With the 2016 NFL Draft in the books and eight UCLA Bruins heard their name called. All will have the opportunity to make a team, but this article will specifically concern itself with five Bruins who are in line to make an immediate impact with their new respective teams.
Let me first begin by stating something that I have a problem with. When it comes to the NFL, having meaningful reps is one of the most crucial ways to impress a coach, learn the playbook and earn a significant role.
Plain and simple, you can’t earn trust, reps, or playing time without actually being in camp.
That’s where UCLA’s rare quarter academic comes into play. The NFL CBA, or collective bargaining agreement, states that rookies cannot attend any NFL camp until their respective universities have completed finals. For most schools this isn’t an issue since finals for semester based schools end in early to mid may.
Related Story: 5 Bruins That Could Get Selected in the 2017 NFL Draft
However for UCLA their finals will not start until early June meaning, by rule, they cannot attend rookie minicamps.
While they shouldn’t be dinged in the minds of coaches for having to abide by the rules, they don’t get the extra time to workout with other members of the team and get into the playbook which is even more important for players drafted in the later rounds.
Now that I’ve gone on my little rant, lets get underway.
Next: A true Swiss Army Knife
Thomas Duarte TE – Miami Dolphins 7th round
Depth Chart
Starter Cameron Jordan hasn’t quite been the receiving threat that he flashed in Cleveland. He’s been banged up and because of that he hasn’t developed chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill the way the organization would like.
He is also owed $7.5 million in 2016 so this could be a make or break year for him. He’s backed up by both Jake Stoneburner and Dion Sims. Stoneburner is more of a receiving threat but still only had five catches last year while Sims is more of what I would call a number two tight end; a guy who is called upon to block and occasionally make a catch.
Why he can make an immediate impact…
The Dolphins haven’t been the same since they lost tight end Charles Clay to the Buffalo Bills. Clay wasn’t built like a traditional TE and neither is Duarte. Both are around 6’3 with tons of athletic ability and although not dominating inline blocking TE’s, they find ways to spring ball carriers and shield off defenders.
Most importantly, they both have very good hands. That’s something that will help get the former Bruin on the field early and often.
Next: Browns get a new weapon
Jordan Payton WR – Cleveland Browns 5th Round
Depth Chart
Before the draft I would honestly say there isn’t a wide receiver with as much talent as Payton. The only notable receiver I see on the roster is Andrew Hawkins and he is strictly a slot receiver given his lack of size.
Payton was the third of four receivers taken by the Browns in the 2016 draft but I personally feel he is the most polished. He is bigger, more physical and a better route runner than first round pick Corey Coleman. Payton also has better hands than fourth round selection Ricardo Louis and although Louis is bigger and faster, he also came from one of college football’s worst passing offenses. Fellow 5th round selection Rashard Higgins plays alot like Payton but isn’t nearly as fast or as physical.
Why he can make an immediate impact…
The Browns need playmakers on the outside. Their receiving corps was full of overachievers and guys who didn’t scare defenses. A receiver like Payton will come in and be immediately up to playing strength and understand pro-concepts. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him, Coleman and Hawkins being the starters at some point this season.
Next: A new RB in NYC
Paul Perkins RB- New York Giants 5th Round
Depth Chart
Perkins arrives in a situation where although it looks like there is a crowded backfield, he is clearly much closer to the top than the bottom is terms of talent. Rashad Jennings has claimed the starting role each time he’s been healthy but that’s the problem, he is rarely healthy and played 16 games for the first time in his 7 year career in 2015. He is also 31 years old.
His backup Andre Williams has been lackluster and the big bruiser hasn’t shown the quick feet to thrive in the NFL. Orleans Darkwa flashed last season but he isn’t a starter. Shane Vereen was signed to be a receiving threat out of the backfield but was under utilized.
Why he can make an immediate impact…
Pure and simple it comes down to talent and Perkins has the most of it. He’s tough enough to run inside but has enough speed and vision to bounce it when he needs to. He can catch the ball well out of the backfield and is a mismatch against most linebackers. His main issue will be pass protection and until he gets better at that, look for Vereen to be the third down back.
Next: Big man in the middle
Kenny Clark DT – Green Bay Packers Round 1
Depth Chart
With stalwart nose tackle, B.J. Raji retiring, for who knows how long, there is a massive void in the middle of this defense. Backup nose tackle Letroy Guion has a lot of tread on his tires and who knows how much longer he will be able to keep up.
Pennel, although slated at one of the end spots could slide down inside but seems to have settled in nicely at LDE. The wildcard here will be the development of third year defensive tackle William Campbell who has been with three teams and bounced from between offensive and defensive lineman.
Why he can make an immediate impact…
Clark is pro-ready. He is also scheme versatile after being used in a variety of ways at UCLA, and provides not just a run stopping force but also will serve as an interior rusher.
He doesn’t need to come off the field no matter the down or distance and allows for plenty of flexibility in a defensive coordinator’s scheme. While he could add a few more pounds to his frame, he will be able to hold his own against offensive linemen at the next level.
Next: Motivated for Myles
Myles Jack LB- Jacksonville Jaguars 2nd Round
Depth Chart
It wouldn’t really matter what team Jack was going to because no one really has a linebacker that can do all that he can. The Jaguars are no exception and he will be a major upgrade over every LB on their roster.
Dan Skuta is a journeyman, Telvin Smith is an undersized Will Linebacker and Paul Posluszny is entering his 10th year and doesn’t have the range needed at this stage of his career. There isn’t another LB on this roster who comes close to comparing to Jack’s athleticism and potential.
Why he can make an immediate impact…
Jack can play all over the defense, he can play in any sub package and he can play in any base defense. Suffice it to say, he will never have to come off the field. Although concerns over his knee injury caused him to drop, he appears to be in form right now.
The questions about whether his knee will hold up over 8 years are void since this article is about players who can perform right away. Make no mistake about it, Jack is looking to make plenty of noise in 2016.
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Next: Post-NFL Draft Takeaways
Go Bruins!