Making the Leap: NFL's 2009 Rookies To Make Big Impact in 2010

Now that the 2009 NFL season is over and done with, it’s time to focus on next year.

Every year, a new crop of rookies comes into the league with dreams of becoming the next “big thing.” It’s only after their first year that they realize that the transition to becoming a great NFL player is a long process.

Now we’ve all heard of the term “sophomore slump," but that’s not what this list is all about. This list is of 2009 draftees that I believe will make the leap from unproven rookie to future superstar.

The positions I will be addressing in this slide show are: QB, RB, TE, WR, DL, LB, S, and CB.

Also, another thing that needs to be addressed concerning this article: Rookies that made a big impact for their teams, such as Percy Harvin, Brian Cushing, Brian Orakpo, Julius Byrd, and Clay Matthews, won’t be on this list because we already know all about them.

Enjoy!

QB: Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

The former first overall pick did something that no other quarterback in the NFL has ever done: Win a game for a team that finished 0-16 the previous season.

Stafford’s rookie season was cut short because of multiple injuries to his nonthrowing shoulder and a dislocated kneecap. Stafford proved to the Lions fans that he has elite arm strength and leadership ability well beyond his years.

The NFL was witness to Stafford’s potential and courage after the Cleveland Browns game, which he passed for 422 yards, five TDs, and two INTs. The best part about Stafford’s performance was that on the second-from-last play, he dislocated his left shoulder and returned to the game less than a minute later to throw the game-winning touchdown.

Watch out for Stafford to have a very impressive sophomore season with receiving threats Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew. Well, that’s if the offensive line can block for him.

2009 Stats:
201-377, 2,267 yards, 13 TDs, 20 INTs

Projected 2010 Stats:
328-550, 3,500 yards, 22 TDs, 13 INTs

Honorable Mention: Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

RB: Shonn Greene, New York Jets

Shonn Greene made a name for himself after his two big postseason performances. Through three playoff games, Greene rushed for 304 yards and two touchdowns.

All signs show that Thomas Jones has seen his last days as starting running back for the Jets. New York led the NFL in rushing yards per game, and Rex Ryan will continue to pound the rock. These are all great signs for Greene’s stock to rise for the upcoming fantasy football season.

I’d compare Greene’s running style to watching a Ford F-250 plow snow. Actually, let me change that from a Ford F-250 to a Dodge Ram because of the Hemi. All kidding aside, Greene does possess very deceptive speed and quickness.

2009 Stats:
108 carries, 540 yards, 2 TDs

Projected 2010 Stats:
295 carries, 1,300 yards, 12 TDs

Honorable Mention: Chris "Beanie" Wells, Arizona Cardinals

TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions

This is a relief for Detroit Lions fans to see Pettigrew on this list. Almost everyone in Detroit went crazy when Pettigrew was selected with the 20th overall pick over Michael Oher. To be honest though, this might have been the right pick for Detroit to make.

Pettigrew is your classic smashmouth tight end. He has the blocking ability of an offensive lineman and great receiving skills.

Pettigrew’s season was cut short after he tore his ACL on the first drive of the Thanksgiving game against the Packers. The worst thing about his injury is that he and fellow rookie Matthew Stafford were developing a great connection.

Pettigrew won’t be a threat to stretch the field for long plays like Antonio Gates, but more of a dink- and-dunk-type tight end. Pettigrew’s best asset is his very large frame (6'6", 265 pounds) that will make him a go-to target in the red zone.

2009 Stats:
30 catches, 346 yards, 2 TDs

Projected 2010 Stats:
55 catches, 620 yards, 6 TDs

Honorable Mention: Shawn Nelson, Buffalo Bills

WR: Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

We all know of his infamous contract holdout, which cost him five games of his rookie season. When he wasn’t complaining about money, Crabtree was performing on a high level.

Crabtree has all the tools to become the next “diva” wide receiver in the NFL. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching Crabtree play, but I just hope he doesn’t tarnish his career like another former 49er named Owens.

Most of Crabtree’s development will be on the shoulders of quarterback Alex Smith. If Smith can continue to improve, the 49ers may be able to take control of the NFC West.

Crabtree reminds me a lot of Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Johnson. (I refuse to call him Ochocinco.) Both aren’t the biggest or fastest, but they know how to get the ball and make big-time plays.

2009 Stats:
48 catches, 625 yards, 2 TDs

Projected 2010 Stats:
75 catches, 965 yards, 8 TDs

Honorable Mention: Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans

DL: B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers

The Packers hit a home run last year when they drafted outside linebacker Clay Matthews. In the same draft, the Packers also selected defensive tackle B.J. Raji. Both players are the focal points for the future of the Packers defense.

Raji didn’t play much during his rookie year because of ankle injuries, and he only started in one game for the Packers.

Expect Raji to make a huge impact next season by anchoring the defensive line for Green Bay. Raji is a classic nose tackle who loves to make a living in opponents’ backfields.

2009 Stats:
25 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection

Projected 2010 Stats:
50 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Honorable Mention: Tyson Jackson, Kansas City Chiefs

LB: Larry English, San Diego Chargers

The Chargers drafted English in hopes of him becoming the next Shawne Merriman. English has all the tools to develop into a great pass rusher in the NFL. He has a great motor and hits like a freight train.

Merriman is a free agent this year and has many clashes with San Diego management, which might mean he’s packing his bags with LT. If the Chargers want to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender, they need English to step up and become a defensive threat.

If San Diego decides to keep Merriman, the Chargers will have a three-headed monster with English and Shaun Philips.

2009 Stats:
32 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Projected 2010 Stats:
72 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

Honorable Mention: James Laurinaitis, St. Louis Rams

S: Louis Delmas, Detroit Lions

Yes, that’s right: the third Detroit Lion to make this list. One thing people may not know is that the Detroit Lions actually had a great rookie class last year. Safety Louis Delmas was by far the prized pick of the Lions’ 2009 Draft class.

Hear me now: Delmas is the next great safety in the NFL. He is an aggressive tackler and isn’t afraid to lay the wood to anyone. The only knock I have with Delmas is that he sometimes runs his mouth too much during the game. I have no problem with trash talking, but when your team is losing by 17 in the fourth quarter, just play the game.

Delmas was the first rookie in NFL history and second player in overall to record an interception and fumble for a touchdown, along with a safety, in one season.

Delmas will only get better when Detroit finds players that can create a pass rush to cause more arid throws by opposing quarterbacks.

2009 Stats:
94 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 sack

Projected 2010 Stats:
87 tackles, 4 INTs, 2 sacks

Honorable Mention: Patrick Chung, New England Patriots

CB: Vontae Davis, Miami Dolphins

Davis is the younger brother of San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis. Just like his older brother, Vontae David is a freak athlete.

The Dolphins started two rookie cornerbacks this year, and Davis was a beast in the secondary. Davis’ biggest knock coming into the draft was his passion for the game and question marks on whether he’s just a combine guy. Well, after watching the Patriots and Dolphins play twice this year and witnessing Davis almost completely shut down Randy Moss, I think he answered that question.

I really believe Davis has all the tools to become a great cornerback in the NFL. He’s a physical player in the pass and run games. In three years, we might be comparing him to Darrelle Revis.

2009 Stats:
49 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 TD

Projected 2010 Stats:
55 tackles, 5 INTs, 2 forced fumbles

Honorable Mention: Sean Smith, Miami Dolphins