Which rookies will have the biggest impact on the field in 2007? The Football Fanatics gives you the answers right here. Here’s our prediction for the top six (they’re all in the top five, so I wanted to be different) defensive rookies who will have the biggest impact next season.
1. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers: Willis has a chance to become the fifth consecutive linebacker to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The former Ole Miss star is a team leader on and off the field. He can play inside or outside and is very athletic and strong. He is solid against the run and the pass. He is a hard worker who will play hurt. Everything you want in a linebacker. He has Hall of Fame potential.
two. LeRon Landry, S, Washington Redskins: The complete security package. He has size, speed, strength and instinct to play the run and the pass. It will be a difference maker for the Redskins. He had 315 tackles and 12 interceptions in college. An excellent matchup safety who will form a solid 1-2 duo with Sean Taylor.
3. Adam Carriker, DT/DE, St. Louis Rams: Strong, athletic player who can handle both defensive tackle and winger duties. The Rams will move him inside, where his toughness will be much needed. Carriker has increased his frame from 6-6 to 315 pounds and looked great at the Rams’ minicamp last week. He has a strong work ethic and dominated in the Senior Bowl. He should be an excellent professional.
Four. Darrelle Revis, BC, New York Jets: The best coverage corner in the draft. Revis is an excellent athlete, a good playmaker and has the skills to fit well into Eric Mangini’s Cover 2 scheme. Great size and speed combo that is also a deadly return man. He will prosper under Mangini.
5. Gaines Adams, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: He has the skill set and lineage to be an effective pass rusher in the NFL for many, many years. He has all the makings of a dominant rushing force, with tremendous speed and feline quickness off the ball. He will have an immediate impact on an aging Bucs defensive line.
6. Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers: He will be counted on to replace the late Joey Porter. Steeler’s defense has developed solid linebackers in the past, and Timmons will be the last. He is an exceptional athlete. His considerable athleticism and versatility are what the Steelers need for a defense that, under new coach Mike Tomlin, will likely incorporate 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. The Steelers need to improve up front, and Timmons can help them do that no matter the lineup.
