2012 NFL Draft Predictions: Rookies in Perfect Positions to Immediately Succeed

It's reasonable for a franchise and its fans to expect a first-round selection in the NFL draft to make an immediate contribution.

After all, these are the best players college football has to offer, and their impact as rookies can have a dramatic effect on the futures of their teams. As for the 2012 season, some rookies will be better positioned than others to enjoy immediate success in the NFL.

That said, here's a look at those rookies in the upcoming draft:

Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

At No. 7 overall, the Jaguars can go a few different ways, but Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is the best option. Now, the Jaguars do have an upgraded receiving corps with Laurent Robinson and the recently acquired Lee Evans, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

So that gives Blaine Gabbert two solid receivers to target along with tight end Marcedes Lewis. Still, the Jags need a young and potential No. 1 receiver that can do it all. As for Floyd, he combined in 2010 and 2011 for 2,172 yards, 179 receptions and 21 touchdowns.

His combination of size, speed and strength will stretch defenses, help with the running game and provide additional reliability in the red zone. Floyd is also tough to tackle and will draw double-teams to open up the rest of the playbook.

Already fielding one of the NFL's best defenses, adding another dominant playmaker to the offense makes Jacksonville legit AFC title contenders in 2012.

Kansas City Chiefs: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)

Last season the Kansas City Chiefs were plagued by injuries and ranked No. 26 against the run. Linebackers Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston performed well, but the defensive line couldn't consistently shut down opposing ground games.

Therefore, expect K.C. to snag Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox at No. 11 overall. He's a dynamic defender that can beat double-teams, make plays in the backfield and apply a solid interior pass rush.

Cox possesses the ability to force running plays outside and has the potential to be a two-gap controller. With 85 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four blocked kicks the past two seasons, Fletcher gives the Chiefs a complete defense.

Now it's just a matter of remaining healthy and continuing to dominate the perimeter.

Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

The 2010 college football season was Dre Kirkpatrick's first year as a solid contributor for Nick Saban's stellar Alabama defense. Having not yet been challenged, opposing offenses tested Kirkpatrick and saw little success.

As a sophomore, Kirkpatrick defended 10 passes, made three picks, forced one fumble and recorded 53 tackles. It was no surprise that he was barely thrown against as a junior, but Kirkpatrick still managed to defend nine more passes, force two fumbles and make 30 tackles.

He's just what the Cleveland Browns need toward the end of Round 1, because Kirkpatrick and Joe Haden immediately create one of the league's best cornerback tandems. Additionally, the Browns have a promising front seven that will be able to focus more at stopping the run.

Also, courtesy of Kirkpatrick's physical presence and quickness to blanket in man coverage, the Browns will have an improved pass rush and more turnover opportunities.

Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE (Marshall)

Despite going 15-1 as the defending Super Bowl champions, the Green Bay Packers still fielded the league's worst overall defense and pass defense, and they recorded just 29 sacks. Not to mention the Packers also allowed an average of 4.7 yards per rush.

So enter Marshall's Vinny Curry, who accounted for 230 tackles, 48.5 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and 32 quarterback hurries from 2009-2011.

In today's NFL, defensive fronts that have more than one stud pass-rusher have the best odds for success. Mainly because it's a passing league, getting constant quarterback pressure is imperative, and the absence of that ultimately cost the cheese in 2011.

Curry is extremely explosive at the snap, knows how to cause turnovers, can track ball-carriers from the backside and can beat anyone one-on-one. With Clay Matthews lined up on the opposite side, Curry will dominate as a rookie for Titletown this season.

John Rozum on Twitter.