Top 5 NFL free agents who will make a real impact at training camp
Top 5 NFL free agents who will make a real impact at training camp
There was a lot of big free agent moves this offseason some that were highly advertised, others not so much. This is list is going to mention the type of free agents that have the potential to make the biggest impact at training camp.
#1 Le’ Veon Bell, New York Jets
Le’Veon Bell spent most of the past few years as the number one running back in the league, being so versatile that it didn’t matter if he was coming out of the backfield for a pass or running down the middle you could always expect him to get his yards. The kind of workhorse that Le’Veon Bell is and what he brings to an offense is exactly what young quarterback Sam Darnold needs to start getting comfortable. With that being said Le’Veon Bell will make the biggest impact because he will send Sam Darnold to another level in terms of comfort knowing he has one of the best security blankets in the business to back him up.
#2 Nick Foles, Jacksonville Jaguars
Nick Foles has become somewhat of a mythical hero around the NFL for his unbelievable 2018 playoff run that eventually led to the Eagles first super win ever. This was more than magic it was proof that the old veteran QB can still bring a team far if the offense is built around him. The reason it worked on the Eagles was because of head coach, Doug Pederson restructured the offense around Nick Foles skill set. If the head coach of the Jaguars Doug Marrone can do the same thing then who knows what could become Jacksonville’s offense? This team is really going to benefit from an accomplished veteran presence, the Jaguars might have a chance to really make a name for themselves in the coming years.
#3 Zach Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
In his 7 years in the league, Zach Brown has shown that he really can make an impact on a defense, after this team lost Jordan Hicks who had 91 tackles and 3 sacks last year there was a big spot to fill. Adding Zach Brown means that Eagles are going to have no problems filling the hole in the linebacker core. Zach Brown makes the team that much better because of his speed, tackling skill and toughness. Watch for Zach Brown to take over the middle linebacker position to let Nigel Bradham fly around and make plays on the outside bringing the Eagles pass-rush back to an elite level.
#4 Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints
From 2010 to 2014 Drew Brees had some of his best statistical seasons including a Super Bowl in 2010. His number one target in 3 of those 4 seasons was tight end Jimmy Graham averaging well over 100 receptions per year. What made the Graham such a valuable target was his ability to stretch the field and his awesome athleticism. This is something Drew Brees can find again in Jared Cook. Last season in Oakland the South Carolina product led the Raiders in receptions and yards while averaging 13.2 yards per catch. This gives Drew Brees another option to stretch the field other than Michael Thomas. Watch for Drew Brees to immediately make a connection with his new athletic tight end and watch for Jared Cook to really make a big impact on the Saints deep ball game.
#5 Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs
A lot of experts say that Tyrann Mathieu leaves a lot to be desired, but the hard-hitting safety had 70 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 8 passes defended these are defensive statistics that the Chiefs are sorely lacking. 4 separate times last season Patrick Mahomes led the chiefs high powered offense to games above 25 and every time they lost the game via some sort of final drive losing by a margin of 3 to 7 points. The defense needed a guy who can defend passes, as well as tackle, and Tyrann Mathieu can be that guy. Watch for the Chief’s defense to work hard on their clutch drills and watch for Tyrann Mathieu to make his mark on the backfield.
-By: Ryan Johnson