While Andrew Luck decided to indulge himself in another year of beer bongs, young women, and tough Stanford exams, there was plenty of other talent that decided to take the next steps in their football career.
Cam Newton
Seriously! 18 months ago would anyone have picked Cam Newton as the projected number one draft selection much less Heisman winner and National Champion? Newton’s ride has been nothing short of amazing. While he’s not a prototypical drop back quarterback, he brings certain skills to the field that could make him an elite player for years to come.
As typical with first overall selections, he entered the NFL with the expectation of immediatelly starting. Some speculated that Jimmy Clausen would offer competition that may delay his NFL debut. However, as typical with Notre Dame alums, Clausen was all hype and no substance, and this allowed for Newton to quickly win the starting QB competition.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Newton could put up stellar rookie numbers. In other words, 200+ passing yards per game, 50+ rushing yards, 2 TD’s and 1 INT per week is very doable for the incredibly gifted athelete. I’d give statistical numbers to back my claim but Newton has only ONE year of data to draw from. He’s a one hit wonder that’s likely to continue his dream in the NFL.
Blaine Gabbert
Coming out of Mizzou, many thought Gabbert had the chance to be the number one overall selection. After making questionable picks several years in a row, the Jaguars went after Gabbert with the 10th overall selection in this years draft. He spent the pre-season taking snaps behind David Garrard, and many wondered how long it would take to steal the starting role.
Well Jags faithful didn’t have to wait long. Garrard was recently cut, and it seems as if Gabbert will get his shot sooner rather than later. Luke McCown will be starting for now, but head coach Jack Del Rio is well aware that his job depends on making the playoffs this year. If he has any chance at all, he’ll need Gabbert to grow up fast.
The Jaguars are anchored by Maurice Jones Drew and a potent running attack. If Jacksonville is able to establish the run consistently it’ll enable Gabbert to bait defenses with play action thereby giving him the extra second or two needed to make the right read. Furthermore, if the Jags receivers Mike Thomas and tight end Marcedes Lewis can establish chemistry with Gabbert, the rookie QB has the ability to excel.
Julio Jones
The Falcons went for broke on draft day. As the league was technically locked out, only draft picks could be dealt rather than players as well. So Atlanta traded their 1st, 2nd and 4th round picks for 2011 plus their 1st and 4th selections for 2012. A Ricky Williams type haul for the Browns, but the Falcons beleive Julio is the final piece needed for their offense.
Atlanta was one of the top teams in the league last year, and they only added to it with one of the most polished wideouts to come out of college in years. He excelled at Alabama for three years after coming in as a 5-star recruit. Julio is a precise route runner, excellent run blocker, and physical play maker similar to Hines Ward.
With Burner Turner ripping it between the tackles and Roddy White stretching the field, Julio Jones is primed for underneath catches galore. Watch out for this potential 1,000 yard rookie wideout.
Greg Little
After sitting out his final year at North Carolina due to taking impermissible benefits from unauthorized authorities, Little saw his stock take a fall and ended up hearing his name called in the second round of this years draft.
Nonetheless, Little has great size, at 6’2”, 220 lbs, and has excelled in pre-season action this year. Colt McCoy is looking for a main man to become his go-to receiver, and it doesn’t look as if Brian Robiskie or Mohamed Massaquoi are going to give him much competition. If Little can get on the same page with Colt, and if Peyton Hillis keeps running like a bowling ball, then it could be a Mike Williams (Tampa Version) type season for Little.
Mark Ingram
Another stud player produced by the University of Alabama. Ingram won the Heisman as a sophomore and was ready for the NFL then. However, due to eligibility rules he had to wait a year and now after long last he’s arrived. A few sharps were surprised when the Saints drafted Ingram as they already touted Pierre Thomas and Chirs Ivory. However, Ingram was and remains a bruising runner who speacilizes in yards after contact. He can smash it between the tackles, or break away once he gets the edge. It’ll take time to adapt to NFL game speed, but once he does, he’ll be dangerous.
Stevan Ridley
What better team to get drafted by than the New England Patriots? Ridley lucked out when the Pats called his name in the third round this year, and he could get himself in the mix of one of the greatest offences of our generation.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are in front of him in the pecking order, but Ridley brings a running style that makes him appealing to Belichick. At 5’11”, 225lbs, he has a Corey Dillon type body that could put him in favor by midseason. He put up big numbers in preseason action, and if The Law Firm gets hurt, Ridley could step in as the main ball carrier in short order.
