2010 NBA Draft: 10 Instant Impact Rookies

With the NFL draft officially over, it's time to turn our attention to the next major sports draft: the NBA.

Like the NFL, this year's NBA class appears to be one of the deepest.

It is full of solid, talented players, and there are a lot of players who could become superstars with the right coaching.

These 10 players I have selected are those that I think will make an instant impact.

Some will start immediately and potentially win awards, while others may make a bigger impact by coming off the bench.

Please let me know what you think as always.

Enjoy!

John Wall: PG, Kentucky

Wall may very be the No. 1 overall pick come June. He has speed that most NBA point guards dream of, and his potential is off the charts.

Whatever NBA team drafts Wall will be getting a player who can come in and start from day one.

Once Wall works on his mid-range and three-point jumper he will become an elite player and a superstar for a very long time in the NBA.

He has the attitude, he has the skills, and once everything is put together, Wall will be a scary player.

DeMarcus Cousins: PF/C, Kentucky

Just like in his freshman season at Kentucky, Cousins should get starter's minutes and put up big stats in the NBA.

Look for Cousins to be a top five pick in the draft. His size, length, and potential make him an ideal candidate for an NBA power forward.

If Cousins can use his immense talent and learn to focus better on the game, he will be an elite big man in the league.

Again, because of limited conditioning, look for Cousins to receive about 20-25 minutes per game his rookie season. He should still put up big numbers in that limited time.

Evan Turner: G/F, Ohio State

Turner is possibly the most NBA ready player in this entire draft class.

The former Buckeye possesses amazing ball handling, a knack to grab rebounds, and the confidence to take the last shot.

Turner could also be the No. 1 overall pick of the draft, but I still see him getting taken at No. 2 behind Wall.

Nonetheless, Turner will start from day one in the NBA. Do not be surprised to see him lifting the NBA Rookie of the Year trophy at the end of the season.

Greg Monroe: PF/C, Georgetown

Monroe is a very special player, who often does not seem dedicated enough to the game of basketball.

He is one of the most physically gifted players entering this year's draft. At 6'11" and 250 lbs, Monroe looks like he would be more suited playing with his back to the basket.

But looks can be deceiving. This versatile forward lines up very similarly with fellow lefty Lamar Odom.

Both run the floor very well, can handle the ball, and can step out and nail the three.

This versatility will allow Monroe to see action immediately. Monroe should be a late lottery pick.

Xavier Henry: SG, Kansas

Henry often struggled with his consistency at Kansas. One game he would like a top five pick, and others he looked like he may not even get drafted.

But, I think Henry will adjust much better to the NBA style of play.

Henry will be able to become a role player his rookie season by being a three point threat.

Henry should also surprise some NBA scouts with his explosiveness and athleticism.

While Henry may never become an NBA star, he can still become a very effective player, similar to J.R. Smith with better defense.

Wesley Johnson: G/F, Syracuse

One of the big reasons Johnson will be able to adjust so quickly to the NBA is because of his maturity.

Johnson is not only mature in age—he will be 23 as a rookie—but also in his style of game.

Johnson excels by using his amazing athleticism and length. He soars above people to grab rebounds, gets space with his shots, and throws down dunks with ease.

Look for Johnson to be a top seven pick in the draft. He will be able to start immediately, and he should be very productive early.

Ekpe Udoh: PF/C, Baylor

Udoh will not affect the NBA scene too much on offense, but his defense is second to none.

Having spent only one season at Baylor, Udoh dominated competition and broke a number of block records.

He was a very crucial part of Baylor's elite eight team, and he should become a very good role player his rookie season in the NBA.

Look for Udoh to be a high energy player off the bench his rookie season. He still needs time to get a little bulkier, but he should still see plenty of time.

Udoh should be a mid to late first-round pick.

Patrick Patterson: F, Kentucky

Patterson took a lot of time to develop his NBA game his junior season at Kentucky.

He proved to everyone that he is way more than just an undersized power forward by developing a nice mid range shot and a decent three-point shot.

This versatility to play some small forward will take Patterson's stock from a late first round pick to a mid to early first-round pick.

Patterson is a very good leader, and he should continue this at the NBA. Look for Patterson to receive a lot of attention his rookie season. His versatility will allow him to see a lot of time on the floor, and he will not let down.

Stanley Robinson: F, Uconn

Robinson is a player with all the athletic talent in the world.

Unfortunately, he had trouble being that go-to-guy at Connecticut, and he never really became a leader.

Still, at the NBA Robinson does not have to be either of these things.

Robinson will be able to use his superb athleticism to grab rebounds and finish above the rim consistently.

He should be a very good bench player even his rookie season, and once he works on his outside game, Robinson could even end up as a starter.

Look for Robinson to be taken in the late first or early second round.

Dominique Jones: SG, South Florida

Dominique Jones was built for the NBA style of play.

He knows how to drive, he knows how to finish, and, most importantly, he knows how to get to the free throw line.

This combination, along with a good mid-range game, will mean immediate playing time for this former Bull.

Look for Jones to be an instant starter in the NBA, and a possible candidate for Rookie of the Year—depending on the team.

Jones should be a mid to late first-round pick, and he will greatly affect whichever team decides to take him.