Michigan Football: Which Former Player Will Have the Best Rookie Season in 2012?

Unfortunately, Michigan only had three players selected in this year's NFL draft, none of which went higher than the third round.

Nationally, not too many eyes will be watching to see how the Michigan NFL rookies do this fall.

However, the fans will be waiting anxiously to see how some of our former favorites perform.

Here's a look at the former Michigan rookies who should perform the best.

4. Ryan Van Bergen (Panthers)

We see a clean-shaven and well-groomed Ryan Van Bergen in the photo as he attends Panthers minicamp.

Signing as an undrafted free agent, it will be extremely hard for Van Bergen to see the field in 2012.

Can he do it though? Absolutely. We saw this kid's work ethic and perseverance through five of the most tumultuous years in Michigan history, finally coming out on top as a senior in 2011.

I don't think Van Bergen will have an impact for the Panthers in 2012, but it would be great to see him find success in the future in the NFL, especially considering everything he's been through.

3. David Molk (Chargers)

Just as it is extremely hard for freshman offensive lineman to crack starting lineups in college, the same goes for rookies in the NFL.

You may see first-round linemen start, but usually not too many after that.

I think Molk is similar to Van Bergen in some ways. Because of his work ethic and attitude, he should hopefully find success in the NFL.

Molk might even have a higher ceiling than Van Bergen. With that being said, I don't think he'll start this season, but I'd be almost surprised if he didn't become a starter at some point during his career.

2. Mike Martin (Titans)

Mike Martin was Michigan's highest drafted player, going in the third round to the Tennessee Titans.

Hopefully, he can become a guy that the Titans can build their defensive line around a few years down the road.

As for 2012, Martin should definitely see the field.

Will he start? It's possible, but for now I'm going to say no. However, he should be able to make his way into the d-line rotation and have an impact.

1. Junior Hemingway (Chiefs)

This may be surprising to some, but I just have a good feeling about this kid.

I don't know what it is about Hemingway; maybe it's his perfect body type, as he stands 6'1" and weighs 225 pounds.

Or maybe it's just the fact that we've seen so many Michigan receivers have success lately in the NFL (ex: Avant, Manningham, Breaston, Edwards).

Either way, I think Hemingway will see the field as a rookie and contribute.

I don't think it will take him long before he becomes a solid starting receiver in the NFL.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, Michigan's production of NFL talent over the last few years has been extremely low and disappointing.

However, that looks to be changing soon. The guys that Brady Hoke is bringing in look like future NFL studs. Some may think that isn't a smart statement, but it's true.

Many of the linemen Hoke's recruited already have NFL bodies, as do the receivers and tight ends.

Michigan hasn't produced much NFL talent over the last few years, but that is clearly coming to an end.