2012 NFL Season: Highlighting the Biggest Impact Rookies

Which rookies will make the most profound impact on the 2012 NFL season? 

Well, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will make their presence felt, that's for sure. 

But let's look a four other first-year pros that will become household names this fall. 

Ronnie Hillman, RB, Denver Broncos

The Broncos instantly become a pass-first team when they signed Peyton Manning, but that doesn't mean their running game will be nonexistent in 2012. 

Willis McGahee is penciled in as the team's starter, and there's a chance Knowshon Moreno begins the season on the PUP list.

Denver used a third-round pick on Hillman—they plan to use him.

He's a shifty and wildly athletic runner, a guy who excels when turning the corner to the outside and in the open field.

Manning will utilize Hillman on a variety of screen plays and check-downs.

Don't be shocked if the former San Diego State star gets more carries than you expect, as well. He'll be a terrorizing force in the AFC West.  

Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

You think the suspension of the New Orleans Saints defenders will have a ripple effect on the rest of the NFL, especially the three other teams in the NFC South? 

I do. 

Martin will split touches with LeGarrette Blount, but he's much more polished as a pass-catcher. Even with a bulky frame, Martin is deceptively agile and possesses a nice burst through the line of scrimmage.

Greg Schiano will use him frequently and if the Buccaneers receivers have as much of a problem getting open as they did last season, he'll be catching a ton of dump downs from quarterback Josh Freeman.

Vilma's gone for the year, and Curtis Lofton's gone from the Falcons. He was a free-agent acquisition of the Bucs.

Martin will flourish.  

Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns

I don't expect Richardson to have the absolute break-out, Adrian Peterson-type rookie season some believe he'll experience in 2012, mainly because the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens reside in his division. 

His raw power is unrivaled and his meandering running style will make him a load to bring to the turf. 

As the focal point of the Browns offense, he'll tote the rock at least 20 times every time out and will piece together a fine season.

Remember, he's another back comfortable catching the ball out of the backfield. 

Coby Fleener, TE, Indianapolis Colts

Fleener will be the go-to target for Luck next season, and probably, for the next decade in Indianapolis. 

You don't need to be a football genius to figure that one out. 

At 6'6'' and 250 pounds, Fleener is a smooth runner with great hands. 

The established rapport and general connection he has with Luck will lead to many games with a handful of receptions. 

He'll be the team's primary red-zone target, as well. 

A glorious start to what should be a successful NFL career for the Stanford duo. 

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