Cam Newton and the 10 Most Impressive NFL Rookies Heading into Week 2

One of the most interesting aspects of a new NFL season is the play of rookies. They all starred in college, but will they continue to dominate at the next level?

Be it Cam Newton's first 400-yard performance or Mark Ingram's disappointing opener, everyone is talking about the rookies. Then there are some players who deserve the hype but aren't receiving it.

The strengths of the 2011 draft were well known; the defensive line dominated the class. Would this show in Week 1, or would a different position take the cake?

Marcell Dareus, DE (Buffalo Bills)

While playing against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dareus actually seemed to be somewhat out of shape. This seemed to be a non-issue, however, as he made several outstanding plays.

The former Alabama defensive lineman seemed to overpower the Chiefs offensive line and was in the backfield on multiple occasions. Dareus wasn't on the field too much, but when he was, he was able to make enough plays to get noticed.

Phil Taylor, DT (Cleveland Browns)

With Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin, the Browns have one of the biggest defensive tackle duos in the NFL. Taylor is massive at 6'4" and 338 pounds but is very quick as well.

Taylor was able to disrupt the backfield on multiple occasions against the Bengals and actually recorded six tackles. The former Baylor star used his brute strength to push Cincinnati's interior line into the backfield and had a huge effect on Cleveland's run defense.

Corey Liuget, DE (San Diego Chargers)

Many questioned whether or not Liuget could play in the 3-4 defense San Diego runs, and the early signs seem to suggest he can.

While Liuget's penetrating style isn't usually ideal for a 3-4 defense, it works in the one-gap system the Chargers employ.

Liuget wasted no time and was often in the backfield against Minnesota. Many defensive linemen struggle to contribute as rookies, but Liuget appears to be one of San Diego's best defenders after just his first game in the NFL.

J.J. Watt, DE (Houston Texans)

When the Houston Texans selected Watt with the 11th pick of the 2011 draft, they expected him to immediately start at defensive end in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense.

Watt didn't just start the first game of the season; he dominated.

The Houston defense completely shut down Indianapolis' Peyton Manning-less offense, and Watt was a big part of it. The 6'6", 290-pounder used his quickness to make plays in the backfield, while also utilizing his size and strength to hold ground against the run.

Julio Jones, WR (Atlanta Falcons)

Jones didn't exactly dominate in his Week 1 performance against the Bears, but five catches for 71 yards is no joke either. If the former Alabama wideout can put up those numbers consistently, he will have no problem in the NFL.

While Jones wasn't enough to divert the Bears' focus from Roddy White, he did provide Matt Ryan another solid option. If defenses continue to focus on White, Jones will make them pay.

Ryan Kerrigan, LB (Washington Redskins)

Prior to the draft, Kerrigan wasn't considered an ideal 3-4 linebacker due to his lack of elite athletic ability.

The former Purdue defender did something to silence these critics when he recorded five tackles and a pick-six against the Giants.

Kerrigan actually demonstrated great athletic ability and made a couple plays in the backfield, as well as recorded an impressive interception. The Washington rookie has great size and should be able to contain against the run, as well as make plays in the backfield.

Von Miller, LB (Denver Broncos)

The second pick of the 2011 draft made an early impression when he forced a fumble and racked up several tackles. Miller is as explosive and athletic of a linebacker as can be found, and he looks like he is going to be a serious playmaker.

The former Aggie was all over the field against the Raiders, and it seems like his incredible first step and speed are already translating to the NFL. Miller may not be overly strong against the run, but he was and will continue to be a force in the backfield.

Chris Neild, DT (Washington Redskins)

Many are probably wondering who Chris Neild is.

The former West Virginia defensive tackle was the second-to-last player to be selected in the 2011 draft and had just three sacks last year.

He had two in his first NFL game.

Neild was the only rookie to record a sack in Week 1, and yes, the 253rd pick in 2011 is a backup nose tackle. Nield's job isn't to pass-rush, and he doesn't get the majority of snaps for the Redskins, yet he was the best pass-rusher among all rookies last week.

That may be more than a little weird, but it is definitely impressive.

Randall Cobb, WR (Green Bay Packers)

Cobb's receiving stats in Week 1 weren't great, but with the Packers' depth at wide receiver, it's pretty impressive that the second-rounder is even on the field at all.

The numbers may not say much, but Cobb displayed the same explosiveness against the Saints that he did at Kentucky.

He shocked everyone when he returned a kickoff for 108 yards, but that wasn't all he did. Every time Cobb had the ball in his hands, one couldn't help but feel excited about what might happen.

Don't be surprised if Cobb emerges as one of Green Bay's biggest weapons sooner rather than later.

Cam Newton, QB (Carolina Panthers)

There was no more heavily anticipated debut than Newton's, and the former Auburn star did not disappoint. Newton set the NFL record for passing yards by a rookie and absolutely destroyed Arizona's defense.

Newton threw for 422 yards and two touchdowns, while running for another score. The former Heisman Trophy winner completed 64.9 percent of his passes and threw the ball with great precision.

Though the Panthers were unable to defeat the Cardinals, the team has to be extremely excited about what it saw from the No. 1 pick.