Durant might have been a fifth-round pick, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him become a starter as a rookie in Buffalo. He's a great fit as a 4i-technique in a 3-4 defense, which new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to run. Also, Ed Oliver has struggled to stay healthy over the last few years, and 2025 second-rounder T.J. Sanders is coming off a terrible rookie season. Look for the Penn State product to outplay his draft slot in year one.

The 24-year-old Beck has the collegiate starting experience to run the Cardinals' offense and serve as a game manager thanks to his accuracy and ball placement. At some point during the 2026 campaign, Beck should start. Arizona won't be moving forward with either Jacoby Brissett or Gardner Minshew II. The third-round rookie must play to either A) prove he can be the long-term solution or B) confirm the Cardinals will be in the quarterback market next offseason.

Point blank, the 49ers need a pass-rusher to step up and complement Nick Bosa, especially since Bosa is coming off another torn ACL. While Height leaves something to be desired against the run, he can fill the aforementioned role and might be the best option for it in San Francisco. Don't expect the Texas Tech product to start as a rookie, but his quickness and pass-rush chops give him an opportunity to contribute on third downs right away.

Brandon Cisse has exceptional lateral and downhill explosion that he uses to trigger on perimeter runs/screens and maintain sticky man coverage. The Packers have a few experienced options in the cornerback room, but Jonathan Gannon is entering his first season as the Packers' defensive coordinator and could shake things up. Cisse has been impressive during camp and is an exciting bet for a secondary that needs it.

Pregnon offers the Jaguars more power and size (6'4", 314 lbs) than most of their offensive linemen, while providing real thump and people-moving ability in the run game. So far in camp, the third-round rookie is firmly planted as a backup. He will need time to figure out his technique and adjust to the quality of NFL rushers as a pass protector. Even so, his high-end size and raw power give this unit a much-needed presence along the interior and a potential long-term answer at one of the guard spots.

Thompson has elite top-end speed to stack cornerbacks and take the top off defenses routinely, pairing well with the aggressive passing style of Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert. Also, new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel loves speed. The play-caller will almost certainly find ways to get the ball into Thompson's hands.

Masses has been rotating opposite Eric Stokes in training camp and earning reps. His instinctual nature helps him in camp, but his limited frame and ball-tracking could pose problems against NFL receivers.

With Micah Parsons likely beginning the season on PUP, and Lukas Van Ness still needing to prove himself in the NFL, there's an outside shot Dennis-Sutton is a Week 1 starter for the Packers. He could afford to add some twitch to be a productive pass-rusher at the next level, but the Penn State product's size, strength and physicality give him a chance to be an immediate contributor in Green Bay.

One of the more underrated players with an opportunity to make an NFL impact, Jakobe Thomas is just the type of player Brian Flores loves to utilize. He's a downhill dynamo with hard-hitting ability and does a great job as a robber in the middle of the field. With Harrison Smith retiring and Josh Metellus as the veteran in the room, Thomas has a real opportunity to make an early impact.

Allen has the route-running chops and athleticism to create separation in the short, intermediate and deep areas of the field. His ability to separate from man-coverage will give the Chiefs' passing offense a weapon who doesn't need to be heavily schemed open. Allen, who wasn't invited to this year's NFL Scouting Combine, can be an impact player in Year 1 even as a fifth-round rookie.