Ranking Every Rookie on the Denver Broncos' 2012 Roster

The Denver Broncos have kept nine rookies on their 2012 53-man roster. 

These are their seven draft picks plus two undrafted rookies. 

Rookies are always interesting case studies in the NFL. Early bloomers like Von Miller are brilliant to watch; they enter the league NFL-ready and make an immediate impact. Other rookies share Miller's talent and ability, yet need time to develop to the physical and mental rigor of the NFL. 

NOTE: The following rankings are all relative to the specific player and their current ability at their position; the players are not being ranked against one another. 

9. Steven Johnson, LB

Being No. 9 on this list does not mean that Steven Johnson is a bad player, but he is the rookie who needs to develop the most and will make the least impact on the Broncos in this season and for seasons to come. 

The first reason why is that linebacker D.J. Williams, who is currently serving a six-game suspension, will return for Week 7, and I predict it will be Johnson who will be cut to make room for Williams. 

Nonetheless, this is a fantastic opportunity for the former Kansas Jayhawk. Johnson was passed up in the 2012 NFL draft and secured his roster spot due to sheer hard work and consistent play. Anytime an undrafted rookie makes a final roster, it deserves a pat on the back. 

This opportunity could lead to future roles for Johnson, although these very well may be with other teams. 

8. Philip Blake, G/C

Philip Blake, who the Broncos drafted out of Baylor University, is a big (311 pounds) offensive lineman who can play the guard and center spot. 

The most amazing fact about Blake is that he just started playing football during his senior year of high school. In only five short years, Blake has made himself an NFL-caliber player, and that is saying something about his natural ability. 

Blake's biggest downfall is going to be his speed, as he will no doubt struggle against faster defenders. 

He'll be a backup guard this season. 

7. Danny Trevathan, OLB

Danny Trevathan had a very impressive training camp and preseason, and the rookie out of Kentucky has made quite a name for himself before the season has even started. 

Trevathan's plays fast, instinctual football, and this is his only option since he finds himself extremely undersized for an NFL linebacker. 

His athleticism and instinct have served him well, though, and he will have a minor impact backing up Wesley Woodyard at weakside linebacker. 

6. Brock Osweiler, QB

Don't get me wrong, I think that Osweiler has tremendous potential in this league, yet right now, I would not want him as my starting quarterback. 

Osweiler is a sight to be seen at 6'7", and this trait can serve to greatly advantage him if he lets it. 

His visibility will be prime and he can take less strides to escape defenders. He also boasts crazy arm strength thanks to his size. 

Osweiler's short falling is his decision-making, and as a quarterback, this is undoubtedly a very important attribute. Osweiler needs to stand on the sidelines for a few seasons before taking the field full-time. When he does, he could be great. 

5. Ronnie Hillman, RB

The hype surrounding rookie running back Ronnie Hillman is high, and the former San Diego State Aztec certainly does have a lot of potential. 

Unfortunately, he has already been dealing with some injuries, yet he can hopefully be a running back of the future for the Broncos. 

Hillman has great speed and explosiveness, and at 200 pounds, he is solidly built for his 5'9" frame. 

The area where he needs to most improve is running strong with the ball. He's not the biggest guy on the field, and he'll almost always be smaller and lighter than his defenders. As we've seen in recent years, however, smaller backs can succeed in this big man's game.

4. Malik Jackson, DE

Malik Jackson, the former Tennessee Volunteer, is a welcome addition to the Denver roster and should have a successful career in the NFL. 

Jackson is huge, (6'5", 270) and very fast for a defensive end. (He ran a 4.91 40 at the combine.)

While his size and speed are an advantage, he is surprisingly not very strong, and this proved to be his Achilles heel throughout college. 

Jackson will back up fellow rookie Derek Wolfe at defensive end this year, and backing up a rookie always increases the chances that you may see playing time. 

Jackson has the potential to be a Jason Pierre-Paul, and we all know how much everyone loves a pass-rusher. 

3. Omar Bolden, CB

Omar Bolden, who played college football with Brock Osweiler at Arizona State, is a strong, physical corner who will have a long career in this NFL. 

Bolden's a great cover corner, and he's at his best when playing one-on-one coverage. 

This is typical for an athletic player like Bolden, yet the downside of this is that he does struggle with zone coverage. He'll be observing most defensive plays this year, however, so this should give him time to learn the different schemes that are run in the NFL. 

His impact will be immediate, however, as he will be vital to the team on kick returns. If his 103-yard return in preseason was an preview of what's to come, then Denver fans should be very happy with Bolden returning kicks this season. 

2. Aaron Brewer, LS

Aaron Brewer, who went undrafted in this year's draft, is one of the biggest surprises on the roster. 

He beat out veteran long snapper Lonie Paxton for the job; this was a job that most everyone thought was safely Paxton's. 

Apparently, John Fox saw something special in Brewer, and although his position is a novelty, he now finds himself with a starting job as an undrafted rookie.

Paxton ran a very successful field goal unit last season, along with kicker Matt Prater and holder/punter Britton Colquitt. 

People only notice the long snapper when something goes wrong, so the pressure is on for Brewer to never get his name in the papers.

1. Derek Wolfe, DE/DT

It's only fitting that Denver's first-overall pick is indeed the best player at his position. 

Derek Wolfe, who Denver took early in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft, is a large, versatile defensive lineman who can add a whole other dimension to the Denver front four on defense. 

Wolfe's extremely versatile; he played both defensive tackle and defensive end through college, and Denver will use him this year as a large defensive end. 

His Achilles heel will be his speed and mobility, both of which he has improved during this preseason. 

With a player of Wolfe's stature (295 pounds) playing defensive end, Denver boasts one of the biggest defensive lines in the league.