2011 NFL Draft Predictions: Rookies Who Can Make the Biggest Impact Next Season

As the 2011 NFL Draft closes in, it is important to factor in the impact certain rookies will have on their respective teams.

Some will be drafted as immediate play-makers, to step in and elevate a franchise from the ground up.

Others, will drafted with the intention of teaching them the ropes and hoping that with time, NFL coaching, and practice, they will eventually be good players.

Whichever role a player is drafted into, they are expected to be fully contributing members of a football team from day one.

With underclassmen running out of time to declare, or return, lets take a look at 15 players that could make the biggest impact on the 2011 NFL season.

15. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Cam Newton is a special, special talent at the quarterback position.

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback of the undefeated No. 1 team in the land. Size, speed, athleticism, arm strength; Newton is as talented a prospect as there is.

While he will take time to grasp an NFL offense, a coaching staff that looks to utilize his strengths, not overwhelm him and take what he gives on any every game basis, will be very happy.

Newton can make all the NFL throws, his arm is strong and more accurate than realized.

At, 6'6", 250 pounds, the quarterback is near impossible to take down in the pocket; put him on the move, and his speed, elusiveness and drive to make plays are uncanny for a player his size.

If Newton lands with a team looking for impact play at the quarterback position in 2011, he can provide it—and then some.

14. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

The Purdue senior was virtually unblockable this season.

6'4", 260 pounds...Kerrigan has good size and even better ability to shuffle through as 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 defensive end/outside linebacker.

Consistently faced double-teams throughout much of the season and found ways to beat them into the backfield and recorded 26 tackles for loss on the year.

High-energy player with the ability to chase down plays from the backside, Kerrigan brings instant impact to any defense.

13. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The top senior cornerback in the country can do everything a corner needs to do.

With ideal size—6'1", 202 pounds—Amukamara has all the tools to immediately affect a defense in 2011.

Has great experience at the position and knows how to tackle.

Possesses incredible instincts, awareness and ball skills.

Immediate impact starter.

12. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

The most disruptive defensive lineman in all of college football, Nick Fairley can change a game in one play.

6'5", 310 pounds...Fairley's athleticism, quickness, strength and explosion are a sight to behold.

Has played hurt, can split double-teams and always shows up when he is needed the most.

Fairley made a living in opposing backfields all season long, and it doesn't look like he wants to stop.

Immediate impact player at the next level.

11. Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia

The junior defensive end/outside linebacker was a force off the edge for the Bulldogs.

18.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 44 quarterback hurries; Houston made his living beating up opponents in their own backfield.

At 6'3", 260 pounds, Houston has an ideal size/speed combination for a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level with a knack for making plays.

Only a junior, Houston still has room to become even better at the next level.

10. Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

At, 6'4", 251 pounds, Ayers is an imposing force on the defensive side of the ball.

The junior outside linebacker from UCLA can do everything.

His coverage skills are outstanding with the speed and range to cover everyone from running backs to receivers.

Ayers also attacks the opposing backfield as well as any at the position.

Ideally fit for the 3-4, Ayers can immediately make an impact at the next level.

9. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

The potential top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft possesses everything you look for in a dynamic playmaking defensive end.

The former top recruit in the country, Bowers finally made good on his potential this season as a senior at Clemson destroying opposing quarterbacks throughout the year.

Explosive, powerful and strong; his ability off the edge is as good as there is in the draft.

At 6'4", 278 pounds, the Clemson Tiger could immediately walk onto the field and make his way into an opposing backfield on day one.

8. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Highly productive wide receiver with big-play ability and a knack for embarrassing his opponents.

The Oklahoma State receiver and Biletnikoff Award winner, caught 111 passes and 20 touchdowns in 2011.

At 6'1", 207 pounds, he has a good size/speed ratio and showcases fantastic instincts on the playing field.

Rookie wide receivers sometimes have trouble contributing right away, but Blackmon should not have that problem.

7. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC

6'4", 267 pounds...Robert Quinn showcases fantastic speed for a player his size.

The UNC Tarheel did not get a chance to play this season due to NCAA violations; that should not stop him from making plays next season.

Quinn has incredible explosion off the edge, is one of the best natural pass rushers in the Draft and still has a lot of room to grow as a player.

His raw, natural ability have scouts very excited.

6. Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Marcell Dareus is an extremely athletic defensive tackle prospect with as much talent as any player in the Draft.

6'3", 305 pounds...Dareus displays incredible lateral quickness, burst and strength at the interior line position. 

A penetrating 4-3 defensive tackle, he can make plays in the backfield as from sideline to sideline.

Not as consistent as some would like, Dareus will be out to disprove that thought next season while immediately impacting his team.

5. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma

DeMarco Murray may not be a first-round pick this season, but he will certainly make an impact in 2011.

The Oklahoma Sooner running back can make plays from anywhere on the field.

Highly productive throughout his career at Oklahoma; Murray has always found a way into the end zone and his natural playmaking ability is as good as there is in the Draft.

Murray's strength though, lies in his ability to make plays out of the backfield or lined up in the slot. He could even be a receiver next season if asked to. 

At 6'1", 207 pounds, his versatility and explosion will get him on the field next season.

4. Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

Von Miller started the season out slow this season, but his ability to get after the passer is uncanny.

The 6'3", 245 pound senior prospect developed coverage skills this season, but his presence will be felt off the edge. 

With speed not many prospects possess at the position, Miller could light up opposing quarterbacks in 2011.

His natural pass rushing skills may very well be the best in the country.

3. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

One of the top recruits in the country a few short years ago, Jones is now one of the top NFL Draft prospects playing football.

Elite physical tools, size, speed and sheer will to dominate the cornerback in front of him make Julio Jones a can’t miss prospect.

He also steadily improved his route running each year at Alabama and has become a force to be reckoned with.

He may not be the first wide receiver off the board, but he will make a major impact next season.

2. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

The best receiver in the country and the possible No. 1 overall pick, will immediately make an impact next season.

At 6’4", 207 pounds, with the quickness of a 5’11" speedster, Green is as talented as a prospect can be.

He can stretch the field vertically, makes plays downfield and can turn underneath routes into touchdowns.

People do not realize how good this kid can really be.

1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

One of the nation's best, if not the best, prospect is ready to excel in the NFL right now.

The top cover corner in the nation brings speed, versatility and a ton of playmaking skills on the ball and with the ball.

At 6'1", 211 pounds, Peterson possesses a rare size/speed combination and can do everything asked of a top flight cornerback.

The junior All-American and Thorpe Award winner also brings a ton of ability in the return game.

His impact will be felt immediately.

Wes O'Donnell covers the NFL, NCAA, and NFL Draft on a year-round basis. He is also contributor to NFL Draft Bible. He can be followed on Twitter.