NFL.com names 10 rookies from NFL Draft who are in perfect situations

The NFL Draft is in the books and hundreds of rookies are gathering at minicamps with their new teams. But who amongst them landed in the best spot for their talents?

Marc Ross, an analyst for NFL.com, dissected the draft to answer that very question. We NFL fans all watched the draft unfold. It was a mashup of names and faces, with queries about whether the player fit a specific team’s needs.

But flip around that question. Ross listed 10 players who had the best chance at thriving. Eight of the 10 were first rounders. Like the draft itself, the top 10 is heavy with offensive players. There are only two defensive players. That’s the same number as quarterbacks and offensive linemen. Plus, the receivers aren’t who you think they are. So let’s get to the list.

1. Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams (USC): pick 1

You’d think the first player picked in the NFL Draft would automatically top this list as well. But the rookie quarterback doesn’t always thrive. Need evidence? Go back a year to Bryce Young.

But the Bears prepared for Williams, the 2022 Heisman winner. Ross wrote: “It’s hard to think of a previous No. 1 overall pick who was put in a better situation than Caleb Williams in Chicago.” Ross points out that the Bears signed former Eagles RB D’Andre Swift. And he described Chicago’s receivers — DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze — as “perhaps the best WR room in the league.”

2. Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy (Texas): pick 28

There were seven receivers selected in the first round. And Ross picked Worthy, who was the fifth wideout off the board, as the one who would enjoy the best rookie experience. Then again, none of the other first rounders will be catching passes from Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs moved up four spots in the first round via a trade with the Bills. Coach Andy Reid’s offense loves to feature plays to a speedy receiver flying down field on deep routes. Ross noted that Worthy, who set the NFL Combine record in the 40, fits that role “like a glove.”

3. Los Angeles Chargers OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame) pick 5

New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh loves to build a team through his offensive line. With pick No. 5, many thought he’d trade down to pick up more selections in the NFL Draft. Instead, he selected Alt, the top offensive lineman on the board.

Ross wrote: “The towering Alt could succeed in any offense. But combining Harbaugh’s philosophy with the fact that the Notre Dame product will bookend the Bolts’ front opposite Rashawn Slater (a top-five tackle when healthy) makes this an amazing fit.”

4. Los Angeles Rams EDGE Jared Verse (Florida State) pick 19

Verse is the first defensive player on the list, although he was the fourth in the actual NFL Draft. So why is he such a good fit for the Rams?

“Verse is a tough, physical edge rusher who will be able to focus on getting after the quarterback — without having to take on too many other responsibilities — thanks to the guys around him,” Ross said. “This pick gives L.A. a chance to improve on its sack total from last season of 41 (tied for 23rd in the league).”

5. Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (LSU) pick 2

Now we come to the second quarterback on the list. New coach Dan Quinn, a defensive-minded guy, is going to build his team around Daniels, the dynamic playmaker from LSU.

Ross noted that the Commanders addressed concerns with their offensive line and signed tight end Zach Ertz, who can be a quarterback’s best friend. Plus, Washington added running back Austin Ekeler, who is a help in the run and pass game. “My hat is off to (GM Adam) Peters for making such a concerted effort to upgrade the foundation around the team’s new franchise quarterback. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is in a good position to succeed early in his career.”

6. Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze (Washington) pick 9

The Bears made Williams’ life easier by selecting Odunze eight spots later. Odunze was the third wideout off the board, but he’s the only one of the trio in this top 10. (Don’t fret Marvin Harrison Jr or Malik Nabers).

“Unlike the two wideouts taken before him, Odunze joins a receiver room that already features a pair of established stars,” Ross wrote. “The rookie is in an incredible situation, as he’ll face plenty of No. 2 and 3 cornerbacks early on in his career. Odunze possesses exceptional ball skills; he has the ability to create separation and win against defenders due to his body control, positioning and great hands. It’s going to be a lot of fun watching Odunze build a rapport with Caleb Williams this fall and beyond.”

7. Green Bay Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M) pick 45

Cooper is one of two non-first rounders on this list. But the prototype linebackers usually aren’t as coveted as their counterparts who rush the QB.

Ross called Cooper a “value pick” and the best linebacker in the NFL Draft class. “Cooper has great speed and pursuit ability,” he said. “Plus, he fits perfectly into new coordinator Jeff Hafley’s blitz-heavy defense. The Texas A&M star, who had eight sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2023, can just come in and aggressively play his role. … This front seven is going to be a nightmare.”

8. Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU): pick 23

We have another receiver on the list, but rather than Nabers, who went No. six, Ross puts in Thomas. Remember, this list is about the player and the situation he finds himself in. Ross mentioned that the Jaguars needed to replace Calvin Ridley. Thomas is a good option to help QB Trevor Lawrence.

“Alongside (Gabe) Davis and Christian Kirk, the LSU product should begin as a WR2 or WR3, with plenty of upside to develop and grow within the offense throughout the season,” Ross said. “With his playmaking ability, speed and natural talent, Thomas should elevate into a bigger role before too long.”

9. Seattle Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II (Texas) pick 18

Ross thinks Murphy could have the same experience as Eagles d-tackle Jalen Carter, a first rounder from last year’s NFL Draft. Murphy also was the second defender off this year’s draft board.

“Murphy should see more playing time as a starter for the Seahawks,” Ross wrote. “But he’ll be able to make the same type of splash plays Carter did simply because there are so many established disruptors around him. … Murphy’s skill set adds an extra dimension for new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who’ll love creating one-on-one opportunities for the rookie.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers C Zach Frazier (West Virginia) pick 51

Let’s hear it for the versatile offensive linemen. The Steelers wanted to select a center with one of their top picks. When Troy Fautanu fell in their laps at No. 20, they waited until the second round to grab Frazier, the tough Mountaneer.

Ross descried Frazier as “a brawler who embodies everything this franchise is about. His experience and toughness will allow him to step in immediately as the pivot of an overhauled unit with a new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.”

Rookie minicamps are ongoing through the week. If you’d like to read more of Ross’ assessment, click it here. And if you want to catch up with On3’s NFL Draft coverage, click it here.