Alex Marvez of FOX Sports.com lists five NFL rookies that can make an impact for their respective teams next season.
Round 2: Michigan QB Chad Henne (Miami/57)
Projected as a potential first-round pick, Henne squirmed on his couch Saturday while three other quarterbacks (Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco and Brian Brohm) were selected ahead of him. Henne, though, should be grateful he landed with Miami. The starting quarterback spot is up for grabs between Josh McCown and John Beck — two players that the strong-armed Henne will have a legitimate chance to compete against. Plus, Henne knows he will have a familiar face — former Wolverines left tackle and Miami’s No. 1 pick Jake Long — protecting his blindside.Round 3: Central Florida RB Kevin Smith (Detroit/64)
It’s hard to field a run-first offense without quality rushers. This finally dawned upon the Lions after making no effort to bolster that position in free agency or with their first two picks. Detroit traded with Miami to the top of the third round for Smith, who should immediately push Tatum Bell for a starting spot. With 2,567 yards in 2007, Smith finished his junior year with the second-highest single-season rushing total in NCAA history. The record holder: Barry Sanders, the player Detroit has spent a decade trying to replace since his retirement.
Of course, no rookie has that big of an impact without a good supporting cast. But the choice of Smith I agree with – Henne I don’t. I think Smith was underrated coming into the draft and with only Tatum Bell pushing him for playing time, he might have a real opportunity to not only be a starter as a rookie, but make a little noise, too. He’s not fast and scouts say he runs too upright at times, but he can flat out run the football.
Henne, on the other hand, I felt was a tad overrated after playing well in the Outback Bowl against Florida and then having a great Senior Bowl week and combine workout. He may have a strong arm, but he has the tendency to make mistakes in crunch time and is inconsistent. He might get the opportunity to start at some point in Miami this year, but for what it’s worth I don’t know how much of an impact he’s going to make. (So in other words – lock him up for Offensive Rookie of the Year.)