With the 2018 NFL draft wrapped and teams transitioning to offseason OTAs, let's take a look at some of the best rookie fits.
Starting with the upper-tier athletic traits of Derwin James in the Chargers' defensive scheme, here are 10 first-year players who landed in the right spots to produce this season.
Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers
We know that James has a freakish combination of size and athleticism at the position. The 4.4-second speed is there, too. But I'm looking at the scheme fit in Los Angeles because it's a perfect match for James' skill set. With defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, James projects in that Kam Chancellor role underneath. The closing speed is there, and so is the explosive power on contact. He can hit and track the ball in space. Plus, James has the traits to play over the top as a deep middle-third defender. You want upside and versatility in a defense that caters to the player? Man, this is it with James. I'm still shocked he was on the board at 17.
Bradley Chubb, DE, Denver Broncos
With Chubb and Von Miller, the Broncos have two bookend rushers to create chaos in passing situations. For starters, that's going to boost the secondary play in Denver. Remember, that ball has to come out when the quarterback begins to feel heat on the edge. And it's also going to impact protection schemes. Slide the running back or chip on Miller? I get it. But that leaves Chubb in a one-on-one matchup opposite the All-Pro rush linebacker. The NC State product graded out as one of the top overall prospects in this class. He's an impact guy. His arrival in Denver will allow the Broncos to work toward dictating the flow of the game from a defensive perspective once again.
Christian Kirk, WR, Arizona Cardinals
It's the route running and toughness with Kirk. He can get open from the the slot, and there is enough long speed there (he ran a 4.47 40) to get on top of defensive backs in coverage. Smooth player on film. The Texas A&M star also brings top-tier return skills to Arizona in the kicking game. As a rookie, look for Kirk to benefit from playing opposite veteran Larry Fitzgerald in Mike McCoy's offense. But as we take a peek at the future, Kirk can become that reliable, consistent target for quarterback Josh Rosen. I believe Kirk will pile up receptions in this offense working in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
Sony Michel, RB, New England Patriots
Michel might not log 20 total touches per game in the Patriots' backfield rotation, but we can't deny the fit in New England, given his running style and projected role as a pass-catcher. The Georgia star has that quick-twitch, downhill speed. Hit the hole, slice through gaps, and cut -- instantly -- to make defenders miss at the second level. Plus, I see upside here as a receiver out of the backfield. Get Michel involved on flat routes and angle routes, and use the screen game. The ability is there with Michel to beat linebackers after the catch, and those are the high-percentage throws we see from Tom Brady in Josh McDaniels' offensive system. Work the ball underneath, and move the sticks. This is a good match for Michel's talent.
Roquan Smith, LB, Chicago Bears
With the athletic skill set to fit today's NFL game, Smith is a plug-and-play linebacker for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Just look at the natural instincts to find the ball. Or check out the 4.5 speed in space. Smith can close in a hurry. And don't forget about his tackling technique. Wrap up, and put the ball carrier down. Smith should line up inside in the Bears' 3-4 base scheme, but I believe his biggest impact comes in their nickel packages. That's where Smith can get sideline to sideline, match running backs in the passing game or drop as a zone defender. Read the QB and go. The Bears got a blue-chip talent here.
D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers
Moore will need some time and game reps to fully develop in an NFL route tree, but I like the fit here for quarterback Cam Newton and the passing attack under new coordinator Norv Turner. Feed Moore the ball underneath, use quick screens, and cater to his low 4.4 speed in vertical concepts. With the toughness and physicality to run after the catch, Moore is a solid complement to the big body of Devin Funchess. Moore is aggressive with the rock, and Turner can put the rookie in position to use the playmaking ability he showed on his college tape at Maryland.
Derrius Guice, RB, Washington Redskins
Bring those big-boy pads if you want to square up Guice in the hole. The LSU star has a violent running style to push through the wash at the pro level, plus the footwork is there to slip defenders and find daylight. Guice should emerge quickly as an early-down/goal-line back in Washington, and don't discount his ability to provide some versatility as a receiving option in Jay Gruden's offense. With 4.49 speed, I believe Guice's game is a better fit in an NFL offense compared to the system at LSU. And there is no doubt on his talent level. He's a Day 2 pick with a first-round grade.
Jaire Alexander, CB, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay's second-round pick, cornerback Josh Jackson, is also part of the Packers' blueprint to upgrade the secondary under new coordinator Mike Pettine. The former Iowa Hawkeye has crazy ball skills at the point of attack. But I'm focusing on Alexander because of his press-man skills and the competitiveness he shows in coverage. Yes, his technique will be tested early this season, but I love that he will challenge routes. Plus, the 4.3 speed is there to recover. Playing up in the grille of opposing wide receivers or getting his eyes on the quarterback in zone to drive on the ball, Alexander has a ton of upside in Pettine's scheme, along with Jackson and 2017 draft pick Kevin King.
Ronald Jones II, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jones has the one-cut, slashing style to fit in multiple NFL offenses. That jump-cut is nasty, and there is home run ability on his USC tape, too. Hit the edge and go. Plus, Jones has the traits to emerge as a dual-threat back in the Tampa system. While Jones' smaller frame (6-foot, 205 pounds) could limit his total touches in the game plan, he filled a major need for the Bucs and brings the upside of a back who also can contribute quickly as a receiving option for quarterback Jameis Winston.
Harold Landry, OLB, Tennessee Titans
Landry slipped to the second round of the draft, but the fit works for new coach Mike Vrabel and the Titans. Yes, Landry fills a need here for Tennessee as a nickel edge rusher. But don't sleep on the upside with the Boston College prospect. His 2016 tape is legit. Natural speed off the ball and the flexibility to turn the corner as a pass-rusher. That first step can shock offensive tackles. Although Landry battled injuries and a drop in production last season, I see a prospect who can carve out a role in passing situations while developing his overall game.