Robert Griffin III and 9 Other NFL Rookies Who Could Rewrite the Record Books

This year's rookie class features excellent football players who possess abilities to make their marks on the record books.

Making a mark doesn't depend only on ability; it also depends on surroundings and opportunity. Several players landed in excellent situations that give them the best chances to maximize their potentials.

For a position like quarterback, having a solid offensive line and explosive weapons are keys to success.

Some of this year's top rookies have the pieces in place to break records during the 2012 season.

Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Most Forced Fumbles in Tampa Bay History

Lavonte David is an explosive playmaker who delivers punishing hits. His ability to locate the football and pursue allows him to make plays all over the field.

David is going to tally a ton of tackles throughout the course of his career, but he may make a bigger impact by creating turnovers. 

His ability to deliver big hits and his awareness of the football mean that he has an opportunity to set the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' career forced fumble record. The record is currently held by Derrick Brooks, who registered 24 forced fumbles during his career.

Creating turnovers is about always being around the football and having the awareness to make game-changing plays.

David possesses all the tools needed to generate a ton of turnovers.

Stephen Hill, New York Jets

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Team Rookie Receiving Touchdown Record

Stephen Hill has the size, quickness and leaping ability to make a major impact as a rookie for the New York Jets.

His skill set makes him an excellent red-zone target.

This red-zone ability is why Hill has a chance to top Keyshawn Johnson's rookie receiving touchdown mark. Johnson tallied eight receiving touchdowns in his first season in the NFL, 1996.

Mark Sanchez needs to find someone other than Santonio Holmes to make plays in the passing game. Because of his athletic ability, Hill is the best equipped to fill that role. Look for the Jets to design specific plays to get him involved, especially in the red zone.

Defensive backs are going to have tough times matching up with Hill's size and leaping ability. Sanchez can feel comfortable working jump-ball situations in Hill's direction.

Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Colts Rookie Tight End Receiving Record

The Indianapolis Colts selected Coby Fleener in the second round because of his playmaking ability and history with Andrew Luck.

This is going to give Fleener an opportunity to pass John Mackey for the most receiving yards by a Colts rookie tight end. Mackey's 726-yard season in 1963 still stands as the record in Indianapolis.

Luck has already been named the starting quarterback, and his familiarity with Fleener is going to play a major role in his success. Quarterbacks have a tendency to look for their favorite targets when plays breakdown or when faced with pressure.

Fleener also benefits from having Reggie Wayne in the lineup. Opposing defenses will need to focus on shutting Wayne down before turning their attention towards Fleener.

However, this could change as the season progresses.

The Colts will be able to create a ton of mismatches with Fleener. His combination of size and speed will make it tough for defenses to find the appropriate players to cover him.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Most Rushing Yards by a Tampa Bay Rookie

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added Doug Martin to come in and provide some versatility to their running attack. Martin uses his combination of power and speed to gain yards in a variety of ways. He has the skills to both run between the tackles and break off long runs.

It's this versatility will help Martin get the touches needed to push for Tampa Bay's rookie rushing record. The record is currently held by Cadillac Williams who rushed for 1,178 yards in 2005.

The only thing standing in Martin's way is the presence of LeGarrette Blount, but Blount's struggles with ball security have already earned him a place in Greg Schiano's doghouse.

There should be plenty of running room in Tampa Bay this year. The addition of Carl Nicks strengthens an already-powerful offensive line.

Martin might not only lead the Buccaneers in rushing this season; he might also top all other rookies.

Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Single-Season Rookie Sack Record

Jevon Kearse currently holds the record for the most sacks as a rookie, but Bruce Irvin has the potential to top that mark.

Irvin's quickness off the edge and the fact that the Seattle Seahawks plan to set him lose on the quarterback both work in his favor.

He is a bit raw, but if given the opportunity, Irvin will prove to be a dangerous pass-rusher. Seattle could potentially place him opposite Chris Clemens and make it difficult for opponents to neutralize both players.

The Seahawks could also use Irvin as the San Francisco 49ers used Aldon Smith last season, as a situational pass-rusher.

Smith was able to compile 14 sacks in a limited role, and there's no reason Irvin can't top that total.

Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Carolina Panthers' Career Record for Tackles

Luke Kuechly is a tackling machine who uses his instincts and quickness to make plays all over the football field. He has a great chance to unseat Mike Minter as the career tackles leader for the Carolina Panthers. Minter tallied a total of 592 tackles during his nine-year career.

Kuechly is talented enough to average average close to 100 tackles per season easily, which means he could break the record near the end of his sixth season in the league.

However, Jon Beason could get in the way of Kuechly's record-setting hopes. Beason currently stands at No. 3 on the list, with 421 career tackles.

Even if Kuechly doesn't beat Beason out for the top spot, there's a great chance they end their careers as No. 1 and No. 2 on the list.

Mark Barron, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Buccaneer's All-Time No. 2 in Tackles

The career tackle leader of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is Derrick Brooks, who compiled a total of 1,301 tackles over a 13-year span.

This mark might be out of reach, but Mark Barron absolutely can make a push to top Ronde Barber's 955 career tackles. Surpassing Barber would put Barron at No. 2 on Tampa Bay's all-time tackles list.

The Buccaneer's decision to start Barron at the strong-safety position means that he'll have plenty of chances to make plays on the football. Barron is a tough football player and loves coming up to support the run.

It wouldn't be a surprise if he approaches the 100-tackle mark each season.

The one thing that could hold Barron back is health, as he'll need at least 10 seasons of more than 100 tackles to surpass Barber.

Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Most Rushing Attempts by a Rookie

The Cleveland Browns don't have a lot of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.

This means that Trent Richardson is going to receive a heavy workload and may even approach Eric Dickerson's rookie record of 390 carries. Richardson wasn't selected with the No. 3 overall pick to share the load with other players; he'll be Cleveland's workhorse back and focal point of the offense.

The fact that Brandon Weeden is likely to begin the season as the starting quarterback means only that Richardson will receive more touches.

The combination of being the most talented player on the offense and playing a position that doesn't require much of a transition period is why Richardson is a contender to break Dickerson's record.

Concerns about his longevity are the main obstacles for Richardson to reach this mark.

Cleveland sees him as a long-term star, and overuse in his rookie year could limit the length of his career.

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Most Passing Touchdowns by a Redskin

Robert Griffin III already owns the Washington Redskins' starting quarterback job, which gives him an early jump on setting some franchise records.

He has a great chance to top Mark Rypien's record for most touchdown passes by a Redskins rookie. In 1988, Rypien threw 18 touchdowns which is a record that still stands today.

Mike Shanahan and company are going to put the ball in Griffin's hands and ask him to make plays. He'll have a ton of opportunities to put the ball in the end zone.

Surpassing the 18-touchdown mark seems like an easy challenge for Griffin.

Despite what was seen a disappointing season, Blaine Gabbert was able to record 12 touchdown passes. If Gabbert can hit that number, Griffin should have no problem surpassing 18 touchdown passes.

He's not only more talented, but he also has more explosive weapons at his disposal.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Possible Landing Spot in Record Books: Colts Rookie Completion-Percentage Record

In 1998 as a rookie, Peyton Manning completed 56.7 percent of his passes with the Indianapolis Colts. That percentage still stands as the top mark for a rookie in Colts history.

However, Andrew Luck has a great chance to top that mark this season.

Luck has a great feel for the game and knows how to deliver an accurate football. His commitment to using proper footwork helps the ball come out clean and on target. Luck's ability to decipher post-snap information will also help him record a high completion percentage.

The current talent in Indianapolis is also greater than it was when Manning was a rookie, in 1998. Luck is fortunate to have Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen at his disposal. While the offensive line isn't great, it's much more stable now than it was in 1998.

Don't be surprised if Luck finds a way to complete over 60 percent of his pass as a rookie.