7 NFL Rookies Most Likely to Impact Playoff Picture

Most rookies from the 2015 NFL draft class are simply worried about making the roster and competing for a job at this time of year. But a select few are already in position to make an immediate impact and help their team compete in 2015. 

The following slideshow features seven rookies who, to varying degrees, figure to play a significant role for teams hoping to be in the playoff picture this season. 

Not all of these rookies are necessarily guaranteed a starting job at this point, but in each case their potential contribution could help solidify an area of weakness for a contending team. 

Randy Gregory, Cowboys

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Despite falling to the second round due to off-field issues, Randy Gregory can influence the game as a pass-rusher like few prospects in this draft class. 

According to Pro Football Focus, the Cowboys graded out as the 10th-best pass-rushing team in the league in 2014.

Despite putting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, however, they lacked an explosive edge-rusher who could finish off plays. As a result, Dallas ranked 28th with just 28 sacks. 

Gregory's ability to fly into the backfield and create instant pressure off the edge should increase the Cowboys' ability to force game-changing mistakes by the opposing quarterback.

More pressure from the front seven should particularly help the Cowboys if they run into a playoff matchup with the Packers once again.

Devin Funchess, Panthers

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Cam Newton managed to sneak the Panthers into the playoffs with Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin acting as his only reliable weapons in the passing game. 

While Funchess is still adjusting to life as a receiver after spending the majority of his time as a tight end at Michigan, he adds immediate depth to the Panthers' receiving corps. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Jerricho Cotchery was the Panthers' primary slot receiver in 2015, running 70.6 percent of his routes from the slot and attracting 51 targets from the position. But that's an area where Funchess could succeed immediately in Carolina's offense. 

As a possession slot receiver, Funchess could emerge as a reliable weapon in the quick-strike passing game and as a checkdown option for Newton when he's unable to find Benjamin down the field. 

Adding a new dimension to the passing game could potentially help Carolina's offense emerge as one of the more consistent units in the NFC.

Eric Kendricks, Vikings

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The Vikings have struggled to find a reliable inside linebacker since E.J. Henderson's production began to decline a few seasons ago. 

Despite only moderate production from Jasper Brinkley last year, the Vikings defense took significant strides under Mike Zimmer and is emerging as one of the better units in the league. 

Zimmer and staff developed Anthony Barr into one of the top rookie linebackers a season ago, and they have a more polished product to work with this season in Eric Kendricks.

Kendricks will likely be the immediate starter and should put up the type of performance worthy of Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration. 

If Kendricks helps solidify the Vikings' run defense, Minnesota could be among the surprise contenders in the NFC.

DeVante Parker, Dolphins

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Following the loss of Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, the Dolphins have 170 targets to replace in their offense. 

While DeVante Parker offers a slightly different skill set than Wallace, he figures to play a similar role in the Miami offense. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Wallace received 24 targets of at least 20 yards a season ago, more than the rest of Miami's receivers combined. 

Parker may be a step slower than Wallace, but he builds up to full speed quickly and has the size Wallace lacked to win battles for jump balls. 

Wallace hauled in just six of his 24 deep targets in 2014, so there is room for Parker to improve this area of the Dolphins' passing attack.

Melvin Gordon, Chargers

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Melvin Gordon may have the ability to make the most direct impact on the playoff race of any rookie on this list. 

The Chargers' first-round selection is expected to beat out Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead for the starting role, and he could be an immediate workhorse in San Diego. 

In 2014, the Chargers were 7-1 when rushing for at least 75 yards as a team—an impressive stat, but unfortunately it also means there were eight games in which they failed to top 75 yards.

A more consistent rushing attack from Gordon could provide Philip Rivers the support he needs to elevate his game back to a near-MVP level and allow San Diego to make a deep playoff run. 

Breshad Perriman, Ravens

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Breshad Perriman is more of a developmental prospect than an instant-impact type, but given the situation in which he landed in Baltimore, it's tough to leave him off this list.

Due to the state of the Ravens' receiving corps after the departure of Torrey Smith, Perriman will be forced into a significant role opposite veteran Steve Smith.

Perriman struggled with drops in college, and he will undoubtedly make his fair share of rookie mistakes.

But Kelvin Benjamin made a significant contribution to the Panthers' playoff run a season ago despite dealing with similar issues. So while it may not be a perfectly smooth ride, Perriman certainly has the ability to impact the Ravens' passing attack as a rookie.

Andrus Peat, Saints

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Drew Brees was pressured on 32.9 percent of his dropbacks a season ago—his highest rate since Pro Football Focus began charting the stat in 2007. That's not a trend that can continue with an aging quarterback.

Andrus Peat is not guaranteed a starting job, but given the performance of the Saints' offensive line last year, he will certainly be given an opportunity to win a spot during training camp. 

Peat offers the Saints versatility, and he could potentially be an option at any of the four spots along the line aside from center. 

According to ESPN, Peat has been working as the second-string right tackle behind Zach Strief so far this summer.

Even if Peat doesn't win a starting job, the depth he provides could prove valuable to an offensive line featuring three starters age 29 or older, and a left tackle (Terron Armstead) who is coming off a season-ending neck injury.