Top: Gerald McCoy (left), Jimmy Clausen.
Bottom: Patrick Robinson (left), Sean Weatherspoon.
The New Orleans Saints shocked all the experts last season by winning the Super Bowl, but aren’t getting much love this season as far as their chances of repeating. There is a suspicion that they may be vulnerable on defense and won’t be able to count on getting turnovers at the rate they did last year. The Saints top draft pick, defensive back Patrick Robinson, will have a say in that as he surely will see lots of playing time, especially in nickel formations. The Saints also have added to their already potent offense with tackle Charles Brown and running back Chris Ivory, a diamond in the rough from Tiffin College. The Atlanta Falcons are considered the team within the NFC South that can challenge the Saints. Their defense will be a big key in accomplishing that, and rookie LB Sean Weatherspoon will eventually be a big part of that defense. The defensive secondary seems to be where rookies are able to find significant playing time in the NFL these days, and the Falcons’ 5th round choice, CB Dominique Franks, may be playing his way onto the field on passing downs. The Carolina Panthers drafted the biggest name rookie within the division in QB Jimmy Clausen, but it’s uncertain how much immediate impact he will have. Brandon LaFell has a chance to start opposite Steve Smith at wide receiver for the Panthers, and LB Eric Norwood could see playing time. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are loaded with potential impact rookies, starting with 2 behemoths who are being counted on to shore up the defensive line, Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy and Brian Price out of UCLA. The Bucs may also wind up with 2 rookie starters at wide receiver in Aurrelious Benn and Mike Williams. With young QB Josh Freeman taking control of the offense last season, it may be a wise decision to start the rookies and let them all grow up together.