Great Expectations: What We Can Expect from The Lions' Rookies in '09

"Now, I return to this young fellow. And the communication I have got to make is, that he has great expectations."—Charles Dickens

Each season in the NFL, fans of most teams reasonably look forward to making the playoffs. For fans of around 10-12 teams, hope can glimmer, but they've learned to look forward to another event: the NFL Draft.

For Lions fans, it's an obsession bordering on extreme. Lions fans are always among the most knowledgeable in the game when it comes to prospects.

It's ironic, because for years, the Lions have been the worst franchise when it comes to picking young talent.

I'm certain that the average Lions' fan/message board addict could have acquired better talent than Matt Millen in the past decade.

Yet, post-draft, the general feeling has always been mixed. This year is no different. You have your glass-half-full fan base—led by super-fan and MLive.com beat reporter, Tom Kowalski.

You also get the jaded and burnt crowd, to whom every lineman is Aaron Gibson, and every skill player is Mike Williams.

In my first "featured" column here on Bleacher Report, let's cut through the hype and the hate and give reasonable expectations for this year's rookie hall heading into training camp.

Matthew Stafford

Reports out of Allen Park are all grins and smiles about the million-dollar baby. Each of you probably knows that I'm not Stafford's biggest fan, so take this how you will, but curb your enthusiasm Lions fans.

We knew Stafford would look good in shorts. He has more physical tools than any QB we've seen in recent history. The "look" test is his specialty. We'll learn more about Stafford in the first day the red jersey comes off that we have to that point.

Yet, even I will say this: Stafford will certainly see the field, barring injury, in '09. Daunte Culpepper would have to do quite a bit to hold him off (including, but not limited to: leading the Lions to the playoffs, curing cancer, and establishing a viable colony on the moon).

Brandon Pettigrew

For my money, no Lions rookie will match the impact of Brandon Pettigrew. At this point, Pettigrew is on the fast track to starting and should see significant looks regardless of the QB.

His biggest impact will be in the running game, where he will team in two-TE sets with another recent acquisition, Will Heller. At that point, the Lions will essentially be using seven linemen. Even more of note—Heller and Pettigrew could be the best run blockers on the team.

Short-yardage situations will be where Pettigrew earns his money, and he should excel. Look for Pettigrew to earn the starting nod or play starter's minutes. If you're not a fan of his now, you probably will be soon.

Louis Delmas

Reports out of training camp have Delmas as a talented defensive player, a leader, and possible demigod who took time out of his schedule to give his teammates a tour of Mt. Olympus.

So if you, as a fan, expect a lot out of Delmas, I understand.

But if he doesn't have double digit INTs or slay any hydras, don't say I didn't warn you.

Delmas should start. But remember, the NFC North is not the MAC. He will go through the normal rookie growing pains and could look rather foolish at points, especially if he gambles on plays against quicker receivers.

Delmas won't face a lot of competition in the strictest sense of the word, but could find himself in a heavy rotation at safety with Marquand Manuel and Daniel Bullocks. If any of those guys fail, Anthony Henry will be moved over.

DeAndre Levy

Levy joins a LB squad that was already crowded before adding Larry Foote.

As of right now, it sounds as if a four-man LB rotation will be used for most of the game: Sims, Foote, Peterson, and Dizon (as a nickel linebacker). Levy can look forward to spot duty along with the other young LB prospects.

This staff is high on Levy. But until Levy wins a starting nod, he will have to make hay with spot duty and on special teams. Still, having a rookie to back up numerous positions and play special teams at a high level is a great asset the Lions have not had.

Before the Foote signing, the Lions' contingency plan was to start Levy at MLB, so he'll see major playing time if any LB goes down to injury. He'll have an impact, but it will probably not be noticeable to fans.

Derrick Williams

Williams is the one player who isn't receiving glowing reviews out of Allen Park. However, that's because he's currently battling a sore hamstring. If Williams were healthy, we could be sure that the Lions' media department would be photoshopping halos above his practice photos.

Williams is behind the eight ball. Shorts and shirts practice is the perfect time to get reps catching kicks and punts without much pressure.

If DW can get and stay healthy, he'll find himself a valuable and versatile special teamer and may see a few snaps each game on offense.

If not, Lions' fans can have the distinct pleasure of watching Aveion Cason for one more season.

The Rest:

Sammie Lee Hill: My thoughts on Sammie Lee Hill can be found here. In short, he may be forced into playing time with Grady Jackson's suspension. If he makes the most of it, he could be the best mid-round pick Lions fans have seen in a long time.

Aaron Brown: He's in competition to make the third RB spot. He'll need to show versatility and promise to make the squad.

Lydon Murtha: He joins a team that just signed Jon Jansen, Toniu Fonoti, and Daniel Loper. With the age across the line for the Lions, Murtha could find himself with a final roster spot. More than likely, he could end up on the practice squad.

Zack Follett: A special teamer through and through, he should make the squad and be groomed as an eventual LB successor.

Dan Gronkowski: He's more like an extra tackle than a TE. He and Fitzsimmons can't both make the roster, and Gronkowski has more upside. If Fitzsimmons makes the roster as predicted, Gronkowski will find himself on the practice squad or on waivers.

Ryan Kees: This small school project looks as much like a DE as Stafford looks like a QB. He'll be given every chance to win a spot on the roster or practice squad.

John Gill: The defensive line is so thin, the Lions can't give away talented 300 pounders.

Antone Smith: Talented but slight, Smith will need to be at his best to be the extra running back. Adding 10lbs would go a long way.