The Schottey Six: Which Rookies Will Have the Most Impact in '09

After the Dolphins selected Vontae Davis with the 25th pick of the draft, they thought he would pair with Eric Green and solidify the outside defense.

Then the Dolphins moved up to select Sean Smith.

Not a crazy move by any means—some scouts projected Smith as a safety.

Now? By far, Smith has been the best cornerback at the Dolphins training camps. He has the polish that Davis lacks and the upside that Green hasn't possessed since his frosh year at Virginia Tech.

Could things change when the pads come on? Sure. But, for right now, Sean Smith is being considered the best CB on the Dolphins roster.

The Minnesota Vikings didn't need much in the '09 Draft.

Some thought they might aim for a QB, but instead, they took a multi-dimensional offensive weapon in the first round, Percy Harvin.

They look to be solving their "upgrade" at QB with Brett Favre—who won't really be much of an upgrade, but I digress.

However, as it is with any skill position player, neither will succeed without the help of a stout offensive line. The Vikings have been blessed with Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie, the best left side of the line in football.

What's the problem? Ryan Cook was an average, at best, right tackle.

Adrian Peterson is the best back in the league. He deserves to run to the left and to the right.

Phil Loadholt was one of the best road-grading tackles in the draft. At 6'8", 337 lbs., he has a perfect frame to move even the largest of defensive ends and the lateral movement to pick up linebackers.

He's already been working with the first team, and Ryan Cook is working at center.

We could all be amazed at what happens when AP can go all day to both sides of the ball.

It's not every day a third-round pick comes in and immediately begins to run with the first team. Shonn Greene is that pick.

The Jets made a shrewd move in trading up to grab Greene at the top of the third round. Greene was the Doak Walker Award winner as the top running back in the nation.

To clear the way, both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are willing to do the age-old, pouty method of sitting out some or all OTAs—meaning that Greene has been running with the first team for most of this offseason.

Now, to be fair, Greene won't be the starter when Week One hits the airwaves, but expect to see him get a fair amount of reps, especially in short yardage and goal-line situations.

Washington will have the same role as last year, and Jones will need to be healthy. Greene could get a plenty of action and have a large impact.

Anyone else remember when I led the Aaron-Curry-to-the-Lions bandwagon? I sure do.

Although I'm warming up to the idea of Matthew Stafford, I still think that Curry could have dominated the middle of the field (while wearing Honolulu Blue) for 15 years.

You see, when debating with people as to why Curry should be selected, I always had to answer why we should spend such a high pick on a LB who hasn't been a pass rusher.

Fast forward to the present day. Now? Aaron Curry has shown such promise to the Seahawks' coaching staff that he is not only a guaranteed starter but has also been dropped to DE in certain passing situations.

Surely, it won't happen every third and long, but it answers the one question about his talent.

He won't be in Honolulu Blue, but will still look darn good roaming the middle of the field—unless you're on a rival NFC West team.

There is a clear-cut reason why this list may be running back heavy. Running backs have a clear- cut purpose. Take the ball to the end zone and don't drop it.

There is a talent curve, but there is not a learning curve.

Chris "Beanie" Wells has the talent of an NFL running back already, and he is already getting better. Wells has dropped 18 pounds and is down to a svelte 225.

He may have lost some of his pile-driving smash-mouth ability, but he's transforming himself into an undeniably quick and agile feature back.

Weeks ago, the beat reporters were thinking that Tim Hightower could win the starting job. Now? I think Wells will be back 1-A,, and it won't be long until he exploits that position with the fullness of his ability.

He has a chance to be the best rookie running back. The only reason he's not higher on this list is because he's on the same team as Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin.

Moreno owes this season to Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall.

Yes, I know Cutler is gone and Marshall is inflicted with diarrhea of the mouth, but Moreno owes them the Rookie of the Year honors he will soon be accepting.

Do you remember Matt Forte?

Remember how Kyle Orton had complete tunnel vision for his rookie running back?

Take that production and start multiplying, ladies and gentlemen. Moreno was the most complete back taken in the first round, and he'll thrive with Orton.

Moreno can catch anything thrown at him and should pile up a mess of yards both on the ground and through the air.

If the Broncos have success this year, it will be with a dash of defensive luck and on the back of the rookie who will have the most impact.

Matthew Stafford—For better or for worse, the Lions' record will depend on the success of Stafford or at least his failure to win the starting job. His impact has already been shown in energizing the fan base.

B.J. Raji/Clay Matthews—I'll say it again, Aaron Rodgers was the least of the Packers' worries last year. They were spotty defensively. Dom Capers and his new dynamic duo should change all that.

Pat White—The Dolphins may not make the playoffs, but they sure will be fun to watch. I fully expect White, Brown, and Pennington all on the field at some point. Would I be surprised if Chad Henne was out there as well? Would you?

For more on the Lions' Rookies, Check Out: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/220578-great-expectations-what-we-can-expect-from-the-lions-rookies-in-09