Friday, July 15, 2011

NFL Impact Rookies

Last year we saw one of the best rookie classes in a long time. Players like Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Mike Williams, and Devin McCourty showed that they will be a force in the league for many years to come. Due to the lockout, it is unlikely that we will see as good of a rookie class. But I'll take a look at which rookies could have big years.

Julio Jones(ATL) - Much has been made of how much that the Falcons gave up to get Julio Jones, but I do believe this will be a very nice pick. Jones reminds me of Anquan Boldin with his rare blocking ability, and should be the perfect compliment to Roddy White. Also, White should draw coverage away from Julio Jones, which should give him opportunities to be a play-maker.

Nick Fairley(DET) - I believe that the Lions got the steal of the draft at pick 13. When I watched Nick Fairley play at Auburn, he reminded me exactly of Ndamukong Suh. At one point Fairley was expected to go #1 Overall so he definitely has the talent. Putting Suh and Fairley next to each other I believe will result in the best defensive line in football, these two both require double teams and that will cause havoc among quarterbacks.

Mark Ingram(NO) - The former Heisman Trophy winner will add to one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. New Orleans has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL, so chances are that defenses won't load the box, meaning Ingram should have more room to run. However Ingram will be sharing the backfield with Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory, two very talented backs.

Da'Quan Bowers(TB) - Bowers is another player who was projected
to go #1 Overall but slipped. The reason that Bowers slipped was because of a severe knee injury, however he says that he is back to 100% healthy. If that is true then the Buccaneers got a really good player, Bowers led the nation in sacks last year, and was completely dominant for Clemson. Bowers should be a key on the young defensive line of the Bucs, which features Gerald McCoy, last year's 3rd Overall Pick.

Written on July 15th

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