Top 200 Big Book rookie additions

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

-X-

Medium-sized Lebowski
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Messages
35,576
Name
The Dude
Mel Kiper
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/ ... -additions

grant_g_luck_cr_576.jpg


This year's Big Book has a number of second-year players. Von Miller and Aldon Smith already show up on scouting reports as guys you have to account for on every play; J.J. Watt has become a beast in the 3-4; and A.J. Green is already potentially dominant at wide receiver. Cam Newton has made his mark, and Tyron Smith has shown he's ready for left tackle duty at the ripe old age of 22. Now, each of those guys was a first-round pick, so it's not a shock that there are early returns. In each case, a guy was drafted high and expected to fill a void early on.

But for this exercise, I'll point out -- at each position -- players who might be the obvious answer, plus a dark-horse candidate who could jump into the mix by 2013.

Quarterback

The obvious call … Andrew Luck: The league adjusted to Newton the thrower in the second half of last season. I expect Luck to see teams adjust, then adjust back and get better every week.

But don't be surprised by … Nick Foles: If Michael Vick misses time, Foles can run things for Andy Reid. He anticipates well, and he has a ton of experience, plenty of size to take hits and the arm strength to stretch defenses with Philly's speedy receivers.

Running back

The obvious call … Trent Richardson: He belongs in the rankings based on physical talent. But they might bring him along very slowly in 2012 as he bounces back from a second procedure on his knee this offseason.

Don't be surprised by … [hil]Isaiah Pead:[/hil] He gives the Rams' running game a whole new dimension. Pead could crack 1,000 combined yards in 2012.

Wide receiver

The obvious call … Michael Floyd: Should have plenty of matchup advantages when teams put their focus on Larry Fitzgerald. Plus, Floyd can navigate a zone.

Don't be surprised by … T.Y. Hilton and LaVon Brazill: Drafted in the third and sixth rounds respectively, Hilton can fly, and Brazill has a lot more game than his draft spot indicates. That could mean early returns in Indy, where the wide receiver supply is light.

Tight end

The obvious call … Coby Fleener: Is there really a need to rehash this scenario?

Don't be surprised by … Taylor Thompson: It might not happen this year, but Thompson is another one of those guys who become a Jimmy Graham-like story if he succeeds. The size and athleticism are there, but the Titans' fifth-rounder last played the position in high school.

Offensive tackle

The obvious call … Matt Kalil: He should start immediately and provide stability to the offensive line, exactly what Minnesota had in mind when it drafted him.

Don't be surprised by … Cordy Glenn: I felt Glenn could dominate inside, but the Bills think he's ready for the blind side. He's unusually athletic for his size, so I won't be shocked if he succeeds.

Guard/Center

The obvious call … David DeCastro: An absolute technician and road-grader, it's hard to imagine the Steelers won't run the ball better this year.

Don't be surprised by … Amini Silatolu: The Panthers could have the NFL's best rushing game, and Silatolu will be a powerful force up the middle.

Pass-rusher

The obvious call … Melvin Ingram: He was a steal where the Chargers got him, at No. 19, and they believe Ingram can give them a force they've lacked since they had a healthy Shawne Merriman.

Don't be surprised by … Chandler Jones: He might already be the best pure pass-rusher on the team, and the Patriots will need him on the field. And keep an eye on Jake Bequette, who was an exceptional pass-rusher in the SEC and could come on as he gets a feel for the NFL.

Defensive tackle

The obvious call … [hil]Michael Brockers:[/hil] He was drafted to fill a pretty big void and should get first-team reps in Week 1. My concern is there's still plenty of development.

Don't be surprised by … Derek Wolfe: He can stay inside or be moved to the edge, but one thing he'll do is create havoc through beating his man and penetrating. College football might not have had a better pass-rusher from the inside last year, and Wolfe can transfer those skills to the NFL level. Could be a stud and start right away.

Linebacker

The obvious call … Lavonte David: If he finishes the year with 90-plus tackles for Tampa Bay, I won't be at all surprised. Not great size, but superb in pursuit and with an ability not to get washed out in heavy traffic. Maybe one of my favorite picks in the entire draft when you combine the player, the value and the need.

Don't be surprised by … Bobby Wagner: He'll be the starter in the middle, and, although he's not very fast, what he will do is read the play and make the tackle. It's that simple. Wagner is at his best when he's hunting runners and is able to use his leverage and physical nature. He also can slow down tight ends and stay on the field on third downs. Speed is a question, but Wagner can be a good one.

Cornerback

The obvious call … Morris Claiborne: An immediate starter in Dallas, he also will work across from Brandon Carr, and will see some balls thrown his way, something that didn't happen a lot last season.

Don't be surprised by … [hil]Janoris Jenkins[/hil]: He could make the Pro Bowl as a rookie. His talent level is that high. It's just a matter of staying focused for the second-rounder.

Safety

The obvious call … Mark Barron: Tampa targeted him to fill a big need. He should stabilize the secondary.

Don't be surprised by … Brandon Taylor: We talked plenty about the LSU cornerbacks last year, but Taylor has the pedigree to help immediately, and he could be paired with very good Eric Weddle in the San Diego secondary.