Fansided
Fansided

NFL predictions: Unlikely stars for all 32 teams entering 2019

By Dillon Appleman

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 15: Darrius Shepherd #10 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Allen Lazard #13 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 15: Darrius Shepherd #10 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Allen Lazard #13 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 24: KeeSean Johnson #19 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled with the ball in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 24: KeeSean Johnson #19 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled with the ball in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Arizona Cardinals: KeeSean Johnson, WR

KeeSean Johnson was the third receiver drafted by the Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft but after watching his play during camp and throughout the preseason, he could end up being the most impactful.

Johnson was one of the most productive receivers in all of college football over the last few years but wasn’t thought of amongst the elite of the draft class due to his average to below-average athletic testing at the combine.

While he may not have the quickness and speed of Andy Isabella or the high-point ability of Hakeem Butler, Johnson does do everything well and will prove that in 2019.

He runs crisp routes, understands positioning on his breaks and has reliable hands that Kyler Murray will grow to love this season.

Arizona fans should be excited about all of their new offensive weapons, but Johnson could end up being the best of the bunch.

Los Angeles Rams: Natrez Patrick, LB

Natrez Patrick went undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft but was signed by the Rams as a free agent shortly after. Since then, he has been a welcomed surprise throughout camp and the preseason.

Patrick played primarily inside during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs, but was moved outside as more of an edge due to injuries and need for the Rams.

He has really taken to the new position quickly and is making a strong case to be included on the team’s final roster going into the 2019 season.

Through three preseason games, Patrick has 9 tackles and a half a sack, but those numbers don’t point to just how active he’s been for the Rams.

He has been a disruptive presence in each game and is playing the run well too.

Patrick’s strong play has not gone unnoticed either. Coach Sean McVay said of the young linebacker “He’s done a great job outside, I think he’s really taken advantage of his opportunities”

This certainly bodes well for not only is chances to make the team but his chances at getting regular snaps on Sunday’s this season.

San Francisco 49ers: Dre Greenlaw, LB

The San Francisco 49ers spent a lot of money and made some strategic moves to really bolster their defense in 2019. They signed Kwon Alexander, traded for Dee Ford and took Nick Bosa with the first overall pick in this past draft. While those names certainly get all the headlines, there is another new face making a name for himself on the defense as well.

Dre Greenlaw was taken in the fifth round of the draft this year and has quickly made an impression on his new team.

He made a lot of plays throughout camp and has been all over the field so far this preseason. Through three games Greenlaw leads the team in tackles with 13 and has been used all over the field as well, which just points to how quickly he has taken to Robert Saleh’s defense.

In fact, Greenlaw has been so impressive that the team recently cut former Super Bowl MVP, Malcolm Smith. Which leaves the door wide open for Greenlaw to start as the teams SAM backer in 2019.

His hot start should have San Francisco fans very excited about their trio of Greenlaw, Fred Warner and Kwon Alexander.

Seattle Seahawks: Keenan Reynolds, WR

If you follow football close enough, you probably have heard of Keenan Reynolds. The former Navy quarterback and current reservist set the NCAA record with 88 rushing touchdowns in his collegiate football career and finished fifth in Heisman voting back in 2015.

This led to Reynolds being a sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens but he has yet to make an impact in his three years in the league. He bounced around the Ravens practice squad before a short stint with the Redskins and finally ended up with the Seahawks in May of 2018.

While his path in the NFL hasn’t been the most traditional, he is doing everything he can to keep his NFL dream alive and its showing.

Although he hasn’t made much impact during the preseason, those within the organization speak very highly of him and his abilities in the slot, where the Seahawks just so happen to have a need.

He was impressive in camp and has shown ability as a kick returner as well.

In fact, after a scrimmage earlier this month, Pete Carroll said of the Naval officer that, “He can do everything, he plays every position, a really smart kid and he comes through…”

That praise and his vocal presence and maturity should allow him to sneak onto the 53-man roster and finally get onto the field in 2019.

Home/NFL Draft