Every team needs players who can set them up for success in the next season. With the NFL draft and offseason moves shaping teams, here are three players who can have instant impacts for their new teams.
Rams WR Davante Adams
The Los Angeles Rams made a big splash by signing veteran receiver Davante Adams from the Jets. Adams brings in years of experience, and still retains value in the upcoming season, making him valuable to have an instant impact. As a veteran player, Adams can use his experience to lead and guide the Rams to success.
The Rams released Cooper Kupp, making room for Adams to have an even bigger role for the team. Adams is a dynamic and versatile player, even if he isn’t in his prime. Adams’ presence can open up the field for more passes to Puka Nacua, another consistent performer for the Rams.
Adams will provide the Rams with another top 10 receiver and hopefully give the team the true X receiver they’ve been looking for since Odell Beckham. Adams has been a consistent playmaker throughout his career, taking pride in his ability to get open. This will be crucial for the Rams’ offense, as the team has been missing this kind of ability. Adams will be influential for the Rams, who are looking to have another good season.
Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson
The Pittsburgh Steelers lost Najee Harris in the offseason, which meant the team needed to find a big running back elsewhere. Ultimately, they turned to drafting rookie Kaleb Johnson from Iowa. The Steelers still have Jaylen Warren, who is a good back, but Johnson gives them the size they had in Harris.
Johnson became one of the best backs in college football, using his size to his advantage. Similarly to Harris, Johnson can barge and beat his way into opponents’ defenses. The rookie had 21 rushing touchdowns in the 2024 season for Iowa, setting him up for big success in his rookie campaign.
Warren will still play a big role in the Steeler’s offense, but Johnson can become healthy competition for him. Johnson can provide crucial blocks off the ball making him a dynamic choice for the Steelers. He can also catch, although his ceiling isn’t as high in catching capacity. The offense will be looking to Johnson to get a good amount of carries alongside Warren. Johnson can have an instant impact for the Steelers now that Harris has moved on.
Panthers Edge Nic Scourton
The Carolina Panthers were desperate for solutions to their defensive woes, and Nic Scourton will look to be influential in his rookie season. The Panthers released veteran Jadeveon Clowney, which makes Scourton have an even bigger value to the team.
Scourton has had a big hype around his playmaking abilities on defense. He has a big presence and can effectively stop runners on the edge. Scourton shows determination to get to runners and quarterbacks throughout games. With DJ Wonnum and Patrick Jones II, the Panthers could have the ability to make a big impression defensively.
Although Scourton’s stats dipped in the 2024 season, he remains a valuable pick for the Panthers. Scourton had 10 sacks for Purdue in the 2023 season, which led the Big Ten. He might not start in Week 1 given the expereince Wonnum and Jones have, but Scourton is poised to play a big role for the struggling defense.
The Panthers will likely rotate Scourton in, providing him with important experience in his rookie season. After allowing big runs during the 2024 season, the hope will be that Scourton can cement the defense and be an instant impact for the Panthers.
