2011 NFL Draft: 5 Rookies Who Will Have the Most Impact on Their Team's Record
After a wild 2010 for rookies, it is certainly feasible that a first-year player can come in and have an impact on their new team's record immediately.
This year, there is no shortage of players who will do the same.
I could have taken the easy way out and put Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton on this list, but I have too many questions about both and don't feel like either will make a huge difference in their first season.
There were so many future rookies to pick from, but the five are certainly a difference-making group.
The goal of this list is to create discussion, not end it.
Post your lists in the comments section below. I'm interested to see what your thoughts are.
Honorable Mention: CB Prince Amukamara
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Prince Amukamara is not a very physically gifted corner and he doesn't have the versatility of being a great returner, but the former Cornhusker is almost unrivaled when it comes to covering receivers in man-to-man.
Last year, Devin McCourty came to the Patriots and became the No. 1 cornerback, significantly tightening up the Patriot defensive unit.
Amukamara is a better prospect than McCourty.
The Nebraska product could, arguably, come in and be the number one cornerback on a few teams in the top 10 this year. He will provide a team with a top-flight young corner in the top half of the draft.
Amukamara doesn't make this list because he will run into difficulty defending the deep ball or making game-changing interceptions.
He does deserve honorable mention, though, because he'll be a big factor in man-to-man schemes wherever he goes and will help his team to win a game or two.
5. OT Tyron Smith
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Tyron Smith's size questions held him back from being an elite tackle prospect. At 285 pounds, Smith wasn't inspiring much confidence from NFL evaluators as an offensive line bookend.
At his pro day, the USC product checked in at 310 pounds, looking much bulkier than he did during the season at Southern California.
While he could have moved much more slowly in offensive line drills, Smith showed impressive agility and athleticism. He proved many doubters wrong and showed that he can effectively protect a quarterback's blind side.
He has been projected out as an eventual fill-in at right tackle, but with his added weight and athletic ability, Smith can potentially come in and have all the makings of a franchise left tackle.
The former Trojan admirably protected Matt Barkley at USC in 2010 and, moreover, will carry over his prowess as a pass blocker into the NFL.
In his first year, Smith will be able to make a big impact somewhere. With a good number of teams in the NFL having legitimate questions at left tackle, Tyron Smith could be the right answer somewhere.
With the left tackle position solidified, a team can protect its franchise quarterback and sustain playoff contention.
Smith will contribute positively to his new team's win-loss record and will be a long-term answer at a tackle position.
4. WR Julio Jones
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Julio Jones appears at No. 4 on this list.
On physical ability alone, Jones has it all. The talented young receiver ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, jumped 38.5" vertically, and broad jumped an insane 11'3".
All three numbers are better than AJ Green, who is rated higher than Jones.
Jones has been mocked to the St. Louis Rams a number of times, and if that should happen, he'd immediately be the No. 1 receiver there. Jones would open up the offense and Sam Bradford would flourish in his second year in St. Louis.
The one thing that prevented St. Louis from being a winning team in 2010 was the lack of a No. 1 receiver.
Jones falls a bit on the list because of serious questions about his hands.
I see a bit of a Braylon Edwards type here when it comes to comparing him to a pro player.
Both are 6'3", 215 pounds, make big plays on the deep ball and have shaky hands.
Julio Jones is no doubt talented, though, and could be a No. 1 receiver in a few places this fall.
With his physical gifts and experience in a pro-style offense, look for Julio Jones to make a seamless transition to the NFL, and make a nice contribution to his new team's win total.
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3. WR A.J. Green
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At the beginning of 2010, A.J. Green and Julio Jones were on the same level as receiving prospects.
Green elevated himself to the top of receiving prospect lists, as well as draft boards.
The Georgia product showcases rare route running combined with above average speed, a big frame and the ability to take the top off the defense.
Green may be the best receiver prospect coming out of college since Calvin Johnson Jr., which is truly saying something. This would put Green in front of dynamic receivers like Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant, who have come in and made immediate impacts.
Wherever Green goes, he will get a high number of targets in his first year and be a player that opposing defensive coordinators will have to game plan around.
The former Bulldog would fit in well on many offenses around the league, and no matter where he goes, he will help his team to gain an edge on opposing defenses.
Green is a physical specimen and catches the ball exceptionally well. He has all of the receiver-specific qualities that a five-year pro would have.
A talent like Green will end up in the top 10 of this year's draft and he'll come in and immediately make a positive contribution in the win column for his new team.
2. CB Patrick Peterson
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Patrick Peterson is the top cornerback prospect this year, and for some, the top prospect in the draft.
Peterson reported to the scouting combine at 220 pounds and ran a sweet 4.34 in the 40-yard dash (his game speed is even faster). His unrivaled combination of size and speed at the position makes him a candidate to make a huge, immediate impact in the league.
The LSU product is quick, agile and versatile. Not only can he shut down the passing game in man or zone coverage, but Peterson can be a game-changing return man.
Last year, Leon Washington and Jacoby Ford helped their teams ride the return game to wins in crucial games. Patrick Peterson could be that type of player this year.
Combine that with his raw talent as a defensive player, and the former Tiger is a special talent.
He won't fall below the seventh pick.
Most teams in this draft need a cornerback to come in and be a playmaker. Peterson is just that.
He has great hands and can judge the ball in the air well. Look for this corner to make a good amount of interceptions in 2011 with his ball-hawking ability.
Peterson will make a difference in his team's win total in 2011 and will be a franchise cornerback for the next 10 years wherever he goes.
1. LB Von Miller
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After a down year for rookie outside linebackers last year, Von Miller is set to buck the trend.
The young linebacker from Texas A&M is a rare talent, blending skills as a pass rusher with the ability to be stout against the run.
Miller is a fast tackling machine with a propensity for tackling ball-carriers. With 17.5 tackles for loss, Miller showcased his ability to not overpenetrate the backfield and make stops behind the line.
Miller also posted 10.5 sacks this year, down from 17 sacks in 2009, but that's understandable because he started off the year recovering from a previously sustained ankle injury.
But 10.5 sacks is still a respectable number, and Miller is highly touted when it comes to sacking the quarterback.
Whatever linebacking corps he joins, the former Aggie will be an anchor and make an immediate impact.
He may not have a Clay Matthews-like effect on his team, but Miller will certainly make noise and help his team to win a good number of games.
He is No. 1 on the list because of his ability to take over a game and stuff both the run and the pass—Von Miller's versatility and play recognition sets him apart here.
With the direction the NFL is heading, outside linebackers are beginning to have a bigger role in defenses. Von Miller, among others, is going to usher in this new era in the NFL.
Miller is going to make a huge contribution to his team next year and will give a big boost to his new team in the standings.
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