NFL Predictions: Rookies Who Will Make an Impact in 2010

Every player in the NFL was once a rookie, having to adjust from the collegiate level to the pros.

Some athletes played sparingly while others were expected to contribute immediately.

Adrian Peterson, Randy Moss, Julius Peppers, and Terrell Suggs won the prestigious Rookie of the Year award en route to becoming the superstars they are today.

Who will be next crop of athletes to etch their name in NFL history?

Here are five contenders to become the NFL Offensive or Defensive Rookie of the Year.

5. Joe Haden, CB, Cleveland Browns

Cornerback Joe Haden was selected out of the University of Florida by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 7 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft and will hope to utilize his superior talent to make an immediate impact.

Haden was the first true freshman to start immediately at cornerback for the Gators and should be given the same opportunity for the Browns.

The 5'11", 193-pound speedster finished with 57 tackles and four interceptions in 12 games in his junior year last season with Florida.

Haden has the quickness, toughness, and athleticism to become a legitimate shutdown corner for the Browns.

He will face stiff tests throughout the season as strong, athletic receivers—the Ravens' Anquan Boldin, the Bengals' Chad Ochocinco, and the Steelers' Hines Ward—all reside with Cleveland in the AFC North.

Haden is physical, quick, and possesses the necessary cover skills to become a playmaker for the Browns and become a front runner for the NFL Rookie of the Year.

4. Eric Berry, FS, Kansas City Chiefs

Eric Berry was one of the most dominant players in college football last season and was selected with the fifth overall pick in this year's NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The dynamic safety finished his stellar three-year career at Tennessee with 241 tackles and 14 interceptions.

The 6'0", 211-pound Berry defends both the pass and the run exceptionally well using his instincts and awareness to make plays.

His athleticism and close-out speed should be an immediate upgrade for a Kansas City defense desperate for playmakers.

Berry is the ideal "ballhawk," having the awareness of where the ball and players are at all times, and having the ability to break up potential plays.

As one of the most NFL-ready rookies to take the field, expect Berry to produce immediately and put up big numbers for the Chiefs this season.

3. Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers

Ryan Mathews was selected with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers to help fill the void left by LaDainian Tomlinson.

Mathews is a big, physical back who should shoulder the carrying load along with Darren Sproles after Tomlinson, 31, departed to the Jets in the offseason,

The 6'0", 218-pound Mathews finished his last season with Fresno State with 1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns and will help improve a San Diego rushing attack that finished near the bottom of the NFL last season.

He is extremely physical and runs through the tackles well but also shows great speed and elusiveness in the open field.

However, Mathews has missed time in each of his three seasons with the Bulldogs, so injuries may potentially be a concern.

If he can stay healthy and continue to run with the physicality and quickness that helped him succeed at the college level, Mathews can translate that to success in the NFL and help the Chargers stay contenders for a Super Bowl.

2. Earl Thomas, FS, Seattle Seahawks

Playmaker Earl Thomas was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 14th pick and should be inserted into the starting lineup immediately.

The Seahawks are in desperate need of playmakers on both sides of the ball and Thomas made several big plays during his two-year career at the University of Texas.

The 5'10", 208-pound Thomas finished last season with the Longhorns with 63 tackles and eight interceptions.

He has great athleticism, ball skills, and awareness that will help prevent big plays that haunted the Seattle defense last season.

Thomas will hope to capitalize on the relative inexperience of the quarterbacks that reside with Seattle in the NFC West.

If he produces immediately and can make big plays himself, Earl Thomas will not only be considered for Rookie of the Year, but will be of high value for the Seahawks for years to come.

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit Lions

Perhaps the most dominating player in this year's NFL Draft, Ndamukong Suh was taken with the No. 2 overall pick by the Detroit Lions to instantly become an impact player.

Suh, at 6'4", 307 pounds, finished his last season at Nebraska with 82 tackles, 12 sacks, and one interception, solidifying his versatility at defensive tackle.

He is extremely physical and has great ability to get to the ball. Suh is capable of penetrating the offensive line, plugging up holes, and often draws double teams.

The Lions will improve drastically on the defensive line with Suh and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Suh is extremely versatile, as he play nose tackle in 3-4 scheme or in a 4-3 as a defensive tackle or end.

His power, quickness and athleticism will make him a force and will be projected to become an instant impact player for the Lions this season.