With the 2020 NFL training camp starting soon, let’s look forward to a few of the rookies in the AFC that will be making an impact on the league for years to come.
No. 3: Patrick Queen, LB, Ravens
Queen was a dynamic defender while at LSU, playing at all three levels and not being afraid to play in coverage or in the run game. Queen had 85 tackles his final year at LSU and now joins a star-studded Baltimore defense. The tape on Queen truly speaks for itself. Baltimore was an offense-oriented team last year but put a lot of emphasis on their defense in this draft, including a budding star in Patrick Queen.
No. 2: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs
Yes, another running back, but Edwards-Helaire will be a key piece in Kansas City this season. The Chiefs did not have a rusher go over 500 yards and they still won the Super Bowl. One of those 400-yard rushers, LeSean McCoy, is a free agent, leaving a big hole on offense. Edwards-Helaire will bring a key skill to the offense and fill a massive hole on that side of the ball. He is a power back that dominated at LSU, adding 1,400 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns in his final NCAA season.
The Chiefs are a dynamic offense already, but fans should be very excited about what the team can do with Edwards-Helaire at running back. He is a solid pick and a true steal for the reigning champions.
No. 1: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts
Jonathan Taylor was an absolute star at Wisconsin, setting all sorts of records for Badgers running back history. Taylor amassed over 6,000 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in his three years up north. Taylor also had a respectable 407 receiving yards and five scores in his senior year, the only time Wisconsin truly utilized his talents in the passing game.
So why will he make such a big impact in Indianapolis? The Colts already had a really good running game last year, with starter Marlon Mack surpassing 1,000 yards. Now, with Phillip Rivers in tow to serve as the starting quarterback, he has a shiny new weapon in the backfield to assist him. Rivers thrived in San Diego/Los Angeles when he had Melvin Gordon, and now with Michael Pittman Jr. and TY Hilton lining up for the Colts, this team is going to be dangerous.
Taylor may not be the starter, although that is a possibility. Mack was good last season, but running backs rarely dominate year after year, so having Taylor in the backfield will be key for the Colts’ success in 2020.
