Ranking the NFL's Top 10 Rookies in 2009

This is a list of the top-10 rookies in the NFL for this year. This list is based on the potential playing time, and the systems in which they are placed.

Some positions are more favorable for rookies, therefore some of the more sexy position players may not be at the top of the list.

Usually, defensive players are more effective as rookies, and I took that into account when creating this list.

The NFL usually only has a few rookies each year that burst onto the scene. It is hard to figure out who will shine and who will even get any playing time.

It wouldn't surprise me to look back on this list after the season is over with and laugh at most of them.

Anyway, lets take a look at the top 10.

10. Robert Ayers, DE, Denver Broncos

Ayers can play end, or the outside linebacker position, which is great for the Broncos who are considering going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.

Though he was only a one-year starter at Tennessee, he still compiled an impressive stat line, and was considered one of the best outside linebackers in the draft.

Ayers has the potential to become a great talent on a not-so-great Broncos defense.

9. Fili Moala, DT, Indianapolis Colts

Moala has a relatively easy assignment this season: keep the opposition off of the Colts linebackers and eat up space in the middle.

I say it is an easy assignment for him because he did an exceptional job of that last year at USC. The linebacker core at USC was so successful in part to Moala's success in the middle.

This should be a great fit for him because he will start immediately and will have plenty of time to learn.

8. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Universally seen as the best receiver in the draft, he has the size and athletic ability to have a great rookie season. Despite questions about foot surgery, and his lack of speed, he routinely got good separation on his routes at Texas Tech the past two seasons.

The WR position in the NFL is particularly hard for any rookie. Another thing that might hurt him is the question as to who will be throwing him the ball in San Francisco.

Regardless of that, he has the potential to make an immediate impact.

7. William Moore, S, Atlanta Falcons

Moore is one of the more talented defensive players in this year's draft. If he had entered the draft the year before, he would have been a top-15 pick.

He suffered through injuries during his senior season, and had a bad week at the Senior Bowl, which caused teams to overlook him.

He will start immediately for an improving Falcons defense, and should pick things up quickly. He excels at stopping the run, something the Falcons desperately need.

6. James Laurinaitis, MLB, St. Louis Rams

New head coach Steve Spagntuolo has a good eye for defensive talent, and he knows what he has in Laurinaitis.

Though he struggles to shed blockers and go through them, he will have plenty of time to learn, and has shown he is a hard worker. With Spagntuolo’s 4-3 defense, he could really help stop the run.

The Rams have been one of the worst defensive teams in the league over recent years, and they look to the former Ohio State linebacker to turn things around.

5. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

New coach Josh McDaniels runs a spread offense that uses short passes as an extension of the running game, and seeks balance from a strong running game.

Given the Broncos history with running backs, Moreno is going to be a great fit in their new scheme.

He did a nice job of route running and pass protection last year at Georgia, which should help ensure he'll have a significant role as a rookie.

His impressive highlight reels last year are just a sign of things to come in Denver.

4. Rey Maualuga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

Maualuga is an exceptional talent, and a proven hard-hitting linebacker. He is expected to beat out Rashad Jeanty for a starting spot, and will even play in some Nickel passing situations.

He has proven that he can play the run exceptionally well, and has the speed and athleticism needed for pass coverage.

Playing alongside former USC teammate Keith Rivers should provide the Bengals with a great young core at the linebacker position.

3. Tyson Jackson, DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Scott Pioli passed on drafting Aaron Curry to select Jackson in this year's draft. Piloi is famous for evaluating talent, so, needless to say, he is confident Jackson will be a huge piece of the puzzle in Kansas City.

His job isn't going to be picking up sacks and making plays in the backfield. He is going to be responsible for stopping the run and creating holes for the linebackers to penetrate and make sacks.

Jackson is big, and in the Chiefs new 3-4 defense, he will make his presence felt.

2. Brian Orakpo, DE, Washington Redskins

Orakpo has a great combination of strength and speed which should allow the Redskins to use him as a strong side linebacker to stop the run, and be a pass rushing end.

With the NFL's most dominant tackle Albert Haynesworth drawing blockers inside, this should free up Orakpo to make plenty of plays as a rookie.

The Redskins have bolstered up their defense from a year ago, and Orakpo is another great addition that should put them back towards the top of the league.

1. Aaron Curry, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Curry was the best defensive player in the 2009 draft class. He has the ability to play all three linebacker positions in a 4-3 defense.

Curry has outstanding speed, size, and can stay on the field in passing situations, unlike some linebackers who can't cover tight ends and receivers.

He is a complete player and will make a big immediate impact to a Seahawks defense that ranked in the bottom of the league in almost every category last season.

Playing alongside Lofa Tatupu will only make him better as the season goes on.