With the start of training camp just about a month away, it's time to start thinking NFL once again. And that means hope for nearly every fan base that their time will rise up and grab a playoff spot (except maybe Dolphins fans). So here's a look at each division and the one rookie who may have the biggest impact on it's race for the top spot.
NFC West
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Chris Long, DE, St. Louis Rams: Long is already entrenched as a starter, which head coach Scott Linehan announced on draft day. Putting Long opposite Pro Bowl DE Leonard Little will allow him some space when the inevitable double teams on Little come. Long probably won't rack up double digit sacks, but his presence as a pass rusher should make the defense better immediately.
Other possibilities: TE
John Carlson (Seahawks), WR
Early Doucet (Cardinals)
NFC South
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Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers: Stewart, though recovering from a foot injury, should wind up taking the bulk of the snaps at RB, even with the presence of former 1st round pick DeAngleo Williams. Stewart can run inside or outside, and with a sturdy offensive line in front of him, can elevate the Panthers with his ability to gain yards and take pressure off of Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith.
Other possibilities: LB
Curtis Lofton (Falcons), DT
Sedrick Ellis (Saints)
NFC North
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Jordon Dizon, LB, Detroit Lions: Dizon has great instincts at the linebacker position, and he is one of those players that always seems to be around the ball. The Lions may put him in at middle linebacker, and if so, he has a great chance to start and ring up plenty of tackles in head coach Rod Marinelli's defense.
Other possibilities: WR
Earl Bennett (Bears), RB
Kevin Smith (Lions)
NFC East
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Malcolm Kelly, WR, Washington Redskins: Kelly wasn't the first receiver taken by the Skins, Devin Thomas was. However, Kelly is far more polished at this point in their careers, and though he's not as explosive as Thomas, he has a better ability to go across the middle and get tough yards.
Other possibilities: WR
Mario Manningham (Giants), DE
Bryan Smith (Eagles)
AFC West
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Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders: The odds-on favorite to win Rookie of the Year, it will be interesting to see how head coach Lane Kiffin divvies up the carries between McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. Inevitably, it will be difficult to keep the ball out of McFadden's hands.
Other possibilities: OL
Branden Albert (Chiefs), OT
Ryan Clady (Broncos)
AFC South
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Derrick Harvey, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars: A tough division to pick from, Harvey is probably the best bet to do damage rushing the passer. The Jags gave up a bounty to trade up and acquire him, and he should be good enough to post a number of sacks and play good run defense as well.
Other possibilities: TE
Jacob Tamme (Colts), WR
Lavelle Hawkins (Titans)
AFC North
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Limas Sweed, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: It was awfully tempting to go with either Mendenhall or Rivers, but Sweed brings another dimension to the Steelers offense that they lacked: size. While Sweed may be the third receiver, he should be golden in red zone opportunities, and he still has the speed to stretch the field.
Other possibilities: RB
Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), LB
Keith Rivers (Bengals)
AFC East
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Jerod Mayo, LB, New England Patriots: The toughest division to select a player was the AFC East. Mayo gets the nod because of Bill Belichick, who despite his other shortcomings, knows how to deploy a defense. Mayo should see action on all three downs with his versatility and speed, which was otherwise lacking for the Patriots at linebacker.
Other possibilities: WR
James Hardy (Bills), OT
Jake Long (Dolphins), LB
Vernon Gholston (Jets)
Mr Wong
