10 NFL Rookies Who Will Have Breakout Seasons

Every single year, a handful of rookies rise to prominence in the NFL. They flawlessly transfer from college to the pros as if they were there all along.

This year wasn't necessarily known as a great draft year, but there are some players who are in the right place to make some noise as rookies.

I am focusing on skilled players who have been blessed with the perfect situations in which to flourish.

Patrick Peterson

Team: Arizona Cardinals

Position: Cornerback

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 219 lbs

Anybody who has watched Patrick Peterson in college knows that this kid is the real deal. At LSU he was an absolute monster in everything he did. He was a solid tackler and always brought energy and ferocity to the field. Peterson is a natural ball hawk and will pick off anything that's thrown around him.

He was a true shutdown corner in college. Teams that played LSU very rarely threw his way; he made them think that they only had half of the field. As an added bonus, Peterson is a very skilled kickoff and punt returner.

I thought before the draft that he was the best player available and he will quickly prove that in the NFL. I would have taken him at any point in the draft if he were available.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He has the instincts and he plays smart. Peterson has the size—good height and long arms. He is big and plays physical; he doesn't shy away from big hits. He has quick feet and is fast enough to keep up with almost anyone in the NFL.

Nick Fairley

Team: Detroit Lions

Position: Defensive tackle

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 291 lbs

This is another no brainer.

He's playing next to Ndamukong Suh in a 4-3 defense. For this reason alone he will be given every single chance to succeed and be great. There is no way that teams can double team both of those guys. Fairley being a rookie, will likely get a lot of one on one opportunities.

In college, he was at times unblockable. He took on double teams, stopped the run and disrupted teams' entire offenses. Late in the national title game against Oregon he took over the football field and shut down their offense entirely.

He is very big but has quick hands and feet. He is good at using his hands to create space and get by blockers. He is very crafty on the inside and finds ways to get through small holes and into the backfield.

At times he was projected as the No. 1 pick overall, but slid down the draft board. He came in slightly overweight but I didn't see his stock drop for a legitimate reason. If he gets his character issues under control he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He's playing next to Ndamukong Suh in a system that is perfect for him. He will have every chance to beat defenders one on one. He is big, fast, strong and very skilled with his hands. He has all the intangibles to be an elite inside pass rusher.

Mike Pouncey

Team: Miami Dolphins

Position: Guard/ Center

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 303 lbs

Mike is a very skilled athlete and already has a twin brother who made the pro bowl in his first season. Mike can play either guard position or center. He has received some criticism for not being as good as his brother at center, but switched to play the position in his final college year. Great players learn to adapt.

He is joining an already stellar offensive line in Miami and will have solid players next to him. Miami's coach Tony Sparano was a line coach at one point and will definitely offer a lot to this young player.

Mike is big, fast and strong. He has good awareness and can get to the second level to take on linebackers. He is scheme versatile and can block in any type of system. Has a high football IQ, is quick getting off of the line and will disrupt pass rushers.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He's playing for an already good offensive line. He is smart and has all of the intangibles to be a great guard or center at the next level.

Jonathan Baldwin

Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Position: Wide receiver

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 228 lbs

Jonathan Baldwin has all of the intangibles to be a great wide receiver in the NFL. He's a big target and will be able to snare balls in anywhere around him. He has incredible speed for his size and is a legitimate deep threat. He will also be a good red zone target and be able to go up over cornerbacks and bring the ball down.

He is going to an already established offensive team. They have all of the pieces in place to have another great year. Playing opposite of Dwayne Bowe will allow him to get a feel for the NFL against teams' number two corners. KC is a run first team as well so teams wont be able to overload their secondary and disrupt the passing game as much.

If he can improve at the line and work on his route running, he has the potential to be the best receiver in the NFL. I believe that his size, hands and speed are all exceptional tools that, if used correctly, could make Baldwin unstoppable.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He has all the intangibles and is playing opposite a very good receiver in Dwayne Bowe. He has a good team behind him and a good quarterback throwing him the ball.

Jimmy Smith

Team: Baltimore Ravens

Position: Cornerback

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 211 lbs

Jimmy Smith was quietly one of the best cornerbacks in college football last year. He was not a ball hawk, but covered so well that he rarely saw passes come his way.

He has very good size. His speed is above average and he is quick and physical. He is aggressive and won't back down from contact.

He had character issues which is why he wasn't drafted higher. He is going to the Baltimore Ravens, which is the absolute best place for a guy like him.

It seems every time the Ravens draft a guy on defense, he turns into a great player. That's because Ray Lewis is such an imposing figure and a great leader. He will mentor Jimmy Smith and help him reach his full potential. Ed Reed will take a lot of pressure off of him as well in the secondary, so he will have every chance to succeed.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He is a great shutdown corner with all of the necessary skills to succeed. He got drafted by a great team and will have plenty of mentors to help correct his character issues.

Mark Ingram

Team: New Orleans Saints

Position: Running back

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 215 lbs

The former Heisman Trophy winner will have very quick success playing for the Saints. He is going to an already established team with a great quarterback and coach.

Mark Ingram wasn't a first round pick because of freak athleticism of any kind. He has solid speed, size and strength, but the reason he was picked high is because he is so smart. He has the kind of intelligence and form on the football field that is only usually seen in veteran running backs.

Mark will enjoy instant playing time and at some point this season become the feature back for the Saints. I would even go so far as to say that he will be looking at a 1000-yard season, even in a two back system.

He will be used as a multiple down back, a blocker and will catch passes coming out of the backfield.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He is the smartest rookie running back in a long time. He's going to a great team and has all the skills to be a good back in the NFL.

Lance Kendricks

Team: St. Louis Rams

Position: Tight end

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 245 lbs

Kendricks will be another good player joining an up-and-coming offense with a lot of weapons. Lance is good at finding space in the passing game and will be a solid contributor going up the middle of the field.

He has decent size along with good speed and ability to make plays. He needs to work on his blocking, but should be able to fix that quickly as he is a worker.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He is a good receiving tight end and is joining a good offense with a good quarterback.

Marvin Austin

Team: New York Giants

Position: Defensive tackle

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 309 lbs

Austin didn't play a single snap last year but still managed to make it into the second round. He showed up at the combine and looked like no time had passed. If he played last year he could have even been a top 10 pick.

He has the ability to be a dominant force in the middle. He is big, strong and uses leverage well. Austin can be an effective pass rusher and is also a tackling machine for a defensive tackle against the run. He has active hands at the line of scrimmage.

Austin is joining an already stellar defensive line. If Osi Umenyora ends up staying, New York has the potential to bolster one of the best lines in the NFL. In a 4-3 system, Austin will have plenty of space to get free and wreak havoc.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He has all of the skills and size necessary to be a good defensive tackle. He is joining a good line and will have plenty of opportunities to make plays.

Mikel Leshoure

Team: Detroit Lions

Position: Running back

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 227 lbs

Leshoure won't put up huge numbers right away, but will be a very successful runner in his first season. Athletically, I thought that he was the best running back available in the draft.

He is a big power back with good vision and good tackle breaking ability. He is a good blocker and can run effectively inside or out. He will also be a weapon, catching passes out of the backfield.

Playing for Detroit gives him the chance to go to an up-and-coming offense. He will have to split time with Jahvid Best, but will still flourish in this system.

He will have a breakout season in the fact that he will have a high YPC average and will most certainly gain himself more touches every game because of his ability.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He is big and strong with good vision and tackle breaking ability. He will prove himself every time he touches the ball and be a formidable force alongside Jahvid Best.

Drake Nevis

Team: Indianapolis Colts

Position: Defensive tackle

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 294 lbs

Drake Nevis was a star at LSU and helped solidify their defensive line. He is a bit small for a defensive tackle, but plays with a lot of energy and ferocity.

Drake will come into Indy right away and be a force in the run game. On an already skilled defensive line, expect him to be their main run stopper and clog holes for opposing offenses.

He isn't tall, but has good size and is a good tackler, even out of double teams. He will be hard for offensive lines to move and will allow linebackers to get free shots at running backs.

Why will he succeed in the NFL?

He is a skilled run stopper joining an already stellar defensive line.