NFL Draft 2012: Players That Will Make an Instant Impact in the NFL Next Season

This year saw a number of first- and second-round draft picks make a huge impact on the team that drafted them.

Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Aldon Smith, Patrick Peterson and Von Miller all made huge impacts on their respective teams almost immediately.

Which incoming rookies will do the same this year, and for what team?

Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

No, the Colts won't be very good next year—we've entered full-blown rebuilding mode here, people—but Luck won't be the cause of their problems. He's as NFL-ready as any quarterback has been since that that Peyton Manning guy.

With Chuck Pagano coming in to rebuild the Colts defense, Luck won't be expected to outscore teams next year, just beat them. Expect him to come in and do so more than you might expect.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

Yes, the Redskins will trade the farm to St Louis and select Robert Griffin III. And RG3 will come in and make an instant impact for the Redskins.

If there is one thing I've learned about athletic quarterbacks, it's this—even if their passing game at the NFL level is still developing, they can make a huge impact with their legs as well. And I think Griffin is fairly polished as a passer, so he should adjust well.

Get excited, Washington—your offense is going to be a whole lot more fun to watch next season.

Morris Claiborne, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

You won't hear Claiborne's name as much next year as you heard from his ex-teammate Patrick Peterson this year.

But that's only because Claiborne isn't a weapon in the return game. He will be a lock-down corner in Tampa Bay, however, something the team desperately needs.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, St. Louis Rams

No, you won't see Justin Blackmon on this list. Why?

Because I don't think he'll make nearly the impact with the Cleveland Browns, where I project he'll get drafted, as Mr. Jeffery will as the go-to guy for Sam Bradford.

The Rams sorely need a No. 1 option at receiver for Bradford, and they'll get a guy in Jeffery that can both go over the middle and is a deep threat who can really go up and snag the ball at its highest point. Bradford will have a lot of fun tossing it up to Jeffery.

Trent Richardson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Yes, I think Richardson will drop out of the top 10—teams are becoming more and more wary of using high draft picks on running backs—and yes, I think the Chiefs will be thrilled to pair the powerful Richardson with the speedy Jamaal Charles next season.

Look out for the Chiefs next year—I think they'll be dangerous, in no small part because of the addition of Richardson.

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