Raiders vs. Broncos: 5 Rookies Who Will Have Biggest Impact Monday Night

As it's been for a while now, Monday Night Football has provided us football fans with two games to close out the first week of the NFL season.

This year, both games are between AFC division foes, and the second game comes in the form of the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders of the AFC West.

The Raiders, if you want to get technical, actually were the best team in the division a year ago after finishing 6-0 against division opponents.

The Broncos, on the other hand, saw their worst season in franchise history and are looking to reestablish themselves in the AFC West.

All that said, in order for both teams to see better success in 2011, here are five impact rookies to watch for when they meet at Mile High on Monday night.

Von Miller

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, rookie Von Miller is expected to greatly improve a Denver defense that was one of the worst in pro football from 2010.

Miller, along with a now healthy Elvis Dumervil, are arguably the best pass rush tandem in the league and will be a force all season.

On Monday night in Denver, expect new head coach John Fox to let the rookie loose to try to gain an early edge for some much needed momentum.

Whether the Raiders try to run or pass the rock, they must always account for Miller because he has the ability to takeover the line of scrimmage.

Stefen Wisniewski

It's apparently become a Wisniewski family tradition to play offensive line for the Oakland Raiders.

Stefen Wisniewski's father Steve played for Al Davis from 1989-2001, and is now coaching his son in the silver and black.

When you watch Monday's game, keep an eye on the Raiders center because he'll be leading the attack to get the run-game working on an improved Broncos front seven.

Stefen's performance in this game will arguably be Oakland's biggest factor, as they need to establish a solid rushing attack to set up the pass on a vulnerable Denver pass defense.

Although the offensive line usually doesn't get much recognition, a rookie in Oakland with the name Wisniewski surely has earned it.

Orlando Franklin

After right tackle Ryan Harris bolted for Philadelphia to join the juggernauts, that left open an opportunity for rookie Orlando Franklin to showcase his skills.

However, since he is a rookie, you can bet that the Raiders will be attacking him with their best pass rusher all game long until Denver makes an adjustment.

It's going to be a tough first test for the former Miami Hurricane because Oakland should be relentless on the new guy.

Getting pressure on Kyle Orton is key, and it'll be interesting to see how Franklin answers the call.

Rahim Moore

Along with fellow rookie Von Miller, Denver rookie safety Rahim Moore is getting the start next to Brian Dawkins.

That ,first of all, has to be very exciting.

Moving on, Moore is expected to quickly become the leader of the Broncos' secondary because who knows how much longer Dawkins and Champ Bailey can play?

Monday night will be an interesting test. For as much as the Raiders like to run the ball, their receiving targets are quicker and faster than most receiving corps.

Moore needs to make an immediate impact on the Denver defense, otherwise the Broncos just get set back another year or two.

Chimdi Chekwa

Although he's not expected to start on Monday, Raiders rookie DB Chimdi Chekwa is expected to significantly contribute to Oakland.

For one, the Broncos' strength lies in the passing game and, as good as their LBs are, bring in Chekwa to keep up with WRs like Brandon Lloyd and Eddie Royal is crucial.

In addition, he was a solid tackler for the Ohio State Buckeyes, so Chekwa will come in handy for the Oakland rush defense.

However, since his role is limited, you can only anticipate him coming in on third down situations, as well as being in the Raiders' nickel and dime packages.

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