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Top: Tim Tebow (left), Rolando McClain.

Bottom: Eric Berry (left), Ryan Mathews.

Whenever a quarterback is chosen by a team with their first round draft pick, it’s a given that the team is counting on that player to have an impact, although not necessarily an immediate one. In Denver this season, look for a lot of Tim Tebow mania as the much ballyhooed rookie QB starts his career. He may not be the starter when the season begins or even by it’s conclusion, but coach Josh McDaniels will surely find ways to include him in the offense. Rookie receiver Eric Decker could find some playing time also, taking advantage of the departure of Brandon Marshall. The Oakland Raiders could be the surprise team in the AFC West this season, as they have brought in some rookie reinforcements for their porous run defense, the most significant being LB Rolando McClain. Another rookie Raider defender who looks like he will help immediately is defensive lineman Lamarr Houston, while Bruce Campbell should eventually work his way onto the field on the offensive line. Kansas City continues to build toward contending in the division also, with stud safety Eric Berry being added to the secondary, and Dexter McCluster supplying depth in the offensive backfield behind young Jamaal Charles. Ryan Mathews, San Diego’s rookie running back, is in the best position of any rookie in the NFL as far as making an immediate impact on his team is concerned. Mathews will step into the huge shoes of departed Charger legend LaDainian Tomlinson and the team is counting on him to carry the majority of the load in the running game. Fifth round pick Cam Thomas could be the Chargers’ starting nose tackle on opening day also, and undrafted free agent Seyi Ajirotutu could find a spot on the team’s wide receiver corps with Vincent Jackson still holding out.