Impact Rookies – Offense
(This is the first of a two-part series focusing on the top six offensive and defensive rookies who will have the biggest impact on the NFL this season. Here we break down the offense.)
Which rookies will have the biggest impact on the field in 2007? The Football Fanatic gives you the answers right here. This is our prediction for the top six (they’re all in the top five, so I wanted to be different) offensive rookies who will have the biggest impact next season.
one. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State: Gonzalez will fit right into the Colts’ offense, replacing the late Brandon Stokely at the job. He is fast (4.44) and has decent hands. Ted Ginn Jr. got more starters at Ohio State, but Gonzalez was and is the better receiver. With Peyton Manning at his quarterback and Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai, expect Gonzalez to have a breakout rookie season in 2007.
two. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson is the real deal as long as he can stay healthy. Despite having to share time with Chester Taylor, running backs often make the biggest impact as rookies. Peterson runs as Eric Dickerson and will be counted on immediately. 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 monster at 6-5, 239 pounds, while running a 4.3 in the 40. He catches anything thrown at him and now he’ll play in an offense designed by the same wacko, Mike Martz. You know Martz had to be drooling when the Lions drafted 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 more than 10 games this season, but you have every right to be excited about a weapon like Johnson.
Four. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo Bills: For a rookie to have an impact, he needs playing time, and that’s something Lynch will have a lot of in Buffalo. Willis McGahee was sent packing to Baltimore, leaving Lynch to fight Anthony Thomas for the starting job. While Thomas is a former 1,000-yard rusher, he’s a straight runner without much momentum or movement. Lynch is a constant 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 is the perfect combination of size, strength and intensity that you want in a guard. He also played center, tight end and defensive line in college, proving his versatility. He will be great.
6. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears: The perfect place for Olsen to end up was Chicago. The Bears needed a pass that caught the tight end to take the pressure off inconsistent QB Rex Grossman. Now Grossman has a way out 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 Chicago’s dull offense. Olsen is a big, strong physical receiver who will be dangerous underneath.