NFL Impact Rookies

SI Staff | Aug 12, 2008

NFL Impact Rookies /

NFL Impact Rookies

Jake Long

Which rookies will make the biggest impact in the NFL this season? SI.com's Bucky Brooks runs down 10 first-year players he feels will contribute right away, beginning with Jake Long, the first pick in April's draft.

Darren McFadden

Picked fourth overall, McFadden had 48 yards on 12 carries in his first preseason game.

James Hardy

Though he dropped a pass, had a false start penalty and ran a wrong route in his first preseason game, Hardy made amends by catching a 16-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. The Bills have high hopes for second-round pick out of Indiana.

Brandon Flowers

The third-round pick out of Virginia Tech is wearing Ty Law's old number and may end up succeeding him at starting corner.

Aqib Talib

The first cornerback in 22 years to be taken in the first round by the Bucs, the All-American out of Kansas has been turning heads in camp.

Jeff Otah

Though the first-round pick out of Pitt has been slowed by a high ankle sprain, he's expected to see a lot of action his rookie season.

Matt Forte

The second-round pick out of Tulane finished with seven carries for 25 yards and three catches for 10 yards in his preseason debut.

Matt Ryan

Atlanta likes what it has seen from the third overall pick, including his nifty 9-of-15, 113-yard, one-touchdown passing performance against Jacksonville in the preseason opener.

Ray Rice

The former Rutgers standout is slated to backup Willis McGahee this season, but he'll make the most of his carries.

DeSean Jackson

He almost got in coach Andy Reid's doghouse by sitting out too long with a tweaked hamstring. He has the instincts to be a playmaker and should also have the motivation after slipping out of the first round of the draft to the 49th pick.

Published Aug 12, 2008

SI STAFF