Top: Toby Gerhart (left), Ndamokong Suh.
Bottom: Jahvid Best (left), Bryan Bulaga.
When looking for impact rookies in the NFC North, just like in most of the other divisions, it pays to start at the bottom. The Detroit Lions have been an NFL punchline for a few years now, but they have done an outstanding job of parlaying that losing into stocking their team with players who will be stars when the team turns it around, which may be as early as this season. The Lions had 2 first round draft picks this year and both should be impact players. Ndamukong Suh will be plugged into the defensive line and hopefully be an anchor there for a decade. Jahvid Best, the other 1st rounder, will certainly see plenty of action at running back and give the Lions an exciting playmaker for the running game, complementing what Drew Stafford and Calvin Johnson do for the passing game. The Minnesota Vikings came within a Brett Favre interception of going to the Super Bowl, but lost a tremendous weapon when backup RB Chester Taylor left in free agency. Taylor’s departure should open up an opportunity for rookie Toby Gerhart, from Stanford, to get extensive playing time. Taylor was a big factor in the passing game and did a great job of spelling Adrian Peterson and will be missed. Gerhart is a different type of back, but his bruising style will add a tougher edge to the Vikes’ offense. Everson Griffen, a big defensive end from USC, fell into the Vikings’ lap in the 4th round and could be a factor later in the year after he gains some experience. The Green Bay Packers should get immediate results from their top rookie, offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga, a left tackle in college, is being plugged into the starting lineup at left guard and will be an improvement to the Packs’ line in both the running and passing games. Undrafted free agent Sam Shields appears to be playing his way into a spot as the extra cornerback in the nickel defense with the Pack. Late round draft pick James Starks, a running back, would have been a possibility to add some spark to Green Bay’s already potent offensive attack but nagging injuries throughout camp have hampered his chances. The Chicago Bears had no early picks in the draft this past season, due to trades, and went into the free agent market, grabbing Taylor and stud DE Julius Peppers, but won’t get much help from their rookie class.