2011 NFL Predictions: Five Bold Predictions Before the First Snap

Some of you are probably wondering how in the world anyone can make predictions about the NFL season, given that it's only a day old.  Well, this article won't be about how well teams will do.  It's very difficult to analyze that when we still have a free-agency period to go through.

Still, some facts are going to remain the same, no matter where some of the free agents end up.  It's true that stars like Santonio Holmes and DeAngelo Williams are trying to find a field to play on, but it's also true that Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady will continue to impress.

These are five very early and bold predictions, and there are still many questions to ask.  The answers will come in time, but for now, I'm calling the first five shots of the year. 

Jake Locker Will Be the Offensive Rookie of the Year

Let all of the football experts and Titan fans come get me now, but Locker will be the best quarterback in the draft.  He has all of the mechanics and brains to be a great quarterback—even more so than last year's Rookie of the Year, Sam Bradford.

Locker will be coming into a Titan offense that has been led by the running game the last couple seasons.  Chris Johnson has been the only thing Tennessee has had to help them look forward to the future. 

It remains unclear as to who will be under center Week 1 for the Titans, but this is one pick I'm standing by—even if that man isn't Locker. 

However, to address that, who does the team have to look to right now?  Kerry Collins has retired, and Vince Young appears to be exiting Tennessee.  Free agency is still looming and with Matt Hasselbeck and Alex Smith available, the Titans may seek a veteran presence to teach Locker.

Either way Tennessee goes, Locker will be under center by Week 6 and will throw for a good 2,000 yards— at least. 

Prince Amukamara Will Be the Defensive Rookie of the Year

The New York Giants took Amukamara with the 19th pick in the 2011 Draft, and they certainly got a steal.  Amukamara is one of the fastest athletes to come out of the draft and can read an offense at the level of Ronde Barber.

This is not to say he has the greatest hands, especially considering he had a big goose egg in the interceptions column during his senior year at Nebraska.  On the other side of the argument for the Prince, he allowed only 18 completed passes aimed in his direction.

Amukamara was the 2010 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American.  He's known for being quick off the snap and tracking passes with pinpoint precision.  He'll pick it up again in the NFL and earn a Rookie of the Year honor. 

Tony Romo Will Be the Comeback Player of the Year

The Cowboys' struggles in 2010 were highly profiled, especially after the injury to Tony Romo.

Dallas finished an abysmal 6-10. 

With Jason Garrett taking the reigns, the Cowboys are going to turn those numbers around.  Romo has plenty of talent to throw to, including Miles Austin and Dez Bryant—assuming Bryant can stay out of trouble.  Also consider Jason Witten is one of the toughest and best all-around tight ends the NFL has to offer. 

Romo has never really had a "bad" season until last year.  He consistently puts up impressive numbers and makes smart decisions under pressure.  Garrett was a quarterback in the NFL a few years back, so he knows the game and how to help Romo.

This is not a prediction about the Cowboys reaching the postseason, but Romo is going to be back with a vengeance.  He will top 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Aaron Rodgers Will Be the League MVP

Aaron Rodgers is a testament to playing the waiting game.  For three seasons, Rodgers watched the Brett Favre saga unfold, and he waited, year after year, for his chance to shine.  In his third season as a starter, Rodgers won a Super Bowl and is out of the colossal shadow.

Last season, Rodgers threw for just under 4,000 yards and had 28 touchdowns.  He did that without his best two tight ends and a never ending who's who of running backs.  This year, Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant are returning from injury, giving Rodgers even more tools.

The Packers also added wide receiver Randall Cobb out of the University of Kentucky, one of the most unique players in the draft.  He has drawn comparisons to Antwaan Randle El, as he is able to catch, run and even pass the ball.  Cobb joins Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson on a stacked receiving core.

Rodgers will throw for 4,500 yards and at least 35 touchdowns this year—write it down. 

The Green Bay Packers Will Repeat as Super Bowl Champions

The only prediction that has to do with an entire team is this one right here: The Packers will defend their Super Bowl title.  Here's a team that is losing almost nothing from last year.

A.J. Hawk, Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are rejoining a stellar defense.

Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley make up a stacked offense. 

For the sake of including even the special teams, Mason Crosby is one of the best kickers in the game. 

Even with a schedule that involves a season opener against the New Orleans Saints, as well as games against Chicago and the upcoming Buccaneers, Green Bay will win at least 13 games en route to an NFC North title. 

Green Bay has some of the most quality players in the league, and they aren't losing any of them unless the injury bug bites again.  No team can match their talent.