NFL
Featured Video
Don't Sleep on These Offenses ๐Ÿ˜ด
ENGLEWOOD, CO - APRIL 23: Tim Tebow is introduced by the Denver Broncos at a press conference at the Broncos Headquarters in Dove Valley on April 23, 2010 in Englewood, Colorado. The Broncos picked Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. (Photo
ENGLEWOOD, CO - APRIL 23: Tim Tebow is introduced by the Denver Broncos at a press conference at the Broncos Headquarters in Dove Valley on April 23, 2010 in Englewood, Colorado. The Broncos picked Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. (PhotoDoug Pensinger/Getty Images

2010 NFL Draft: Will First Round Choices Sink Or Swim In 2010?

Erik Frenz
Jul 26, 2010

Sometimes, though, a rookie can contribute in a big way. Given the opportunity in the right system, or simply transitioning smoothly from college to pro, rookies can find ways to contribute right from the beginning.

Inevitably, not all will be stand-outs in their first year. Sitting on the bench for a year will inevitably raise questions, as will a bumpy transition to the NFL.

1. Sam Bradfordโ€”St. Louis Rams

1 of 33
MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a passagainst the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
Marc Serota/Getty Images
MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a passagainst the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

2. Ndamukong Suhโ€”Detroit Lions

2 of 33
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 5: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Texas Longhorns is sacked by Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first quarter of the game at Cowboys Stadium on December 5, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/G
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 5: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Texas Longhorns is sacked by Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first quarter of the game at Cowboys Stadium on December 5, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/G

3. Gerald McCoyโ€”Tampa Bay Buccaneers

3 of 33
TAMPA, FL - MAY 01: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stretches during the Buccaneers Rookie mini camp at One Buccaneer Place on May 1, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
J. Meric/Getty Images
TAMPA, FL - MAY 01: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stretches during the Buccaneers Rookie mini camp at One Buccaneer Place on May 1, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

4. Trent Williamsโ€”Washington Redskins

4 of 33
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Offensive lineman Trent Williams of Oklahoma runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Im
Scott Boehm/Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Offensive lineman Trent Williams of Oklahoma runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Im

5. Eric Berryโ€”Kansas City Chiefs

5 of 33
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 22: Eric Berry #14 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the game at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 22: Eric Berry #14 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the game at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/

6. Russell Okungโ€”Seattle Seahawks

6 of 33

7. Joe Hadenโ€”Cleveland Browns

7 of 33
BEREA, OH - MAY 01: Joe Haden #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 1, 2010 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
BEREA, OH - MAY 01: Joe Haden #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 1, 2010 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

8. Rolando McClainโ€”Oakland Raiders

8 of 33
ATLANTA - DECEMBER 5: Rolando McClain #25 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries a rose as he runs of the field after their 32-13 win against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome on December 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Phot
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
ATLANTA - DECEMBER 5: Rolando McClain #25 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries a rose as he runs of the field after their 32-13 win against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome on December 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Phot

9. CJ Spillerโ€”Buffalo Bills

9 of 33
TAMPA - DECEMBER 05: Running back C.J. Spiller #28 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball as defensive back Michael Peterson #35 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tries to bring him down in the 2009 ACC Football Championship game at Raymond James Stadium o
J. Meric/Getty Images
TAMPA - DECEMBER 05: Running back C.J. Spiller #28 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball as defensive back Michael Peterson #35 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tries to bring him down in the 2009 ACC Football Championship game at Raymond James Stadium o

10. Tyson Alualuโ€”Jacksonville Jaguars

10 of 33
BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 05: Tyson Alualu #44 of the California Golden Bears warms up before their game against the Maryland Terrapins at California Memorial Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 05: Tyson Alualu #44 of the California Golden Bears warms up before their game against the Maryland Terrapins at California Memorial Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

11. Anthony Davisโ€”San Francisco 49ers

11 of 33

12. Ryan Mathewsโ€”San Diego Chargers

12 of 33

13. Brandon Grahamโ€”Philadelphia Eagles

13 of 33
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 6: Defensive end Brandon Graham #55 of the Michigan Wolverines raises his arms during the game against the Miami of Ohio Red Hawks on September 6, 2008 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Red
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 6: Defensive end Brandon Graham #55 of the Michigan Wolverines raises his arms during the game against the Miami of Ohio Red Hawks on September 6, 2008 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Red

14. Earl Thomasโ€”Seattle Seahawks

14 of 33
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 31: Earl Thomas #12 of the Texas Longhorns runs in to score a touchdown on an interception in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 31, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by R
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 31: Earl Thomas #12 of the Texas Longhorns runs in to score a touchdown on an interception in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 31, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by R

15. Jason Pierre-Paulโ€”New York Giants

15 of 33
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida runs drills as he looks to a coach for direction during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ph
Scott Boehm/Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida runs drills as he looks to a coach for direction during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ph

16. Derrick Morganโ€”Georgia Tech

16 of 33
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 28: Defensive end Derrick Morgan #91 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets checks with coaches against the Clemson Tigers in the 2009 ACC Football Championship Game December 5, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 28: Defensive end Derrick Morgan #91 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets checks with coaches against the Clemson Tigers in the 2009 ACC Football Championship Game December 5, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by

17. Mike Iupatiโ€”San Francisco 49ers

17 of 33
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 1: Idaho guard Mike Iupati #77 leads block against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. The Vandals were defeated by the top-ranked Trojans won 38-10. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Ge
Kevin Terrell/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 1: Idaho guard Mike Iupati #77 leads block against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. The Vandals were defeated by the top-ranked Trojans won 38-10. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Ge

18. Maurkice Pounceyโ€”Pittsburgh Steelers

18 of 33
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 26: Tight end Aaron Hernandez #81 celebrates his touchdown with teammate Maurkice Pouncey #56 in the first quarter of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 26: Tight end Aaron Hernandez #81 celebrates his touchdown with teammate Maurkice Pouncey #56 in the first quarter of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky.

19. Sean Weatherspoonโ€”Atlanta Falcons

19 of 33
COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 7: Sean Weatherspoon #12 of the Missouri Tigers walks on the field during the game against the Baylor Bears at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 7: Sean Weatherspoon #12 of the Missouri Tigers walks on the field during the game against the Baylor Bears at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

20. Kareem Jacksonโ€”Houston Texans

20 of 33
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: Kareem Jackson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks a punt by Blake McAdams #43 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs for a safety during the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: Kareem Jackson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks a punt by Blake McAdams #43 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs for a safety during the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by

21. Jermaine Greshamโ€”Cincinnati Bengals

21 of 33
MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Jermaine Gresham #18 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball against Major Wright #21 of the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Donald Mi
Donald Miralle/Getty Images
MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Jermaine Gresham #18 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball against Major Wright #21 of the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Donald Mi

22. Demaryius Thomasโ€”Denver Broncos

22 of 33
ATLANTA - OCTOBER 17: Demaryius Thomas #8 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
ATLANTA - OCTOBER 17: Demaryius Thomas #8 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

23. Bryan Bulagaโ€”Green Bay Packers

23 of 33
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga of Iowa runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
Scott Boehm/Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga of Iowa runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

24. Dez Bryantโ€”Dallas Cowboys

24 of 33
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Wide Receiver Dez Bryant #1 of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys jumps up to catch the ball as Free Safety T.J. Ward #2 of the University of Oregon Ducks breaks up the pass during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualco
Donald Miralle/Getty Images
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Wide Receiver Dez Bryant #1 of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys jumps up to catch the ball as Free Safety T.J. Ward #2 of the University of Oregon Ducks breaks up the pass during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualco

25. Tim Tebowโ€”Denver Broncos

25 of 33
ATLANTA - DECEMBER 5: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators walks to the locker room at halftime against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome on December 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythe
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
ATLANTA - DECEMBER 5: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators walks to the locker room at halftime against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome on December 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythe

26. Dan Williamsโ€”Arizona Cardinals

26 of 33
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 28: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball while defended by Dan Williams #55 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by A
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 28: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball while defended by Dan Williams #55 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by A

27. Devin McCourtyโ€”New England Patriots

27 of 33
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 16: Dion Lewis #28 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers stiff arms Devin Mccourty #21 of the Rutgers University Scarlett Knights on October 16, 2009 at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Get
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 16: Dion Lewis #28 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers stiff arms Devin Mccourty #21 of the Rutgers University Scarlett Knights on October 16, 2009 at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Get

28. Jared Odrickโ€”Miami Dolphins

28 of 33
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Tackle Jared Odrick #91of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates sacking quarterback Greg Paulus of the Syracuse Orangemen during the first half at Beaver Stadium September 12, 2009 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Phot
Chris Gardner/Getty Images
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Tackle Jared Odrick #91of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates sacking quarterback Greg Paulus of the Syracuse Orangemen during the first half at Beaver Stadium September 12, 2009 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Phot

29. Kyle Wilsonโ€”New York Jets

29 of 33
BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 28: Kyle Wilson #1 of the Boise State Broncos runs against the Fresno State Bulldogs during their game on November 28, 2008 at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)
Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images
BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 28: Kyle Wilson #1 of the Boise State Broncos runs against the Fresno State Bulldogs during their game on November 28, 2008 at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

30. Jahvid Bestโ€”Detroit Lions

30 of 33
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 17: Running back Jahvid Best #4 of the California Golden Bears celebrates as he scores on a 51 yard touchdown reception against the UCLA Bruins on October 17, 2009 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 17: Running back Jahvid Best #4 of the California Golden Bears celebrates as he scores on a 51 yard touchdown reception against the UCLA Bruins on October 17, 2009 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn

31. Jerry Hughesโ€”Indianapolis Colts

31 of 33
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos passes the ball in the first half as he is hit by Jerry Hughes #98 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos passes the ball in the first half as he is hit by Jerry Hughes #98 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January

Swim

32. Patrick Robinsonโ€”New Orleans Saints

32 of 33
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Cornerback Patrick Robinson #21 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back into coverage against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on January 1, 2010 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jac
Doug Benc/Getty Images
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Cornerback Patrick Robinson #21 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back into coverage against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on January 1, 2010 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jac

Your Thoughts?

33 of 33
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 03: Injured players, tight end Jermaine Gresham #18, L, and quarterback Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners, talk on the sideline late in the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in M
Doug Benc/Getty Images
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 03: Injured players, tight end Jermaine Gresham #18, L, and quarterback Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners, talk on the sideline late in the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in M

Inevitably, someone will tell me I got it wrong. That's just the nature of sports writng: up to this point, it's all based on conjecture.

With that, I welcome your opinion on the matter and appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks for reading!

Don't Sleep on These Offenses ๐Ÿ˜ด