NFL Draft 2012: Players Ready to Make an Immediate Impact

It's time to talk about the handful of NFL prospects who can become major players in next season's professional football landscape. 

Cam Newton came into the league this year and broke Peyton Manning's rookie season passing yardage record.  He also broke the all-time record for rushing touchdowns for a quarterback.  He was a successful No. 1 pick, as was Sam Bradford a year ago when he almost took the Rams to the playoffs as a rookie. 

And this year we saw the full potential of former No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford in a season where he remained on the field for the Lions.

Let's assume all the hype and recent history of No. 1 picks will mean Andrew Luck will be productive and have an immediate impact. 

After Luck, who can come in—like an A.J. Green or Julio Jones or an Andy Dalton or Von Miller—and change the team they are drafted by?

Well, in the first grouping there are some gaping holes at key positions. 

For instance, the Browns could certainly use a top-flight running back at No. 4.  The Redskins are in the mix at No. 6 and, again, really could use a top quarterback prospect. 

The Jaguars at No. 7 got their top quarterback prospect a year ago, but looked anemic on offense this year.  Wouldn't a big-play receiver do Gabbert and MJD some justice?

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson will enter the draft as the complete package and should easily be the top back off the board. 

The Browns look like a perfect fit for his style of running, and Richardson would give them another year to properly evaluate the Colt McCoy situation. 

With Peyton Hillis more than likely on his way out of Cleveland and Montario Hardesty's injury this year, the running back position is a big need for the Browns, especially while grooming a QB.

Richardson, if he lands in the right spot, should get plenty of touches as a rookie. 

If it were to be Cleveland, he should land the starting spot by the opener. 

The first running back was not off the board until the 28th pick last draft, while Richardson very well could be top five. 

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor or Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

I see the Washington Redskins taking the quarterback they like better—and the Dolphins taking the other. 

Whoever lands in Washington has a chance to make an immediate impact as Redskins nation is tired of losing with Rex Grossman.  I assume RG3 will end up with Daniel Snyder's ball club in Landover, Maryland and have a great shot at early success. 

Washington has a stable of young and capable running backs, including 2011 rookies Evan Royster and Roy Helu.  Griffin III would be lacking a big-play threat at wide receiver, but they would be a veteran bunch who would be in the right spots for him. 

You also never know if Leonard Hankerson will develop into the big-play guy he was drafted to be before his season ending injury. 

Washington was also 11th-worst in the league in sacks allowed. So the mobility of Griffin III would be an immense upgrade over either Grossman or John Beck. 

Most importantly, an agile, exciting, well-spoken Heisman winner would bring some excitement to D.C., which hasn't made the playoffs since 2007, when the NFC East produced three playoff participants.

Landry Jones, on the other hand, may be chosen by the Miami Dolphins, who were trying to make a move for Kyle Orton before the season began. 

They have long been searching for their next Dan Marino and have seen some sloppy play at the quarterback position.  If Jones were to go to Washington, I think he would be the beneficiary of early playing time, but in Miami Matt Moore helped them win down the stretch and will likely start the season for the Dolphins. 

In either case, the Dolphins have a resurgent Reggie Bush and a big-play threat in Brandon Marshall as well as a top-tier left tackle in Jake Long. 

If either of these quarterbacks got a chance to play early for Miami they could have an big impact right away. 

Jones also saw his stock drop some after a poor finish to the season for the Sooners without top receiver Ryan Broyles.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of a receiver more than any team in the NFL. 

Justin Blackmon, who has a big body made for big plays, is the early round prospect at the position. 

Coming from the same school as Dez Bryant, comparisons have been made between the two—and for good reason.  Where he and Bryant may differ the most is in character—Blackmon has been a complete individual as well as a football player. 

He makes perfect sense for the Jaguars.  He not only gives Blaine Gabbert a legitimate option through the air, but also the new ownership, which is in desperate in need of another star figure besides MJD, can build around him.

With the success of A.J. Green and Julio Jones in their rookie campaigns this season, the idea that a rookie receiver will enter the league and struggle is fading. 

Blackmon will help put fans in the seats and will create a spike in first downs and touchdowns for the league's worst passing attack.