by Kyle West

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: August 26, 2009

Rookies may equal good young raw talent, or so you as a fan hope so. Many fans expect their teams top pick to make an immediate impact, however this is rarely the case. The ones who do make an impact posse mores abilities to make the big plays throughout the year. Some are leaders, such as Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco last year, while some are just flat out phenoms such as Chris and Calvin Johnson. Some have learning curves, and some are busts. However, to predict who will be the leaders and phenoms over the slower learners and busts, it is more than just looking at the players college performances. Many players thrive in college football where the game is slower and the players aren't nearly as fast and big. You have to look at the player's strengths, work habits, and the undeniable ability to perform. Few players have these traits, but when you do find these in a player at a young age, you know they are here to play.

This year;s cream of the crop starts on the defensive side of the ball:

Seattle Seahawks - OLB Aaron Curry

Curry has great speed, a knack to make the big plays, and is able to get into the backfield. He was never in the limelight in college to many fans, however coaches were well aware of his abilities. He broke onto the map in the '07 season with 99 tackles and 13.5 behind the line. However, his next year with coaches and teams more focused on him his stats increased. In '08 he lead his team with 105 tackles and 16 behind the line of scrimmage. His ability to make plays at all levels of defense make him the most versatile linebacker drafted, showing why he was drafted so high.

Detroit Lions - - Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford has to start his NFL career much like he started his collegiate career, by making big plays and controlling his team. He must go into every game with focus and determination, and lead his team to victories. With a core of good young athletes around him, if Stafford is able to grasp the NFL playbook and have the ability to read defenses, he can turn around last years debacle of an 0-16 year. He has a good strong arm with remarkable accuracy, and always made the players around him better. He wasn't selected first overall for no reason, and his leadership will dictate how well this team performs each week.

Arizona Cardinals - Chris Wells

Chris Wells has the size and the speed to perform well in the NFL. However, he must be able to avoid injuries, which plagued him in his college career. When Wells is healthy he is a

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