Pick Of The New Crop: 2009 NFL Preseason All-Rookie Team

(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Each year, several NFL rookies make an immediate impact.  Often, they're not the players expected to get off to strong starts.  Likewise, they're not necessarily the players who will end up having the most productive careers among their fellow draftees.

With due consideration to NFL readiness, opportunity for immediate playing time, and overall skill levels, I give you my Preseason 2009 All-Rookie Team.

(Position/Player/Team/Draft Round/Selection Number)

QB: Matthew Stafford, Detroit (1/1)

In the long run, I don’t necessarily expect Stafford to be a top NFL starting QB.  I see a lot of Jeff George in him.  Still, I believe he’ll start as a rookie (if not on opening day then shortly thereafter) and will have plenty of catch-up duty to rack up big passing yards.  Mark Sanchez, on the other hand, will have to earn the right to lead a Jets team that was in the playoff hunt last year.  He'll have to be much more cautious.

RB: Donald Brown, Indianapolis (1/27)

With Joseph Addai’s health a question mark, I think Brown will quickly become the Colt’s workhorse (pun intended).  Add the fact that Peyton Manning will always keep opposing defenses honest, and you have a formula for a great rookie campaign.

FB: Quinn Johnson, Green Bay (5/145)

An “Old School” blocking fullback who will quickly become a favorite in blue collar Green Bay.

WR: Hakim Nicks, N.Y. Giants (1/29)

Nicks will have a lot of pressure given the departure of Plaxico Burress.  I think he can handle it, and will make an immediate impact.

WR: Brian Robiskie, Cleveland (2/36)

Robiskie wasn’t the best WR in the draft, but he may have been the most polished.  With Braylon Edwards drawing double teams, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to shine.

TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit (1/20)

Pettigrew will be Stafford’s second favorite target after Calvin Johnson.  I expect he’ll be among the first in the draft class to get Pro Bowl consideration.

OT: Jason Smith, St. Louis (1/2)

Whether he plays on the right or left side, Smith will play from Day 1.  Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger will benefit greatly from his presence.

OT: Michael Oher, Baltimore (1/23)

Oher won’t make anyone forget Jonathan Ogden, but he’ll be productive early.

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