NFL Predictions For 2010 Season: Ryan Mathews And The AFC Impact Rookies
Every year, players like Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs burst on to the scene in the National Football League, taking fans and the league by storm.
Which players will breakout and have a huge impact in the 2010 season for your team?
This slideshow examines every team in the NFL, and picks the player that will have the biggest impact on their 2010 playoff run.
Devin McCourty- New England Patriots
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Coming out of Rutgers, Devin McCourty will have an impact, not as a dominating cornerback, but in the special teams and nickel package situations.
McCourty has average size and speed, but has a knack for getting in on every play, whether he is making a tackle or deflecting a pass.
At Rutgers, McCourty recorded 231 tackles, forced two fumbles, and made six interceptions.
Ryan Mathews- San Diego Chargers
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The LaDainian Tomlinson age is over in San Diego, and Ryan Matthews is in town. The Fresno State standout gained an incredible 3,280 yards on the ground with 39 touchdowns in three seasons, averaging over 5.5 yards per carry.
LaDainian Tomlinson was a bruiser, and his physical style of play took a toll on the veteran, who now plays for the New York Jets. Mathews brings fresh legs with a combination of speed and explosiveness that will help the Chargers ride to the top of the AFC West division.
Rolando McClain- Oakland Raiders
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The Oakland Raiders made the first sensible draft decision in a long time when they decided to select Butkus Award winner, Rolando McClain, out of Alabama. McClain was the leader of the Crimson Tide defense, and racked up 270 tackles and five interceptions in his three seasons with the team.
McClain will most likely start at middle linebacker for the Raiders this season, in what looks to be a promising turn around for a team that has gone from dynasty to the butt of jokes as of late.
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Derrick Morgan- Tennessee Titans
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When defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch left the Detroit Lions, the Titans really needed to address the defensive line, as they lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Albert Haynesworth, to free agency.
Derrick Morgan was selected in the first round, out of Georgia Tech, where the 6'4" 275-pound defensive end made 12 sacks and 52 tackles for the Yellow Jackets.
Morgan is a dynamic and versatile pass rusher, and is extremely quick off the edge. He adds youth to an aging defense, and will be a cornerstone for the Titans front seven for a long time.
Eric Berry- Kansas City Chiefs
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Eric Berry was a dynamic playmaker at Tennessee, where he recorded 241 tackles, 14 interceptions and forced two fumbles.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Berry with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and he is expected to make a huge impact for a secondary that hasn't been able to do much for the past few seasons.
Berry is a ballhawk, and will make his presence known on every play for a long time to come.
Kyle Wilson- New York Jets
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Even after acquiring Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers to line up opposite "Revis Island," the Jets decided to take the No. 2-ranked cornerback prospect in the draft, Kyle Wilson, from Boise State.
Now, the Jets look good for making that "questionable" choice, as Darrelle Revis is holding out, and there are no signs that point to the best cornerback in the NFL playing any downs in the 2010 season.
At Boise State, Wilson made 159 tackles, forced a fumble, and had 11 picks, and has been making great progress throughout training camp. He will surely be a good replacement of Revis for the time being.
Rob Gronkowski- New England Patriots
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Rob Gronkowski was drafted by the Patriots to fill a receiving void left by Wes Welker's questionable injury status, and Randy Moss' contract status.
At 6'6" and 265 lbs, Gronkowski is a powerful blocker, and has speed to make the big catches.ย He was ranked as the No. 2 tight end, just after Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham.
Last year, Gronkowski caught 47 passes for 672 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
C.J. Spiller- Buffalo Bills
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C.J. Spiller is one of the most explosive players I have ever had the opportunity to watch. He is a threat in the rushing, passing, and special teams games.
Just last season, Spiller rushed for 1,212 yards on 216 carries, making it to the end zone 12 times, while catching 36 passes for 503 yards and another four touchdowns.
Spiller has the home run ability, and will definitely have the most impact out of any rookie in the AFC East, if not the entire NFL.
Spillers stats at Clemson:
Rushing: 606 attempts, 3,547 yards, 32 touchdowns
Receiving: 123 receptions, 1,423 yards, 11 touchdowns
Kick/ Punt Returns: 161 returns, 2,621 yards, eight touchdowns.
Brandon Ghee- Cincinnati Bengals
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The Cincinnati Bengals had one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL last season, with Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall, and now they have added Wake Forest standout, Brandon Ghee to the mix.
Ghee isn't a huge name, but he will definitely make his presence felt in nickel and dime situations, while learning from two of the best young corners in the game today.
At Wake Forest, Ghee made 148 tackles in three years, while forcing four fumbles and intercepting a pass.
Dennis Pitta- Baltimore Ravens
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The Baltimore Ravens got a steal in the fifth round when they selected tight end Dennis Pitta, out of Brigham Young University.
With veteran tight end, Todd Heap, aging, Pitta adds youth and skill to an important offensive position for the Ravens. While earning playing time under Heap, Pitta will learn the system quickly, and be a threat as a blocker as well as in the passing game.
At BYU, Pitta caught 221 passes for over 2,900 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Who Did I Miss?
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Who should have made the list? Who shouldn't be on it?
Make your thoughts known, and leave a comment!
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