2009 NFL Offensive Rookies

Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Matt Ryan and the list goes on and on. The 2008 season featured one of the best seasons ever for offensive rookies. Rookies put up stats as if they were veterans. Big-name college players became even bigger names in the NFL.

2009 might not have the same amount due to the lack of running back talent in the draft, but here's a look into five rookies (in no particular order) who will have a good impact on their teams.

Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos

Moreno was the 12th pick by the Broncos. Moreno is a stud running back. It seems like you can put Donald Duck in a Denver Broncos backfield and he'll have a 1,000-yard season, although they have a new coach and new system this season.

Moreno should be the starter and should see plenty of carries. I believe Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan will get a bulk of the carries so Moreno won't be overloaded. Plus, Kyle Orton loves checking down to his backfield mate.

Matt Forte was the Bears' leading receiver last year. It should be a big season from Moreno. He is my pick for ROY.

2009 Prediction:

1,100 rush yards, seven TD's
35 receptions, 300 yards, one TD

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

The former USC quarterback is being called by some to be the best QB from the draft. I think Sanchez will have a good season. Is he Matt Ryan good? Only time will tell.

He does have some weapons at wide receiver with Jerricho Cotchery. Running back's Thomas Jones and Leon Washington will provide Sanchez with good check downs. Sanchez should be a good replacement for Brett Favre.

2009 Prediction:
2,900 yards, 14 TD's

Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings

Mr. Everything for the Gators last year, Harvin comes in as a great on-the-field athlete, but will always be labeled as having off-field problems following him.

The Vikings took a chance on Percy and shouldn't be disappointed. With the new Wildcat fad in place, Harvin has all the tools for it. Indoor turf should allow him to burn past defenders. Vikings look to have a solid wide receiving core now with Bernard Berrian and Harvin.

2009 Prediction:
45 receptions, 600 yards, three TD
250 yards rushing, two TD

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants

With the 29th pick, the Giants got a sleeper stud in this guy. The rookie from North Carolina is a big-time receiver with great hands.

Troubled wide receiver Plaxico Burress is gone now and Nicks comes in and will try to fill that spot. Eli Manning should hook up with Nicks plenty this season. It's a bold prediction on his numbers, but I think Nicks will be a solid receiver.

2009 Prediction:
65 receptions, 800 yards, five TD's

LeSean McCoy, Philadelpia Eagles

A touchdown machine at Pittsburgh, McCoy comes to the Eagles as a quick, great visioned back with excellent receiving skills. Westbrook is getting older and being as injury prone as he is, McCoy should get a chance to get a good bulk of carries.

Even if Westbrook remains a healthy starter, look for McCoy to be a third-down back or a goal line play maker.

2009 Prediction:
400 rush yards, six TD
20 receptions, 175 yards