NFL Rookies
Very few NFL teams can change their fortune by selecting a single player in the draft. Every so often however, the perfect player drops to a team that is just itching for that one missing piece. Last year Devin Hester, Vince Young, Maurice Jones-Drew, Reggie Bush and Marques Colston all made big impacts on their respective teams, adding a much-needed dimension that changed each team dynamically for the future. Here are the 2008 NFL rookies who will have a substantial impact on their teams and affect sportsbook lines and the way certain handicappers make handicap their NFL predictions as the season plays out.
1. Calvin Johnson, WR Detroit Lions: Normally, picking a wide receiver to have a big impact as a rookie would be ridiculous. It’s simply too difficult to become an effective route runner and at the same time, understand opposing defenses quickly enough to make a significant impact. Johnson, however, is just such a freak that his uncanny speed and size will go a long way to make up for any rookie mistakes he might make. Also, in an offense run by noted former Rams offensive coordinator/head coach and “Greatest Show on Turf” architect Mike Martz and having a counterpart like Roy Williams to draw attention from him will put Johnson in a situation where he could cause huge waves and possibly shift the balance of power in the NFC.
2. Marshawn Lynch, RB Buffalo Bills: The second running back selected in the draft (after Adrian Peterson) Lynch should see the most action of all rookie runners. Lynch is extremely elusive, can catch the ball out of the backfield and stay in and block on passing plays. He can also gain plenty of yards after contact and will become Buffalo’s number one offensive option and their cornerstone for the future.
3. Greg Olsen, TE Chicago Bears: Though he will likely start the season as the backup to Desmond Clark, the Bears will be itching to put him into action. With his speed as a tight end being nearly unmatched around the NFL, Olsen will be the safety net that Rex Grossman needs. Though Olsen is a sub-par blocker, Grossman will now be able to stay calm and find him open in the middle of the field or in the flat, which will transform Chicago’s entire offense. He should prove to play a similar role in their offense to that of Todd Heap’s in Baltimore, becoming one of the Bears’ primary targets and catching the ball for some big gains down the middle of the field.
4. Aundrae Allison, WR Minnesota Vikings: Selected in the 5th round, pick #146 overall, Allison could be this year’s version of Marques Colston. It’s a long shot like Colston, but he was a big play receiver at East Carolina and ran a 4.38 40. He likely dropped to the 5th round because he missed two games in 2006 with an ankle injury. With what ought to be a solid running game along with little competition at the wide receiver position on a Vikings team that is on the rise, Allison could become a star.
Stay tuned for more great articles on the NFL and don't forget to purchase Ace's weekly football picks as the 2007 season approaches.
