2012 NFL Draft: 5 Picks Who Will Make an Immediate Impact

Striking gold in the NFL Draft by selecting a kid who makes an impact his rookie year in the pros is a huge boost to any team.

Just two weeks into the 2011 season, we are seeing young men like Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Mark Ingram and A.J. Green prominently featured for their teams as rookies.

Getting off to a fast start in your NFL career is paramount to success in the league and something that cannot be overlooked.

With that said, let’s take a look at five guys who will be entering the 2012 NFL Draft and should be instant contributors to the team that takes them.

Andrew Luck

This one is too obvious. Whoever takes Luck this year is most likely in desperate need of a QB, and there is no surer thing in the draft than this guy.

Luck has been drawing comparisons to Peyton Manning because of his size, mechanics and arm. He is also an extremely intelligent player and has been excelling in a pro-style offense at Stanford.

You would be crazy to pass on Luck at No. 1, even if you are the Indianapolis Colts and already have the future Hall of Famer he is being compared to on your roster.

If he goes to a team like Seattle, he will no doubt make an instant impact on this league and improve the team.

Doug Martin

Martin has been lighting up opponents on the ground for Boise State for the past three years. He struggled on national television against Georgia to open the season but had a very solid rebound game against Toledo.

It’s tough to say right now, but he could go as late as the fourth round in April, which would be an absolute steal for a player of his ability.

Martin runs hard, has a nose for the end zone and has the frame to be an elite back in the pros.

The team that selects him will instantly add Martin to their backfield, and he will be a featured back sooner rather than later in the NFL.

Quinton Coples

This guy has all the physical tools to be an elite pass-rushing DE in the NFL. He is raw right now and still coming into his own but should develop into one of the better sack machines in the league in the right system with the right coaching.

He hasn’t played against elite competition in college, but he should be more than able to handle the big tackles and guards on a pro offensive line.

His size and speed make him a can’t-miss prospect.

Trent Richardson

Size, speed, strength, athleticism and explosiveness. These are attributes you look for in an NFL running back, and Richardson possesses all of them.

While teams are shying away from drafting backs early in the draft in recent years, Richardson is someone who won’t fall out of the top half of the first round.

He is simply too good to pass up on, and any team could use a guy with his ability and natural skills for the position.

Matt Kalil

This is a prototypical plug-and-play left tackle. If your team needs someone to protect their quarterback's blindside for the next decade or so, they need to get Kalil.

His athletic ability, footwork and strength make him a strong candidate to jump right into the starting LT spot on most rosters. Any team looking for OL help immediately needs to draft this kid. 

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