Which NFL rookies will make the biggest impact on defense in 2020?
Yahoo Sports’ Senior NFL Writer Frank Schwab names three recent draft picks that he believes will have dominant defensive seasons.
Video Transcript
[VARIOUS SPORTS SOUND EFFECTS]
FRANK SCHWAB: The NFL draft is in the books, and we're gonna look at the three most impactful defensive rookies for the 2020 season. I'm gonna start in Baltimore, where Patrick Queen has a chance to go from national championship LSU to Super Bowl championship Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are gonna be one of the favorites this year, and I think Queen can play a big part of that.
He fits right into that inside linebacker spot that has produced so many stars for the Ravens and gets to go to a team that he can have a positive impact on through the playoffs. We all know the Ravens are gonna be in contention again this year. I think Queen steps right in, fits a big need for them and can have a huge impact as a rookie.
Next, I'm moving to the desert, where the Arizona Cardinals drafted linebacker, and really Swiss army knife defender, Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson. I love Simmons' talent. The Cardinals had to come into this draft thinking offensive tackle in the first round. But then Simmons fell to them at number eight, and they couldn't pass on a talent like that.
They're gonna line him up everywhere. And he can have a huge impact on the Cardinals' defense in many, many different ways. I think this coaching staff is gonna get very creative with him. And he has the ability to play all over the field. And if he puts up enough stats, he could be in the running for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
And obviously Chase Young has to be on this list. The second pick of the draft went to the Washington Redskins, and he gives them a foundation player. He's instantly the most recognizable guy in that franchise.
He has the talent to have a huge rookie season, win Defensive Rookie of the Year, and help set a tone for the Redskins with their rebuild under Ron Rivera. I think Chase Young is gonna have a monster rookie season and a great NFL career.