2011 NFL Draft Results: 5 Offensive Picks with Best Chance to Star This Fall

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Quarterback Jake Locker of Washington runs a passing drill during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The 2011 NFL draft is over, and even with the lockout we can speculate on what these rookies will do their rookie season.

Some of these rookies will have great seasons and become big stories. Others will not, but we are not going to dwell on those guys here.

The quarterbacks are the obvious stars when you look down the line, but there are running backs and wide receivers who have chances to break out as well.

So here is a look at five rookies who could be big stars by the end of 2011 (assuming, as always, that there is a 2011 season).

5. Julio Jones

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) poses for a photo with Julio Jones, #6 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Ph

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Julio Jones will be on the field with the Atlanta Falcons catching passes from Matt Ryan. It is a safe bet that Jones will be making a lot big catches and make an impact his rookie season.

4. Christian Ponder

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Quarterback Christian Ponder of Florida State looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Vikings are hinting they want Christian Ponder to start right away, which means he has the potential to make a significant impact early in the season.

I think Ponder was underrated going into the draft, so I have confidence he will surprise a lot of people.

The Vikings seem to agree with me.

3. A.J. Green

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner ROger Goodell poses for a photo with A.J. Green, #4 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, as Green holds up a jersey during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Phot

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

No matter who is taking snaps behind center in Cincinnati, A.J. Green is going to make catches. Even if the Bengals are not very good, expect Green to live up to his billing and be a bright spot on the Bengals offense.

2. Ryan Williams

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Ryan Williams #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals did not have much of a running game last year. Some of that can be attributed to the offensive line, but Beanie Wells never could stay healthy long enough to get anything going.

With Ryan Williams, expect to see a fresh running attack out of Arizona. Williams is seen as a better running back prospect by some scouts and he will surprise a lot of people.

With Williams, the Cardinals will have a running game again.

1. Jake Locker

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Locker answers questions during a media session at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Tennessee Titans took Jake Locker before Blaine Gabbert, and their decision will be looked on later as a good one.

Locker has a lot of skills and should make the transition to the pros relatively quickly.

Locker was saddled with a poor offensive line and below-average receivers. The Titans should be able to give Locker better support, but that is assuming Kenny Britt is not rotting in jail.

Even without Britt, the Titans can expect to see good things from Locker.

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