4 NFC North Rookies Who Will Emerge as Stars

For a good portion of last season, the NFC North was one of the toughest divisions in the league. After an extremely competitive 2011-12 season, plus a hectic offseason of trades, free agency and the NFL draft, the NFC North arguably went from one of the toughest to the toughest division in the league.

The Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears all upgraded with some new young talent from the 2012 NFL draft. Some can contribute as soon as possible, some will be projects, and some have star capabilities at the professional level.

The NFC North will be one of the strongest divisions for quite a few years, and a few 2012 rookies will play a big role in the fight for the division title. Here are four NFC North rookies who will become stars in the NFL.

1. Jerel Worthy, DE/DT, Green Bay Packers

The NFC North has created some premier defensive tackles within the division. Players like Ndamukong Suh, Kevin Williams, B.J. Raji and Henry Milton have set high standards for the position and put themselves on notice against opposing quarterbacks. Michigan State product Jerel Worthy has the chance to join that elite company.

The Packers ranked second around the league with 47 sacks in 2010. They took a disappointing drop in 2011, ranking 27th and only racking up 29 sacks. 

With the Anthony Hargrove suspension, Worthy is likely to see the majority of his reps at either tackle or defensive end in the Packers' 3-4 system. Worthy is a powerful big body with a high motor of pursuit to the football. Playing alongside Raji will complement his game and give him plenty of one-on-one opportunities against his opponents.

2. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have finally given up on the Devin Hester project as a wide receiver and obtained some quality weapons for Jay Cutler. The Bears traded for Brandon Marshall and drafted Alshon Jeffery in the second round.

Don't worry about the down year in 2011 or the less-than-impressive combine performance from Jeffery. He was a monster in 2010 with 88 catches, 1517 yards and nine touchdowns at South Carolina. Jeffery is a big target with impressive athleticism and great hands.

Chicago is a perfect place to be for Jeffery playing across from Marshall and a gun-slinging quarterback like Cutler. However, with the hire of Mike Tice at offensive coordinator, there could be more focus on the run game than the passing game. The Bears have a balanced attack with Michael Bush and Matt Forte in the backfield, but Chicago can also light up the scoreboard with Jeffery on the outside.

3. Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have a bit of uncertainty in the future with their defensive ends. Kyle Vanden Bosch turns 34 in November and might not return to the team after 2013. Plus, contract issues continue to be a problem with Cliff Avril, who could possibly leave along with Vanden Bosch. There are other quality depth players on the roster, but no sure impact players.

Ronnell Lewis will be a bit of a project for a couple years, but in due time he can be a premier edge-rusher for the Lions. Lewis is listed as an outside linebacker, but his pass-rush ability and production at Oklahoma are difficult to overlook.

The Lions like him as a defensive end in their wide-nine scheme, and they intend on using him as that. It will take some time for Lewis to make the complete transition, and he'll have to earn all his playing time on defense behind the Lions' depth at defensive end. Given Lewis' versatility and talent, the patience and time will pay off for this defense. 

4. Nick Perry, OLB, Green Bay Packers

The NFC North is loaded with premier quarterbacks like Jay Cutler, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and a budding Christian Ponder. There is no such thing as too many pass-rushers when playing against these guys. This was the philosophy the Packers used when drafting Jerel Worthy and Nick Perry.

Green Bay needed to get back to its fierce pass rush, and Perry will help the Packers get right back on board. Perry has a great repertoire of moves along with a relentless motor and a lightning fast first step. Perry could be used right away in Green Bay's defense as a starter across from Clay Matthews.

With the growth of Perry and Worthy, the Packers could form one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Perry is capable of 10-sack seasons, especially if B.J. Raji and Worthy draw double-teams and create lanes for Perry and Matthews.