Projecting the 2012 NFL All-Rookie Team

Earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team is a sought-after accomplishment. There are plenty of rookies that see significant playing time early in their career, but not all of them are ready to play at a high level.

Sometimes, it's tough for even the most talented players to earn playing time, and some rookies on this list benefited from where they were drafted. Still, a spot on the All-Rookie team is earned with play on the field.

Quarterback

A handful of rookie quarterbacks will see the field this season. However, this is a two-horse race with only Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III having a legitimate shot of making the All-Rookie Team.

Winner: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Being considered the top rookie quarterback is about more than explosive plays. Andrew Luck isn't going to wow people like Robert Griffin III will, but he's going to play more consistent football. One area where Luck is going to excel is completion percentage. His ability to quickly process post-snap info and make sound decisions will help him locate the appropriate target.

Another area that must be measured is the success of the team. The Indianapolis Colts have less overall talent than the Washington Redskins. However, there's a chance that Luck produces more wins this season.

It's possible that Griffin III has a better stat line, but that isn't the only thing that must be taken into consideration.

Runner-Up: Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III will have an excellent rookie season with the Washington Redskins. He has a rare combination of speed and throwing ability. Despite his athleticism, Griffin III isn't a run-first quarterback. He does a good job delivering an accurate football and excels at attacking the deep part of the field.

The Redskins did a great job adding pieces to help Griffin III succeed. During the first preseason game, it was obvious that he and Pierre Garcon are already on the same page.

This is going to be a very close race, but Luck's consistency gives him the edge.

Running Back

As it stands, Trent Richardson and Doug Martin have the early edge. However, don't count out others like Robert Turbin or Ronnie Hillman. A surprise candidate could emerge as the season progresses.

Winner: Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Doug Martin is completely healthy and projected to get the lion's share of carries for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has the luxury of playing on a team that wants to establish a strong ground game, not to mention he'll be running behind one of the league's top offensive lines.

The fact that the Buccaneers have weapons in the passing game like Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams also helps Martin's cause. Opposing defenses won't be able to stack the box and focus on shutting down the running game.

Only the presence of LeGarrette Blount is hurting Martin's chance. Blount's production over the past two seasons shows that he's capable of carrying the load.

Runner-Up: Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns

Trent Richardson is expected to return from a knee problem in time for the start of the season. However, there's a reason for concern anytime a procedure is done on a knee. It's difficult to predict just how the knee will respond.

On top of the knee problem, Richardson faces the possibility of having to deal with extra defenders in the box. The Cleveland Browns just don't have the explosive weapons on the outside to make defenses respect the passing game.

Richardson will have a good season, but the limited surrounding talent will hinder his ability to top Martin's production.

Wide Receiver

Winner: Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans added an explosive playmaker when they selected Kendall Wright in the first round. Wright showed his playmaking ability this past weekend in the Titans' first preseason game. He exhibited an excellent burst that he'll use to gain separation.

With the uncertainty surrounding Kenny Britt, Wright has an opportunity to earn a significant role in the offense. The more reps he receives now, the better he'll perform later in the season. It also doesn't hurt having Chris Johnson draw extra defenders in the box.

Wright will have plenty of favorable matchups this season, and he has the talent to take advantage.

Winner: Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears

It hasn't taken Alshon Jeffery long to impress the Chicago Bears' coaching staff. His strong training camp combined with his physical talents have him in line for significant playing time. Chicago's decision to trade for Brandon Marshall and draft Jeffery shows that it is finally willing to surround Jay Cutler with talent.

Earl Bennett and Devin Hester are nice complementary pieces, but Jeffery has the potential to be an elite player. Expect a lot of formations where both Marshall and Jeffery line up on the outside with Bennett in the slot.

In an alignment like this, opposing defenses will rotate coverage to Marshall's side of the field. This will provide Jeffery with a ton of one-on-one matchups.

Runner-Up: Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars

The fact that the Jacksonville Jaguars lack any really explosive options in the passing game means Justin Blackmon will get plenty of targets. His ability to work underneath, over the middle and down the field will ensure he puts up decent numbers.

Blaine Gabbert is having a decent offseason and showing some signs of improvement. Even slightly improved play from Gabbert increases Blackmon's chances of having a productive rookie season.

Tight End

Winner: Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts

Both Indianapolis Colts tight ends are going to have a sizable role in the offense. Coby Fleener is the quicker and more athletic of the two. His speed makes him a threat to attack the seam and make plays down the field.

Fleener doesn't only possess good speed, as he also has excellent size. This combination makes it tough for any defender to easily take him out of the game. He's such a matchup problem because linebackers aren't quick enough to keep pace and he is strong enough to outmuscle the defensive backs.

Blocking was an area of concern for Fleener heading into the draft. However, he's worked hard to improve and has caught the eye of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

Runner-Up: Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts

Dwayne Allen doesn't have Fleener's speed, but he is still a dangerous pass catcher. Allen's strengths are his ability to run clean routes, locate the open zone in the defense and pluck the ball out of the air. Because of his strong hands, Allen can make the tough catch away from his frame.

The only reason I have Allen as the runner-up is because of the relationship between Fleener and Andrew Luck. A young quarterback is always going to feel more comfortable throwing to a target with which he's more familiar.

Offensive Tackle

Winner: Matt Kalil, Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil was brought in by the Minnesota Vikings to protect the blind side of Christian Ponder. His athleticism and length give him the ability to protect the edge. He's getting great experience at practice having to deal with Jared Allen every day. This will absolutely help prepare him for the regular season.

The Vikings are more of a running team than a unit that likes to open up the offense. Kalil is a nasty run-blocker who'll create running lanes for both Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart.

However, the biggest measurement of his success is the amount of pressure he allows on the quarterback. Things won't be easy, as the NFC North features top-notch pass-rushers like face Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews and Cliff Avril. However, he's talented enough to hold his own against the NFL's elite.

Winner: Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills

Cordy Glenn opened the Buffalo Bills preseason as the starting left tackle. He was locked in a battle with Chris Hairston, but it appears that Glenn is the front runner to win the job. Glenn has done a great job moving his feet and protecting the quarterback.

The fact that Glenn is an excellent all-around player helps his cause to make the NFL All-Rookie team. It's going to become quickly obvious that the Bills got a real steal when they landed Glenn in the second round.

Runner-Up: Jonathan Martin, Miami Dolphins

I've been on the Jonathan Martin bandwagon for a long time. This is an athletic offensive tackle who does an excellent job protecting the passer. He's been criticized for his limited strength, but he overcomes those issues with solid technique.

At this point, Martin owns the starting right tackle job for the Miami Dolphins. He will have some rookie mistakes, but having Jake Long as a mentor should cut down on those issues.

Guard

Winner: Kevin Zeitler, Cincinnati Bengals

The fact that the Cincinnati Bengals owned two first-round picks gave them the opportunity to select Kevin Zeitler. This is a team that needed to improve the interior of their offensive line, and that's exactly what adding Zeitler accomplished.

He's a well-rounded offensive lineman who does a good job in both the running and passing game. His strong anchor and fluid movements help him mirror potential pass-rushers. Zeitler uses proper technique, a strong burst off the line and inside hand placement to open running lanes.

Heading into training camp already named a starter helps his cause to make the All-Rookie team.

Winner: David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers used the draft to make significant upgrades along their offensive line. One of the biggest additions is David DeCastro. Adding DeCastro puts him alongside Willie Colon and Maurkice Pouncey to form a strong interior. Expect solid all-around play from DeCastro that helps make the entire offense run more smoothly.

Runner-Up: Amini Silatolu, Carolina Panthers

Amini Silatolu is a very raw but talented offensive line prospect. The Carolina Panthers have already inserted Silatolu into the starting lineup, showing that they have a lot of confidence in his abilities. Because of the presence of talented running backs like DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers will want to feature a strong ground attack.

The ability to run the football has as much to do with strong offensive line play as it does explosive running backs. Silatolu is the type of player that will help open large running lanes.

Center

Winner: Peter Konz, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons will head into the regular season with Todd McClure as their starting center. However, it's only a matter of time until Peter Konz shows the coaching staff that he belongs in that role. Konz is an excellent run-blocker who uses inside hand placement to generate a push off the line.

This is also a very smart football player that is more than capable of making the necessary line calls.

The center position doesn't have a runner-up, because there's not a lot of talent in this rookie class. At this point, it doesn't appear likely anyone else earns a significant role as a rookie.

Defensive End

Winner: Chandler Jones, New England Patriots

The combination of an explosive first step and a high motor is a recipe for success for any pass-rusher. Chandler Jones possesses both of these skills and appears ready to make a major impact as a rookie. The New England Patriots are counting on Jones to produce, as they really don't have many other pass-rush options.

During the first preseason game, Jones was used at the defensive end spot. Bill Belichick allowed him to rush from both a two- and three-point stance. This points to the possibility that the Patriots use Jones at both defensive end and outside linebacker.

No matter where he lines up, Jones' main responsibility will be to rush the passer.

Winner: Quinton Coples, New York Jets

There was never any question surrounding Quinton Coples' physical ability. However, some felt that he didn't have the motor needed to be a dominant pass-rusher. As I scouted him, I saw Coples deal with a ton of double-teams. This is something that impacted his production more so than any lack of effort.

Coples is going to have an excellent season. He showed in his first preseason action that he has a wide array of pass-rush moves. This is a player that is more than capable of reaching the double-digit sack mark.

Runner-Up: Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks

Bruce Irvin is unlikely to earn a starting role with the Seattle Seahawks this season. However, he's going to see plenty of action in passing situations. Irvin's explosive first step makes him a major threat to generate a ton of pressure. He has an outside shot to have an Aldon Smith-type season.

Defensive Tackle

Winner: Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles play a style of defense that relies on their front four to generate most of the pressure on the quarterback. They currently have two of the game's top pressure defensive ends in Trent Cole and Jason Babin. The addition of Fletcher Cox gives Philadelphia someone who's capable of rushing the passer from the interior.

Cox's explosive first step allows him to quickly penetrate the pocket. With Mike Patterson out of the lineup, Cox has an opportunity to earn significant playing time. Look for the Eagles to feature a lineup with Cullen Jenkins as the nose tackle role and Cox at the three-technique.

Winner: Kendall Reyes, San Diego Chargers

In the San Diego Chargers' defensive system, Kendall Reyes plays the five-technique position. Technically, this is considered a defensive end spot. However, the role Reyes will be asked to play is similar to that of a defensive tackle. If he was drafted by a 4-3 team, he'd likely lineup at the three-technique spot.

I had Reyes rated as a first-round prospect throughout the draft process. This is a player whose best football is still ahead of him. Because of the high-level coaching he'll receive, Reyes will continue to improve as the season goes on.

The Chargers landed themselves a good athlete who can both stuff the run and generate some pressure on the quarterback. Don't be surprised if he is held in higher regard than last year's first-round pick, Corey Liuget.

Runner-Up: Devon Still, Cincinnati Bengals

The biggest obstacle facing Devon Still is finding playing time on a roster that features a lot of talent at defensive tackle. However, Still's explosive first step and disruptive playing style are the type of things that will quickly move him up the depth chart.

Opposing offenses will have a tough time keep Still and Geno Atkins out of the backfield. This pair has the potential to consistently disrupt the timing of the offense.

Outside Linebacker

Winner: Dont'a Hightower, New England Patriots

So much of a player's production has to do with the system they play in and the opportunities they earn. The New England Patriots offer Hightower the perfect place for him to utilize his skill set. New England runs both 4-3 and 3-4 principles, which means we will see Hightower in multiple roles.

His main position will be at outside linebacker, but look for the Patriots to also work him in at defensive end. During his college career, Hightower proved to be a very talented pass-rusher. He can get after the quarterback from either linebacker or end position.

Winner: Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The quickness and tenacity of Lavonte David gives him the ability to make plays all over the field. He doesn't hesitate to attack the football. David's change-of-direction skills helps him overcome some concerns about his size.

He's able to avoid blockers and get back on track to make the tackle. His athleticism also makes him a four-down player, meaning he's capable of being a major contributor on both passing downs and special teams.

There's a great chance David leads all rookies in tackles this season.

Runner-Up: Mychal Kendricks, Philadelphia Eagles

Mychal Kendricks' playmaking ability was on display early in the Philadelphia Eagles' first preseason game. He showed the ability to read post-snap information and quickly close on the ball. Kendricks' explosiveness doesn't only help him close on the ball-carrier, as he can also create pressure on the quarterback.

The Eagles already inserted Kendricks into the starting lineup. He is going to make a ton of plays based on his athleticism alone. However, expect to see the impact of his play increase as the season progresses.

Middle Linebacker

Winner: Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers

As it stands, Luke Kuechly is on pace to open the season as the starting outside linebacker. However, I anticipate that he'll finish the season at middle linebacker. Kuechly is too effective in the middle to limit his range by placing him on the outside.

The Panthers know they have a special player in Kuechly, and that's why they must unleash him. He's very instinctive with the quickness to make plays sideline to sideline. I have little doubt that he will be the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Runner-Up: Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks

Bobby Wagner is getting the start in the middle of a very underrated Seattle Seahawks defense. He's an underrated athlete who uses an excellent burst to close on the football. This is not only a good talent, as Wagner is also an excellent leader.

Cornerback

Winner: Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills made a significant upgrade in their secondary when they selected Stephon Gilmore. He's a well-built defensive back who plays with both speed and toughness. Gilmore's physical play allows him to line up close to the line of scrimmage and disrupt the timing of the offense. He's also not afraid to come up and support the run.

However, it's his fluid hips and short-area burst that give him the potential to develop into a shut-down cornerback.

Winner: Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams

If it wasn't for some off-the-field issues, we would have been talking about Janoris Jenkins as a possible top-10 pick. He's an elite athlete with tremendous read-and-react ability. His short-area burst allows him to quickly close on the ball.

Jenkins is also a threat to create a turnover, as he has excellent ball skills. We will also get a good look at him in the return game. He's very explosive and dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Runner-Up: Morris Claiborne, Dallas Cowboys

Morris Claiborne is the most talented cornerback of the bunch. However, he's been unable to really participate this season because of some injury problems. At this point, it's anyone's guess when he'll be at 100 percent.

While Claiborne is the most talented, the difference isn't great enough for him to overcome a few missed games.

Safety

Winner: Mark Barron, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mark Barron is a versatile playmaker who'll impact both the running and passing game. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to line him up at strong safety, which will allow Barron to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Look for him to rack up a ton of tackles and even some sacks.

This doesn't mean he won't have an impact on the passing game. His good burst and instincts give him the range to cover a lot of ground in the back end of the defense.

Winner: Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings liked Harrison Smith so much that they traded back into the first round to ensure they landed him. He's the type of leader that will help make those around him better. This young secondary needs someone to come in and help direct traffic.

Smith isn't just a role player, as he also makes a ton of impact plays. Because of his good instincts, Smith is always around the football.

Runner-Up: Brandon Taylor, San Diego Chargers

Brandon Taylor is competing with Atari Bigby for the right to start opposite Eric Weddle. Bigby can't match the talent of Taylor, and it looks to be only a matter of time before a change is made in the starting lineup.

The San Diego Chargers know that with Peyton Manning in the division, they'll need a strong pass defense. Taylor has the range and instincts needed to avoid getting taken advantage of in the passing game.

Kicking Game

Punter: Bryan Anger, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars used a valuable third-round pick to upgrade the punter position. Bryan Anger has an extremely powerful leg, but he also does a good job pinning opponents deep in their own zone.

The Jaguars lack great offensive consistency, so Anger is expected to get a lot of action.

Place Kicker: Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis Rams

Greg Zuerlein looks like the only rookie kicker on pace to earn a starting job. In fact, there were zero place kickers selected in the 2012 draft.