2012 NFL Predictions: Rookies Sure to Make an Impact

By now, you've had your fill of stories about Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III—we all know that they'll be starting under center for the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, respectively, and that both are going to make a major impact on how their teams fare in 2012.

But they won't be the only members of the class of 2012 to make an impact during the season—let's take a look at some of the rookies who aren't getting as much press as their more ballyhooed counterparts.

Coby Fleener, TE, Indianapolis Colts

While Reggie Wayne remains a viable threat on the outside for the Colts and Donald Brown a more-than-capable receiver out of the backfield, Luck is going to be looking to spread the ball around.

Enter Coby Fleener, Luck's favorite target at Stanford University. In the two seasons Luck played at an All-American level, Fleener hauled in 62 receptions for 1,101 yards and 17 touchdowns.

While nobody expects that sort of production out of Fleener at the next level, the importance of the comfort level that Luck has with his tight end cannot be overstated—Fleener will be someone that Luck looks to early and often throughout the season as his safety net.

David Wilson, RB, New York Giants

D.J. Ware may ultimately wind up the official backup to starter Ahmad Bradshaw, but David Wilson is going to get his touches throughout the regular season for the defending Super Bowl Champions.

With Bradshaw out of action for the third week of preseason action due to a bruised hand, Wilson got the start against the Chicago Bears and didn't disappoint. He racked up 49 yards on five carries and factored into the passing game as well, taking a dump-off from Eli Manning 29 yards downfield.

Said Manning after the game (h/t: Washington Post):

"

Obviously, you see the potential. You see the playmaking ability. A couple of the big runs, he ran hard, and got outside, got a good chunk. He had the short pass thrown to him, he got down the sideline for a big gain. So, those are the things you’re looking for.

"

With Bradshaw's track record of injury and Ware more of a bruising back than someone who can break off a big play, look for Wilson to become more and more of a factor in Big Blue's offense as the season moves along.

Chandler Jones, DE, New England Patriots

The Patriots knew where their weaknesses were heading into the 2012 NFL draft, so it was no surprise that they used their first six selections on the defensive side of the ball.

Of their picks, defensive end Chandler Jones out of Syracuse looks to be the player capable of making the biggest impact.

Already part of the Patriots' starting front four, the 6'5", 260-pound defensive end is a capable pass-rusher who is also solid against the run. With New England needing to replace the pass-rushing ability of the departed Mark Anderson, look for the Patriots to have Jones in opposing backfields early and often.

Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans

With Kenny Britt's future uncertain, Kendall Wright figures to have plenty of opportunities to run routes for the Titans out of the slot. With good size (5'11", 195 pounds) and speed, coupled with the rapport he is building with starting quarterback Jake Locker, Wright will most definitely get looks when he's on the field.

Nate Washington and Damian Williams have the outside spots locked up in Britt's absence, and Wright could get pushed down the depth chart if and when Britt returns to action. That being said, he is a talented player who figures to play a bigger part in the Titans offense as the season wears on.

Mitchell Schwartz, OG, Cleveland Browns

The general rule of thumb is that when you're not talking about an offensive lineman by name, it's a good thing because he's done his job.

But in the case of Schwartz, his is a name worth talking about. After a season where only two linemen—Joe Thomas and Alex Mack looked to be NFL-caliber, Schwartz's addition to the line will be a welcome sight.

If Schwartz, who has already been penciled in as the starting right tackle, can continue to improve week after week, it will mean good things for quarterback Brandon Weeden and running backs Trent Richardson and Montario Hardesty.