50 Dynamic Rookies Who Are Locks to Make 53-Man Rosters

By (Featured Columnist) on June 6, 2012

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The 2012 draft class was one of the deepest and most electrifying groups in recent memory.

If many of the youngsters can live up to their full potential, the class has the ability to shape the landscape of the league in future years.

Some rookies are already making an immediate impact in OTAs, and they are expected to be a huge part of their team's future plans. 

Here are 50 dynamic rookies who are locks to make final rosters this September.

Bobby Massie

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Bobby Massie was one of the steals of the the draft, as the projected second-rounder slipped all the way to the end of the fourth round.

Massie has prototypical size (6'6", 316 pounds) and long arms, and he possesses above-average athleticism.

The Cardinals are in desperate need for improvement on the offensive line, so Massie should start at tackle from day one.  

Stephen Hill

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The Jets second-round pick could be the most naturally gifted wideout in this year's class.

Hill has excellent size (6'4'', 215 pounds) and unbelievable speed (4.36-second 40-yard dash time).

The Georgia Tech product's upside is astronomical.

Hill should make an immediate impact in New York and serve as a dangerous deep threat for Mark Sanchez

Robert Blanton

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Fifth-round pick Robert Blanton is likely to start in Week 1 for the Vikings. 

The defensive back has the ability to play both cornerback and safety. 

Blanton is a terrific tackler, and he has a nose for the football.

The former Notre Dame star should shore up Minnesota's weak secondary.  

Alfonzo Dennard

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Dennard was originally projected to be a second- or third-round draft pick, but after assaulting a police officer in April, his draft stock plummeted. 

Eventually, the Nebraska cornerback was selected in the seventh-round by the New England Patriots. 

Dennard may be the most talented defensive back on the Patriots roster. He is excellent in press coverage and is a terrific slot cornerback.

Barring any unforeseen altercations, Dennard could start in New England's secondary early this season. 

Mohamed Sanu

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Third-round pick Mohamed Sanu should be the Bengals No. 2 wide receiver by training camp. 

Sanu does not boast top-end speed, but the other areas of his game are above par.

The Rutgers product has excellent hands and great toughness, and he is a monster after the catch.

Andy Dalton and the Bengals offense got a whole lot better with the selection of Sanu.   

Andrew Luck

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Andrew Luck is expected to anchor the Indianapolis Colts' organization for years to come. 

The first overall pick in this year's draft is the most complete quarterback prospect in recent memory, and he should be able to start from day one.

Luck possesses pinpoint accuracy and has excellent arm strength.

The Stanford product is an unbelievable pocket passer.

Luck may be football's next great signal-caller.  

Coby Fleener

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Fleener goes from being Luck's teammate at Stanford to being Luck's teammate in Indy. 

The Colts second-round pick is the most complete tight end in this year's class, and he should be Luck's most trusted target from the beginning. 

Fleener has the talent to be the next Rob Gronkowski. 

Cordy Glenn

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Glenn may be the most dynamic offensive lineman in this year's draft class.

Weighing in at an unbelievable 350 pounds, Glenn boasts phenomenal size and strength.

The Bills second-round pick also has terrific athleticism for his size, and he has the ability to play both tackle and guard at the NFL level.

The former Georgia Bulldog should anchor Buffalo's offensive line for years to come.  

Rueben Randle

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The Giants may have struck gold in the second-round with the selection of Rueben Randle.

Randle comes in at a physical 6'3", 210 pounds, and he boasts above-average speed (4.55-second 40-yard dash time). 

The LSU product also has good hands and is a superb route-runner.

Randle is the perfect replacement for the departed Mario Manningham. 

Doug Martin

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Doug Martin is a dynamic running back who has the ability to excel at the next level.

The Buccaneers first-round pick has all the tools to be an elite runner in the NFL.

Martin boasts great physicality and above-average speed, and he is undoubtedly a gamer.

The Boise State product should carry Tampa Bay's offense for years to come.   

Robert Griffin III

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The second-overall pick in this year's draft is one of the most dynamic players to enter the league in the last decade.

Griffin has excellent speed, can consistently move the chains with this feet and has a great arm. 

The former Heisman Trophy Winner's dual-threat ability should immediately revitalize the Redskins offense. 

David Wilson

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David Wilson has the most upside of any running back in this year's class besides Trent Richardson.

The former Hokies product has blazing speed and terrific power. 

Wilson is expected to anchor the Giants running game for years to come. 

If he can improve his vision and pass blocking, Wilson could easily develop into one of the league's best running backs. 

Mychal Kendricks

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The Eagles needed to desperately upgrade their linebacker corps this offseason, and they did that with the selection of dynamic California product Mychal Kendricks. 

Kendricks has amazing speed for a linebacker, as he posted a 4.47-second 40-yard dash time at the combine. 

Kendricks also has the experience and motor to be an every-down player in Philadelphia during his rookie season. 

Russell Wilson

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Russell Wilson may not have the height and pocket skills to be an elite passer at the NFL level, but he could develop into a decent starting quarterback.  

The Seahawks third-round pick has terrific athleticism, and he can easily burn opposing defenses with his legs. 

The Wisconsin product also has an above-average arm and outstanding intangibles. 

With his unique skill set, Wilson could surprise in Seattle. 

Courtney Upshaw

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Courtney Upshaw was the leader of one of the greatest defenses in college football history in 2012. 

The former Crimson Tide star has a relentless motor, superb power and great pass-rushing ability. 

The Ravens second-round pick's only glaring weakness is his small hands and average arm length. 

Expect Upshaw to thrive at the NFL level. 

Trent Richardson

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Few running back prospects have had the upside of Trent Richardson.

The Alabama product has all the skills and intangibles to be an elite runner at the next level.

Richardson possesses terrific speed, phenomenal power, great vision and instincts and outstanding toughness.

Richardson should carry the Browns' offense for years to come.  

Janoris Jenkins

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Jenkins has been plagued by off-field issues, and his football attitude has been questioned. 

However, the North Alabama product may be most naturally-gifted corner in this year's class.

Jenkins has terrific instincts, agility and quickness. He has the ability to play all three corner positions at a superb level.

The second-round pick should immediately shore up the Rams subpar secondary.  

Lavonte David

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The Buccaneers struck gold with the selection of outside linebacker Lavonte David in the second round of this year's draft. 

David may not be an elite pass-rusher, but he is one of the most complete linebacker prospects in this year's class. 

The Nebraska product has the intelligence, athleticism and coverage ability to be an effective four-down player in Tampa Bay from the beginning. 

Michael Floyd

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Michael Floyd is the most complete wide receiver prospect in this year's draft.

The former Fighting Irish star has the size (6'3'', 220 pounds), speed (4.43-second 40-yard dash time) and hands to be an elite wideout in the NFL. 

The Cardinals first-round pick will be plugged in to start opposite Larry Fitzgerald in his rookie season.  

Brandon Taylor

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Brandon Taylor was a mainstay of LSU's stifling defense for three years.

The Chargers third-round pick boasts great power and outstanding tackling ability. Taylor can stack the box with the best of them. 

Despite some questions in his pass-coverage ability, Taylor should be an effective starter in San Diego's strong secondary. 

Kelechi Osemele

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Kelechi Osemele should improve the Ravens offensive line immediately.

The second-round pick out of Iowa State has prototypical size for a guard (6'5'', 335 pounds), and he is an effective pass-blocker.

Osemele's drive has been questioned, but in a locker room with Ray Lewis and other seasoned veterans, Osemele should rise to his full potential.

Expect the big man to start in his rookie season.  

Matt Kalil

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Matt Kalil is the very definition of an elite tackle.

The fourth overall pick in this year's draft has a rare combination of outstanding speed and strength. 

Kalil's pass-blocking technique is also superb, and he has the ability to mirror pass-rushers on every down.

The USC product should anchor the Vikings offensive line for the next decade.  

Zach Brown

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Zach Brown may be the most athletic linebacker in this year's class.

The Titans second-round pick ran an incredible 4.28-second 40-yard dash back in 2009, and his combine showing was also superb. 

With his lightning speed, Brown should be able to rack up tackles at the NFL level.

Although there are kinks in his game, the North Carolina product has the ability to be a star. 

Dre Kirkpatrick

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Despite ramblings of his lack of elite speed and constant loss of focus, Dre Kirkpatrick is still one of the most talented cornerbacks in this year's class.

Kirkpatrick boasts terrific length and superb athleticism, and he should be able to lock up a starting job in the Bengals secondary within the next year. 

Mark Barron

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The Buccaneers revitalized their secondary with the selection of Mark Barron in the first round of this offseason's draft. 

Barron is unanimously considered the top safety prospect in this year's class.

Barron was the quarterback of Alabama's record-setting defense last season, and his on-field smarts are outstanding. 

The 22-year-old is a ball-hawk who has a nose for the football, and he can defend numerous offensive positions accordingly. 

Barron is also a terrific tackler. 

Tampa Bay drastically improved their passing defense with the selection of the dynamic Barron. 

Robert Turbin

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With the addition of Turbin to a ground attack that already boasts the two-headed monster of Marshawn Lynch and Leon Washington, the Seahawks may be the most dangerous rushing offense in football. 

Turbin is one of the most underrated backs to come out of this year's draft. 

The Utah State product has outstanding power, and he also possesses surprising agility. 

The dynamic fourth-round pick is a lock to make Seattle's 53-man roster, and he is likely to make a big impact in his rookie season. 

Quinton Coples

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Quinton Coples is arguably the most talented defensive player in this year's draft class.

The former North Carolina star has ideal size (6'6'', 284 pounds), terrific speed (4.78-second 40-yard dash time) and unbelievable strength.

When Coples gets leverage on opposing lineman, he is dominant. 

Coples' motor has been questioned, though. He seemed disinterested at times during his college career.

However, under a "player's coach" like Rex Ryan, Coples is likely to live up to his full potential. 

Harrison Smith

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Harrison Smith has both the skills and intangibles to be an elite safety at the NFL level.

The former Notre Dame star has terrific on-field smarts and leadership ability. The first-round pick is reliable in run defense and is superb at reading the quarterback in pass coverage. 

The Vikings secondary got a massive boost with the addition of Smith. 

Alshon Jeffery

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Alshon Jeffery could make the Bears one of the scariest offenses in football over the next few seasons. 

The South Carolina product has the ability to be a dangerous deep threat and a formidable red-zone weapon at the NFL level.

He possesses good size (6'3'', 215 pounds) and sure hands.

Despite past conditioning problems and a lack of elite speed, the second-round pick should make an immediate impact in Chicago.  

Nick Perry

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Nick Perry is one of the most explosive pass-rushers of this year's draft class.

The dynamic USC product has outstanding quickness and a knack for getting to the quarterback. 

Perry is also strong in run defense and has a nose for the football.

The first-round pick immediately upgrades Green Bay's defense. 

Dontari Poe

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Dontari Poe boasts a combination of unbelievable speed and strength the league has never seen before. 

The Memphis product's combine was ridiculous, to say the least. He ran a 4.87-second 40-yard dash and completed an amazing 44 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

The Chiefs first-round pick is a mammoth of a man (6'4'', 346 pounds) and has the ability to be one of the game's finest nose tackles in a few seasons.  

Morris Claiborne

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Morris Claiborne is the most complete defensive back in this year's draft class.

Claiborne was the leader of LSU's stifling defense, as he consistently shut down opposing wideouts.

Claiborne has good size, elite length and terrific speed, and his instincts are top-notch. 

The Cowboys dynamic first-round pick could easily emerge as one of the game's best corners in a few seasons. 

Kendall Wright

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Kendall Wright will immediately add more versatility to an already strong Titans offense.

The first-round pick has brilliant speed, as he registered an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds at his Pro Day.

Wright also has outstanding agility and burst, and he is not afraid of taking a hit over the middle of the field.

The former Baylor star could be one of the game's most dangerous slot receivers from the moment he steps on the field.  

Riley Reiff

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Despite questions about his short arms and ability to translate to left tackle at the NFL level, Reiff is still one of the most dynamic offensive lineman in this year's draft class.

Reiff boasts prototypical size (6'6'', 313 pounds) and above-average quickness. 

The Iowa product can consistently block opposing pass-rushers effectively, and he is a reliable run-blocker. 

The first-round pick will be a staple in the Lions offensive line for years to come. 

Melvin Ingram

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The Chargers pass-rush drastically improved with the selection of Melvin Ingram in the first round.

Ingram has the versatility to play both defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. 

The South Carolina product also boasts solid strength and above-average quickness.

Ingram has little downside and is likely to be a consistent pass-rushing threat for San Diego as soon as his rookie season. 

David DeCastro

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David DeCastro is as talented a guard prospect as you will ever see.

The Stanford product has flawless technique, ideal size and outstanding strength. 

DeCastro is terrific in both run and pass blocking, and he can match up with even the finest defensive lineman.

The first-round pick is a guarantee to be a perennial Pro Bowler in Pittsburgh.  

Stephon Gilmore

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Gilmore's man-coverage technique is raw and his footwork is subpar, but he will still drastically improve the Bills secondary. 

The former Gamecocks star has top-end speed, and he can keep up with even the fastest wideouts. 

Gilmore also successfully gambles often, leading to interceptions and easy pass break-ups.

The first-round pick is likely to have a big impact in his rookie season.  

Orson Charles

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Orson Charles is an athletic freak who could fit perfectly in the new-age league of pass-catching tight ends. 

Charles has unbelievable strength, gifted hands and above-average speed. 

The Georgia product adds another dangerous weapon to the Bengals passing attack. 

Michael Brockers

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Michael Brockers was the mainstay of LSU's daunting run defense in 2011. 

Brockers is loaded with natural athleticism, as he has formidable strength and great quickness for his size. 

Brockers is incredible at stopping the run, and the first-round pick should drastically improve the Rams shaky defense instantly. 

Chandler Jones

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Chandler Jones is still a "project", but in terms of natural athleticism, he ranks among the top defensive players in this year's class.

Jones possesses above-average speed and has nice size for a 4-3 defensive end. 

The Syracuse product also boasts outstanding length. 

Jones fills a huge need for the Patriots, and he could start by the middle of his rookie season. 

Zebrie Sanders

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Sanders has the ability to be the steal of the draft.

The fifth-round pick has ideal size (6'6'', 330 pounds) and superb athleticism. 

Sanders elite quickness often masks his subpar strength, and his long arms are perfect for matching up with opposing pass-rushers. 

The Florida State product should make an impact in Buffalo within the next few seasons. 

Justin Blackmon

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Blackmon's recent DUI definitely raised some red flags, but the former Oklahoma State star is still among the top rookie wideouts. 

Blackmon does not possess elite size or speed, but every other factor of his game is exceptional.

The first-round pick fills an immediate need for Jacksonville, and he will be a valuable weapon for Blaine Gabbert for years to come. 

Luke Kuechly

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Luke Kuechly is one of the finest inside linebacker prospects to enter the league in recent memory.

Kuechly is an unbelievable tackler, and he consistently makes big plays. His instincts are top-notch, and his attitude and motor are exceptional. 

The Panthers run and pass defense will improve with the selection of the dynamic Boston College star. 

Fletcher Cox

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Fletcher Cox has the skills and intangibles to be a star at the NFL level. 

Cox has the versatility to play defensive tackle and D-end in the 3-4 or 4-3 system. His upper-body strength is phenomenal, and his quickness is perhaps his greatest asset. 

The first-round pick will instantly shore up the Eagles run defense. 

Isaiah Pead

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Isaiah Pead is as explosive as any offensive player in this year's draft.

The former Cincinnati running back has blazing speed and great burst, as well as surprising natural power.

Pead's lack of size (5'10'', 197 pounds) will keep him from being an every-down back in the NFL, but he should still make a big impact in St. Louis. 

DeVier Posey

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DeVier Posey is a dynamic wideout capable of performing like a No. 1 wideout at the NFL level.

Posey has terrific size and quickness, along with solid hands.

The Ohio State product also gives effort in run blocking.

The third-round pick could form a formidable receiving duo with Andre Johnson in Houston.  

Dont'a Hightower

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Dont'a Hightower was another pivotal member of Alabama's record-breaking defense in 2011.

Hightower has superb tackling ability, and he can stuff the run with the best of them. He has the versatility to play in multiple schemes, and he is committed to football, as he spends a lot of time in the film and weight room. 

The first-round pick should make an immediate impact in New England, and he could be starting at inside linebacker as soon as Week 1. 

Alameda Ta'amu

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Alameda Ta'amu was a steal in the fourth-round of this offseason's draft. 

The nose tackle is a mammoth of man (6'3'', 348 pounds), and he has unbelievable upper-body strength. 

Ta'amu is an outstanding run-stuffer, and he is the perfect replacement for Casey Hampton in Pittsburgh. 

Whitney Mercilus

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Whitney Mercilus was college football's top pass-rusher in 2011, as he registered a phenomenal 16 sacks at Illinois. 

Mercilus gives it his all on every snap, and his speed is terrific. He is also hard for opposing lineman to get a clean block on, and he can play on multiple spots on the defensive line.

The Texans first-round pick may not make up for the loss of Mario Williams, but he still has a bright future ahead of him.  

Andre Branch

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Andre Branch has performed like an elite prospect at times throughout his college career.

Branch has been plagued by inconsistency, but his natural ability is tremendous. 

The former Clemson defensive lineman is a strong pass-rusher, as he has long arms and good closing speed.

Branch is a superb athlete who could excel with Jacksonville if he can put it all together.  

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