Impact Rookies: Defense

(This the second 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) defensive rookies who will have the greatest impact this upcoming season.

1. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers: Willis has a chance to become the fifth consecutive linebacker to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The former Ole Miss standout is a team leader on and off the field. He can play inside or out and is very athletic and strong. Is solid against the run and pass. He's a hard worker who will play hurt. Everything you want in a linebacker. Has Hall of Fame potential.

2. LeRon Landry, S, Washington Redskins: The complete package at safety. Has size, speed, strength and instincts to play the run and pass. He will be a difference maker for the Redskins. Had 315 tackles and 12 interceptions in college. A terrific matchup safety who will form a solid 1-2 tandem with Sean Taylor.

3. Adam Carriker, DT/DE, St. Louis Rams: Strong, athletic player who can handle both defensive tackle and end duties. The Rams will move him inside where his toughness will be much needed. Carriker has bulked his 6-6 frame to 315 pounds and looked very good at the Rams minicamp last week. Has a solid work ethic and dominated at the Senior Bowl. Should be an excellent pro.

4. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets: The best cover corner in the draft. Revis is an excellent athlete, a good playmaker and has the skills to fit well in Eric Mangini's Cover 2 scheme. Great size and speed combo who also is a deadly return man. Will thrive under Mangini.

5. Gaines Adams, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Has the skill set and the bloodlines to be an effective NFL pass rusher for many, many years. He has all of the makings of a dominant pass-rushing force, with tremendous speed and cat-like quickness off the ball. Will make an immediate impact in an aging Bucs defensive line.

6. Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Will be counted on to replace the departed Joey Porter. The Steeler defense has developed solid linebackers in the past and Timmons will be the latest. He is an exceptional athlete. His considerable athleticism and versatility are what the Steelers need for a defense that, under new coach Mike Tomlin, will likely incorporate both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. The Steelers need to get better up front, and Timmons can help them do that regardless of the alignment.