NFL Star Rookies? The Best Schematic Fit From Each AFC Draft Class

It is all too easy to get caught up in the hype of first-round picks in the immediate aftermath of every NFL Draft, but history proves that the greatest impact is often made by players selected after Day 1. 

Case in point: The two best defensive rookies in the NFL last year — Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori — were both Day 2 steals.

The players listed below might not be the biggest names today, but they are clean schematic fits for their respective teams and appear to have a relatively clear path to playing time. It's why they're primed to make big contributions in 2026. And only a few of them were drafted in the first round. 

With training camp now underway, here are my AFC rookies to watch.

Buffalo Bills: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU (No. 126 pick)

The Bills’ projected starting inside linebackers — Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams — have struggled with durability and consistency over their respective careers. Elarms-Orr has played in 47 games over the past four years and possesses elite speed. At minimum, he should prove a quality backup and special teams ace as a rookie, and I think his closing speed in coverage and as a blitzer could generate enough flashy plays that he winds up stealing a starting role sooner than later. 

Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (No. 27 pick)

With the Dolphins undergoing a significant rebuild, there should be multiple rookies making an immediate impact this year in Miami. With all due respect to new linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis, the defender I’m most excited about is Johnson, a polished cover corner who I think will prove to be Miami’s best player in the secondary by the end of his rookie