NFL Free Agency: 5 Rookies Who Will Earn Major Money in 2015 Free Agency

The 2011 crop of young rookies is very strong. 

There are more than a couple of players who will go on to become greats in the NFL. 

For most rookies, their entry-level contract will end in 2015—when many of them plan on earning a big-time pay increase. 

Here are just five players who hope to earn this bonus come 2015. 

As always, please feel free to comment with your opinion. I'm always open to learning new things. 

Cam Newton

Cam Newton has the hopes of the Panthers on his shoulders. 

He is projected to be the face of a franchise with a couple of tough years ahead of them. 

He is expected to be the answer to the offensive woes, as early as this season. 

By the time 2015 arrives, Newton should be an established quarterback with abilities that remain some of the best in the league.

In free agency, the face of the Panthers franchise will command the money to warrant this title. This should result in one of the biggest pay increases in 2015 free agency. 

Mark Ingram, Jr.

Mark Ingram, Jr., is the future running back for the New Orleans Saints. 

The Saints picked up Ingram 28th overall in the 2011 NFL entry draft. 

Ingram won the Heisman trophy in his sophomore season en route to Alabama's national championship title.

It is unlikely that Reggie Bush will be signed by the Saints for next season. This is good for Ingram as it is very possible that he will become the go-to guy for the Saints in 2011. 

In Ingram's 2015 free agency, he should be a strong running back with proven numbers. 

He should command some big-time cash by the time 2015 rolls around. 

A.J. Green

The Cincinnati Bengals selected A.J. Green fourth overall in the 2011 NFL entry draft—and for a good reason. 

Green was the best wide receiver in the draft and the Bengals will likely be without both Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens next season—which will put A.J. right into the spotlight.

By 2015, Green will be one of the best wide receivers in the game. This will make him highly coveted and thus earn him a big paycheck.

Jake Locker

The Tennessee Titans needed a quarterback at the draft and with their eighth-overall selection, they got a good one. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter in a December 13, 2009 tweet, an NFL GM once told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Jake Locker was a "bigger, taller, right-handed version of Steve Young."

This is high praise for a young man. If these predictions do come to fruition, Jake Locker will earn big-time money in 2015.

Mikel LeShoure

With the selection of Mikel Leshoure in the 2011 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions have given themselves a dynamic one-two punch with Calvin Johnson.

Mikel finished the 2011 college season with the University of Illinois, where he tallied 1,697 yards and 17 touchdowns on 281 carries.

These are excellent numbers that, if repeated in the big leagues, will earn him a hefty paycheck in 2015.