Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Impact Rookies: Offense

(This the first of a two-part series focusing on the top six offensive and defensive rookies who will have the biggest impact in the NFL this season. Today we look at offense)

Which rookies will have the biggest impact on the field in 2007? The Football Fanatics gives you the answers right here. This is our prediction for the top six (everybody does top five so I wanted to be different) offensive rookies who will have the greatest impact this upcoming season.

1. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State: Gonzalez will be a perfect fit in the Colts offense, taking over for the departed Brandon Stokely in the slot. He's quick (4.44) and has decent hands. Ted Ginn Jr. got more headlines at Ohio State, but Gonzalez was and is the better receiver. With Peyton Manning as your quarterback and Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai around, look for Gonzalez to have a big rookie season in 2007.

2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson is the real deal provided he can stay healthy. Despite having to share time with Chester Taylor, running backs usually make the biggest impact as rookies. Peterson runs like Eric Dickerson and will be counted on right away. Second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and a weak Viking receiving corps will mean plenty of touches for Peterson.

3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions: Johnson is a physical freak at 6-5, 239 pounds, while running a 4.3 in the 40. He catches everything thrown at him and now he'll be playing in an offense designed by the madman himself, Mike Martz. You know Martz had to be drooling when the Lions selected him second overall. Mike Furrey caught 98 passes for Detroit last season, so imagine what CJ can do in this system. Sorry Jon Kitna, the Lions won't win 10-plus games this season, but you have every right to be excited about a weapon like Johnson.

4. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo Bills: For a rookie to have an impact he needs playing time and that's something Lynch will get plenty of in Buffalo. Willis McGahee was sent packing to Baltimore leaving Lynch to battle Anthony Thomas for the starting spot. While Thomas is a former 1,000-yard rusher, he is a straight-ahead runner with not much burst or movement. Lynch is a consistent big-play threat and has the makings of a prime time player.

5. Ben Grubbs, G, Baltimore Ravens: Grubbs is a 6-3, 311-pound blocking machine who should jump into the starting lineup and stay for the next 10-12 years. Grubbs is very competitive and intense and moves well for his size. he's the perfect combination of size, strength and intensity you want in a guard. He also played center, tight end and defensive line in college, showing his versatility. He will be a great one.

6. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears: The perfect place for Olsen to end up was in Chicago. The Bears needed a pass catching tight end to take the pressure of inconsistent QB Rex Grossman. Now Grossman has an outlet if he's in trouble. Olsen (6-6, 254 pounds) will allow Lovie Smith to run two tight end sets with Desmond Clark and open up the boring Chicago offense. Olsen is a big, strong physical receiver who will be dangerous underneath.

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