Sudden Impact: 32 Second-Day NFL Draft Picks Who'll Play on Opening Weekend

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

NFC NORTH

Juaquin Iglesias, WR/KR, Chicago Bears (Round Three, Pick 35, Oklahoma)

Much like the team’s predicament at quarterback, the Bears are perpetually looking for a playmaker at wide receiver. With the trade for Jay Cutler, Chicago found its playmaker at quarterback and hopes it did the same at wide receiver with the selection of Oklahoma’s Juaquin Iglesias in the 2009 Draft.

In addition to possessing outstanding ball skills and being a fearless receiver in traffic, Iglesias is an accomplished kick returner who will alleviate some of Devin Hester’s responsibilities on special teams, enabling the fourth-year pro to focus on refining his skills as a wide receiver.

Derrick Williams, WR/PR/KR, Detroit Lions (Round Three, Pick 18, Penn State)

In 2004, Derrick Williams was the most highly coveted prep player in the nation. Though his production at Penn State didn’t exactly match the hype, Williams adds a multi-faceted dimension to the Lions’ offense and special teams.

With all signs pointing to top overall pick Matthew Stafford starting on opening weekend, Williams provides the quarterback with a dynamic target in the open field. Williams’ big-play potential on special teams (he returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns in college) also gives the Lions’ return game an immediate upgrade.

Quinn Johnson, FB, Green Bay Packers (Round Five, Pick Nine, LSU)

Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson entered Day Two of the 2009 NFL Draft looking for a physical presence to add to the Packers’ running game. Enter LSU fullback Quinn Johnson.

Although Korey Hall and John Kuhn performed adequately at the position a year ago, Johnson, a converted linebacker, is a punishing lead blocker who will get the nod in the team’s opener to clear rush lanes for tailback Ryan Grant and to contribute on special teams.

Asher Allen, CB/KR, Minnesota Vikings (Round Three, Pick 22, Georgia)

In Allen, the Vikings get a physical cornerback who fits well into their Cover Two scheme. Although a bit undersized for the position (5'9", 194), Allen, a fearless tackler with good ball skills, competed against the best wide receivers that the SEC had to offer the past two seasons, making him the favorite to win a spot in the Vikings nickel package.

A record-setting kickoff specialist at Georgia, the former Bulldog also will compete for a chance to open the season as one of Minnesota’s primary kickoff returners.

NFC SOUTH

Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Atlanta Falcons (Round Four, Pick 25, Richmond)

Practically an unknown commodity at the beginning of his senior campaign, Richmond defensive end Lawrence Sidbury turned in an MVP performance (four sacks) in the FCS Championship Game and followed that effort with the fastest 40-time (4.64) among defensive linemen at the Combine, elevating his draft stock quicker than any other prospect.

The fourth-round pick possesses great short-area burst that enables him to swiftly close on the quarterback, a trait that will get him on the field as a situational pass-rusher.

Tony Fiammetta, FB, Carolina Panthers (Round Four, Pick 28, Syracuse)

The consensus top fullback in the 2009 Draft, Fiammetta provides the Panthers with a multi-dimensional weapon in the offensive backfield. Though most effective as a lead blocker, the fourth-round pick caught 28 passes during his Syracuse career and has the speed (4.6) and bulk (245 pounds) to be an effective short-yardage runner.

With incumbent fullback Brad Hoover getting long in the tooth (he’ll be 33 in November), Fiammetta will be clearing rush lanes for tailbacks DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart much sooner than later. At the very least, head coach John Fox will find a place for the fullback on special teams.

Thomas Morstead, P, New Orleans Saints (Round Five, Pick 28, SMU)

One of only three punters selected in the 2009 Draft, Morstead, who possesses a strong leg and quick delivery, will battle incumbent Glenn Pakulak in training camp for the right to handle the Saints’ punting chores.

The fact that New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis traded up to select Morstead with the 28th pick in the fifth round bodes well for the former SMU punter, as does his experience as a kicker, which makes him a candidate to handle the team’s kickoff duties.

Roy Miller, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round Three, Pick 17, Texas)

After falling to the middle of the third round, the Buccaneers get a defensive tackle with a rather large chip on his shoulder. Although disappointed with not being selected on the Draft’s first day, Miller should be happy to have landed with Tampa Bay, where he’ll immediately step into a defensive tackle rotation that includes Chris Hovan and former (Kansas City Chiefs) first-round pick Ryan Sims.

Miller, a strong run-stuffer who plays with good leverage at the point of attack, should see plenty of action on first and second downs.

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