Cam Newton and 3 NFL Rookies Exceeding All Expectations

The 2011 NFL Draft was touted as having quite a few potential Hall of Fame members in its ranks. Teams in the top five had their choice from a bevy of NFL ready talent. As always, the main question was how long it would take for these players to start making an impact?

So, which teams chose right? Which of these players is living up to their draft status? Which ones are outperforming their expectations?

Here is a list of some of the NFL rookies who are electrifying crowds already.

Von Miller

In a season that has not seen much go right for the Denver Broncos, Von Miller has given fans a reason to bring back the "Mile High Salute."

Miller leads all rookies with four sacks and has also chipped in two forced fumbles. He has put his blinding speed on display rushing off the edge and is certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with for all NFL QB's.

Miller is as solid a foundation for the Broncos to build a new defense from as they could have hoped for with the second-overall pick in the draft.

Julio Jones

Julio Jones is leading the league in receiving yards for rookies at 342 yards and YPG as a rookie receiver at 85.5/YPG.

The Atlanta Falcons put a lot of stock into making this player their "missing link" and helping push them over the hump in the NFC playoff race. So far he has been a great complement to Roddy White and has done almost everything except find the end zone at this point.

Julio Jones would definitely be the best rookie wide receiver in the league, were it not for.....

AJ Green

AJ Green is averaging over 16 yards per catch and has nine receptions of 20 yards or more so far this season. His budding connection with Andy Dalton is reason for excitement in Cincinnati and is justifying his fourth overall selection in the 2011 draft.

Where Jones has been consistent for the Falcons, Green has been electric for the Bengals, and his three receiving TD's (including the TD against Jacksonville today) ties him with fellow rookie wideout Torrey Smith of Baltimore.

Green is as much a game changer in the NFL as he was in college.

Cam Newton

Forget leading rookies in passing yardage, Newton is third overall in the league behind Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Pretty lofty company for a player who was seriously doubted in terms of being able to perform on the NFL level.

Newton is shining despite being a member of a rebuilding Panthers team in Carolina. He has resurrected the career of Steve Smith at wide receiver and is proving to be a threat with his legs and arm.

Many of the questions that surrounded Newton coming out of Auburn are now being replaced with expectations of great things to come...and for good reason.