With an outstanding performance at the NFL combine, Waynes is already showing the Vikings what he can do, even being praised by Vikings’ coach, Mike Zimmer. He has a very good work ethic, a two-touchdown record under his defense and is an intimidating player. Waynes is going to be an excellent addition to a team who needs to step up their defense and with the size of an NFL player already, Waynes is set to make a huge impact.
