2011 NFL Predictions: Cam Newton and 14 Rookies Under the Gun This Season

At last, we can all sit back and rest easy, as we know there will be NFL football in 2011. 

However, as us fans sit back and relax, there are a certain handful of NFL rookies who cannot. There are just some rookies who are going to be asked to contribute a lot in this upcoming season. 

Here are 14 rookies who will be under the gun in 2011. 

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Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans

Many believe Jake Locker being selected at eighth overall was definitely a reach for the Tennessee Titans, but it's clear they have faith in the gunslinger out of Washington.

As of right now the Titans are set to roll with Locker as their starting quarterback in 2011, and if they don't acquire any veteran quarterbacks via free agency or a trade, then Locker could have a very bumpy rookie season. 

James Carpenter, Seattle Seahawks

With the 25th overall pick, the Seattle Seahawks selected offensive guard James Carpenter out of Alabama. 

I don't know about anyone else, but I can think of about 20 players I would have selected ahead of Carpenter. 

Von Miller, Denver Broncos

Von Miller had so much hype coming out of college, especially after his one solid year of production, the Denver Broncos are going to ask a lot out of him, and he's going to be expected to turn out Denver's weak pass-rush. 

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

I'm sorry, but I do not believe Cam Newton was worthy enough to be selected first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft—I just don't think he's that good.

Granted, any first overall pick is going to have a lot of pressure on them, not to mention when they could be the team's starter during their rookie year. 

Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts

It is expected that rookie Anthony Castonzo out of Boston College is going to start right off the bat as the team's left tackle protecting Peyton Manning's blindside. 

Talk about pressure, right? 

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints

After the New Orleans Saints took Mark Ingram in the first round of this year's draft, it became almost certain the Saints were going to cut ties with running back Reggie Bush.

With the Saints likely cutting Bush for the addition of Ingram, it's going to be expected that Ingram contributes quickly and often as a member of the Saints. 

Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers

I really believe Aldon Smith was selected way too high at seventh overall, but don't get me wrong, he does have potential to be a solid NFL player.

However, being selected so high, I strongly believe Smith will feel the pressure to contribute his rookie year. 

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

There was just so much hype surround A.J. Green prior to the 2011 NFL Draft, and many believe he's the next big wide receiver—now that's pressure.

Green could potentially become the Bengals' No. 1 receiver in 2011 as Terrell Owens will likely not return, and Chad Ochocinco could be traded out of Cinci prior to Week 1. 

Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions

After the selection of defensive lineman Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz nicknamed his new-and-improved front seven the "Silver Crush."

With a nickname already in place, along with high expectations, Fairley is going to feel the pressure in 2011. 

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

As of right now, Christian Ponder is the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings—to me, that's a very scary thought. 

Ponder is not NFL-ready and will feel the pressure if he has to start Week 1 for the Vikings. 

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons gave up so much to trade up to sixth overall to grab wide receiver Julio Jones. 

There is going to be a lot of pressure on Jones entering 2011, as he'll be expected to emerge as the Falcons' No. 2 wide receiver and take some much needed pressure off Roddy White. 

Nate Solder, New England Patriots

Like Anthony Castonzo, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are starting Nate Solder right off the bat as the team's left tackle. 

However, there is a chance the Patriots will re-sign Matt Light to be the team's starting left tackle. Either way though, Solder is expected to be the team's long-term answer for left tackle. 

Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are likely going to part ways with running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, which will catapult rookie Daniel Thomas into the team's starting running back job.

Replacing the production from Williams and Brown is going to be a lot for a rookie.  

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

With the recent news Carson Palmer will retire, this means Andy Dalton could become the Cincinnati Bengals' starting quarterback. 

Dalton will have big shoes to fill, as Palmer was once an elite quarterback.