Biggest Questions Facing NFL's Top Rookies

The impact made from a top rookie in his first NFL season can determine the franchise's immediate future.

Each rookie has different expectations to meet and flaws to perfect. Still, all are in the same boat because the pressure is on them to turn the team around.

Here, we look at the top rookies from the 2012 NFL draft and answer a big question for each.

Andrew Luck: QB, Colts

How quickly can Luck develop?

Whether he wants to be or not, Andrew Luck is already the face of the Indianapolis Colts. And although there is much pressure coming from being the No. 1 overall pick, it's unfair to judge his early results to Peyton Manning.

For one, it's a different team, and Manning's legacy is so big it's almost impossible to live up to. That said, Luck really has nothing to lose as Indy's next franchise quarterback.

Coming off a 2-14 season, the Colts won't be expected to dominate in 2012, and Luck has more than one season to develop. Include Stanford having run a pro-style offense and Luck's learning curve in terms of a transition won't take long.

The only thing Luck has to learn as a rookie is getting acclimated to the speed of pro football. When the 2013 and 2014 seasons happen, that's when we'll find out whether Luck builds his own legacy.

Robert Griffin III: QB, Redskins

Can RG3 make a smooth transition to under center?

We know Robert Griffin III will slice and dice defenses from the shotgun. That's all he did at Baylor, and it was no surprise the Bears had their best season in school history last year.

As the Heisman trophy winner, though, Griffin has that pressure, along with being the No. 2 overall selection, riding his shoulders. Washington's trade up enhances that as well, and RG3's transition to a pro-style set will be telling about his NFL future.

Now, he's certainly good enough of an athlete to quickly drop back and set up in the pocket, but it's doing that consistently while feeling the pass rush and making reads all at the same time. From the gun, it's easier to read a defense pre-snap, but that also presents a less threatening ground game and makes an offense more predictable.

The NFC East is also loaded with stud pass-rushers and improved defenses, so Griffin has no choice but to transition quickly under center. If not, his time in the pros won't be for long.

Trent Richardson: RB, Browns

Can Trent Richardson carry the Browns?

Much like RG3 getting acclimated under center, Trent Richardson doesn't have much of a choice in carrying the Cleveland Browns.

Easily the best and most complete running back in college football, Richardson fills a big hole in the backfield for Cleveland. Peyton Hillis was a one-hit wonder, and in the AFC North, the Browns need an annually consistent ground game to contend for the division title.

Richardson has the potential to be one of Cleveland's best Brahma Bulls ever, but his early production will determine a lot. For starters, he's not surrounded by ridiculous talent on offense as Cleveland's offensive line (aside from Joe Thomas) must improve.

The Browns also have unproven quarterbacks in Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden, so Richardson will get called upon quite often in 2012. He will be needed to field a balanced attack and take pressure off the passing game, because a rough schedule will only become excessively difficult as a one-dimensional offense.

Justin Blackmon: WR, Jaguars

Will Justin Blackmon be the playmaker for Jacksonville?

Jacksonville needs a stud in the receiving game, and Justin Blackmon is expected to be that guy. Regardless of what happens with Maurice Jones-Drew, Blackmon has to quickly emerge as a dominant receiver for Blaine Gabbert.

Last season Gabbert did have 12 touchdowns to 11 picks with no legit receivers to target. So, it is reasonable to suspect more from him in 2012 as Blackmon and Laurent Robinson will be present out wide.

Blackmon's strength alone will make him a viable short and intermediate option, but he does need to improve his explosiveness and acceleration to make plays downfield. He's excellent at gaining yards after the catch, but developing as that total package playmaker must occur as well.

We also have to remember that the Big 12 was not a conference known for fielding great pass defenses, and Blackmon's first few games will be very telling about how his career could pan out.

Morris Claiborne: CB, Cowboys

Does Morris Claiborne live up to Big D's expectations?

Sitting at No. 14 overall in the 2012 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys moved up to the No. 6 spot and selected LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.

It was certainly a bold move by Big D, but nonetheless a good one. With Brandon Carr as the expected No. 1 corner, Claiborne adds talented depth to the secondary that cost Dallas during the 2011 season.

There is, however, much pressure on Claiborne because the NFC East is a pass-first division and the conference also presents stellar offenses like Green Bay, Detroit, Atlanta and Carolina.

Considering how much potential lies in the Cowboys front seven, the secondary should have no problem locking down in coverage. As for Claiborne, he has to produce well in his rookie season to avoid disappointment.

Because no team wants to trade up eight spots and select a guy who fails to meet expectations.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter.