10 Rookies That Will Make an Impact This NFL Season

  Every year, there's a group of rookies that make a significant impact on their team. Guys in the past such as A.J. Green, Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Kiko Alonso, all made a big difference on the team and in the organization in their first season. This season, the tradition will continue.

  There are 10 rookies that are almost certain to make an impact on the field, in the 2014 season. These players are not all first round draft picks, but they are on teams that will allow them to see ample playing time to make extraordinary plays for their teams.

1. Khalil Mack (Raiders): He was the no.5 overall pick for a reason. He was the most versatile defensive player in the draft- he can rush the passer, fill the box, and drop back in coverage- and he will show why he should have been the no.1 overall pick in the draft. Having pass rushers, Justin Tuck and Lamarr Woodley will be big for Mack, it will allow him to drop back in coverage more and make more plays on the ball. 
2. Ha'Sean "Ha Ha" Clinton-Dix (Packers): No M.D. Jennings, no worries. Clinton-Dix was the best safety in college, last season, hands down. He is a natural born play maker and with a Packers secondary that has been injury prone, Clinton-Dix is sure to see playing time and with as good as that front seven is in Green Bay, that should allow him to make some big-time plays. 
3. Jordan Matthews (Eagles): He's a 6-foot-3, 205 pound, slot receiver. That sums it up. Also, in this very productive and high-powered Chip Kelly offense, Matthews is sure to see the field a lot. Especially since Desean Jackson is now with the Washington Redskins. There will only be two receivers ahead of him (Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin). Matthews had more receiving yards last season than Sammy Watkins, as he finished fourth in the NCAA. He made also made an average offense at Vanderbilt look very good, the past two season. With this offense, Matthews is sure to have a big season, if he can stay on the field.
4. Marqise Lee (Jaguars): Two years ago, Lee would've been a top 10 draft choice. But he was drafted this year, in the second round. You better believe he has a chip on his shoulder. With Lee most likely to compete for the no.1 receiver spot on the depth chart with Cecil Shorts, since Justin Blackmon is likely going to be suspended for the season. Lee will be sure to see a lot of passes thrown his way, I mean, since there are really not many options, anyway. 
5. Tre Mason (Rams): Mason was among the top 5 in rushing yards in college, last season. He helped to lead Auburn to a National title appearance. With the Rams using a two-back system and Daryl Richardson no longer on the team, you can be sure that Mason will see the field this season, and a couple of touches is all that he should need to make his impact. He has incredible foot work and is able to make cuts quickly and get in-and-out of lanes, fast. 
6.  Kelvin Benjamin (Panther): No more Steve Smith, Ted Ginn Jr. or Brandon LaFell in Carolina, which means, it's all on Benjamin. He has tremendous upside, which is why the Panthers used their first-round pick on him. He is a big, athletic receiver. A lot of people compare his build and play to Lions' all-pro receiver, Calvin Johnson. With Benjamin receiving passes from Cam Newton, he should look to have a very good rookie campaign. 
7. Devante Adams (Packers): Adams was second in the NCAA, last season in receiving yards, first in receiving touchdowns and receptions. Adams was a work horse at Fresno state and in Green Bay, it should be a little different. With an offense full of weapons (when they're healthy) it should take the load off of Adams. However, with only Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson appearing to be ahead of him on the depth chart, it should allow for Adams to see the field in a lot of packages. He can play outside or the slot. Oh, did I ever mention Aaron Rodgers is his quarterback. Adams should have no problem clicking with this offense, all he has to do is learn the playbook and he should fit in just fine. Hopefully, he'll pick up where he left off at, his last season at Fresno State. 
8. Andre Williams (Giants): With uncertainty of David Wilson's health, after suffering a neck injury last season, Andre Williams will certainly get a lot of reps with the first-team in training camp. Williams led the NCAA in rushing yards last season and was a Heisman finalist, you better believe he has a huge chip on his shoulder. Williams didn't impress much at the combine and that's one reason he fell to the fourth round. However, leading the nation in rushing in college is still a big deal. Call this a sleeper or whatever you want, I think Williams will produce his rookie season and will prove that he deserves the starting position. 
9. Teddy Bridgewater (Vikings): Went from a top-10 prospect to the final pick of the first round. Bridgewater feels that he has a lot to prove. He believed he was the best quarterback in this years draft, there were two drafted in front of him- Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel- and he's out to make 31 other NFL teams pay. Bridgewater proved that he can make every throw and he has the football smarts to run an NFL offense, now he'll get that chance in Minnesota. It's not set in stone that he'll win the job, however, it's his job to lose. With a team being led by first-year head coach, Mike Zimmer, Bridgewater should get the green light. He has some weapons in place, also, such as Adrian Peterson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings and Kyle Rudolph. I look for Bridgewater to have a good year against an NFC North division that seems to give up a lot of big yards through the air. 
10. Sammy Watkins (Bills): He's in the same category as players like A.J. Green, Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson when they were coming into the league. He may still have to prove himself to be "elite" at the professional level, but this guy is a straight STUD! He can run every route, he has killer speed and big-time hands. There's nothing he can't do. With no Stevie Johnson in town, he'll be the no.1 guy. I mean, the Bills did trade up for a reason. He will be victim to a very young offense but with Manuel going into his second season, he and Watkins should be a nice duo. His biggest downfall this season might be playing in the same division as Darrelle Revis, but I don't even think Revis Island will be ready for this young thunderstorm called Sammy Watkins. 

***BONUS***

  Jadeveon Clowney is going to be a very good player. He's opposite side of J.J. Watt, in a Romeo Crennel defense. I believe it's safe to say that he'll have a major impact in the NFL. You didn't really need me to put him on the list, did you? He's a freak of nature and has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the league, with his athleticism and build, he's almost a sure thing.