Every year in the National Football League there are rookies that come out and make an impact on the league. Some of these rookies are one year wonders, while others turn out to be some of the brightest stars in the league.
So which rookies have the brightest future in the National Football League?
The list below states the top 5 rookies in the National Football League who have the best chance to help their teams for years to come.
5. Braylon Edwards - WR - Cleveland Browns
Braylon Edwards has shown in his short stint in the NFL that he has big play ability. Through 2 games, Edwards is averaging 24.6 Yards per catch, and already has an 80 yard TD catch on his belt. Edwards has the size, at 6-3, and the speed, 4.45 in the 40 yard dash, to be an excellent receiver in the NFL. To be really noticed though, he may need to get out of Cleveland. Edwards is not going to make it big time with Trent Dilfer throwing him the ball.
4. Mark Clayton - WR - Baltimore Ravens
Mark Clayton has performed well enough through only 2 weeks, that he has been named as a starting wideout for week 3. Clayton has made 7 catches as a backup through 2 weeks, and has shown the type of ability that made him the 22nd pick in the draft. He is very dangerous when he gets the ball in his hands, and has shown that he is an outstanding all-around receiver (excellent blocker as well). The same goes for Clayton as it went for Edwards though, he needs to get in a high-scoring offense for him to make it big time.
3. Derrick Johnson - LB - Kansas City Chiefs
Derrick Johnson has been flat-out outstanding to start out his NFL career. He currently leads the team in tackles with 17 (15 of them solo), and has helped Kansas City reform the look of their defense. He has already forced one fumble, and if continues this level of play, he could be a large reason that the Chiefs go far in the playoffs this year. Johnson is a speed linebacker, and is excellent in pass coverage. Expect Johnson to get some nods as rookie of the year if he is able to continue his tremendous play.
2. Kyle Orton - QB - Chicago Bears
Kyle Orton started off the preseason as the Chicago Bears 3rd string quarterback, behind incumbents, Rex Grossman and Chad Hutchinson. Not only is Kyle Orton now the starting quarterback, but has shown enough promise for people to start questioning whether he will ever relinquish the job to Rex Grossman. Orton has come out with poise and precision, and has helped the Bears develop into a force in the Central division. Orton looks the real deal, and despite his slow feet, has shown that he has the arm strength and accuracy to be an excellent NFL quarterback.
1. Carnell Williams - RB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Through 2 games Carnell Williams has rushed for 276 yards, a 5.4 average, and 2 TDS. The offense that John Gruden runs is perfect for Williams, and should help him show off his outstanding abilities. He has an explosive 1st step, and has shown that he can run through the tackles, and has the speed to get to the outside. As long as Gruden is running things in Tampa Bay, Carnell should be an extremely productive running back. Expect Carnell to be an excellent running back in the National Football League for many years to come.
Benjamin Nicholson
Scout and Sports Analyst
http://www.grinnation.com
benjamnicholson@aol.com
http://www.grinnation.com/footballrookies2005.htm
Written By: Benjamin Nicholson
