Head of the Class: 2010 NFL Draft

As we enter the 2010 NFL season, ten rookies will emerge as better than the rest.

RB C.J. Spiller (Bills): Spiller’s multi-dimensional skills are reminiscent of Reggie Bush at USC, but Spiller is faster.  He brings instant offense to a team whose stagnant nature netted them #28 in total offense in 2009 (16.1 ppg).  Spiller’s special teams’ ability will shine immediately, but Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey will have to be creative with him on offense as he still has some deficiencies to work through.  There is little doubt that Spiller will be a star in the league and here’s a definitive reason: of Spiller’s 51 touchdowns he tallied at Clemson, 21 came from 50 yards or longer.

WR Dez Bryant (Cowboys): Remember in 1998 when Dallas passed on Randy Moss because of character issues?  Even with Dez Bryant’s baggage, do you think Jerry Jones would let him slip away? No way. Bryant will join Miles Austin to eventually replace constant under-achiever Roy Williams as the #2 option in Dallas’ dynamic offense.  It is obvious Cowboy executives believe Bryant will exemplify greatness because Michael Irvin’s number 88 doesn’t go to just anyone. If they are correct, Dallas becomes a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants):  While Pierre-Paul is raw; he joins a Giants team that has been exceptional in developing young pass rushers into stars.  Pierre-Paul possesses an outstanding first step enabling him to be a great edge rusher.  His talent was appreciated by the Giants and they will be rewarded as he will be the staple of the defensive line for years to come.

DB Eric Berry (Chiefs): Entering the draft, the Chiefs were in desperation of an offensive lineman and they chose Eric Berry.  Why?  There isn’t a better playmaker on defense than Berry.  His skill as a safety and corner alike along with great blitzing ability are rare and who can blame Kansas City for selecting him as he is highly thought of as a “can’t miss” prospect.  Romeo Crennel runs a very insistent defense and Berry will be a key contributor.

DB Kyle Wilson (Jets): Joe Haden? Best rookie corner? Forget about it!  It’s Kyle Wilson. The rich just got richer as the Jets stout defense added another piece to their championship puzzle.  Kyle Wilson made a lasting impression at Boise State as a ball-hawking defensive presence that gave offensive coordinators nightmares.  More than anything, he brings a robust attitude that is demanded by the Jet’s coaching staff.  If Wilson is everything he is advertised to be, watch out NFL, the Jets will be the next 2000 Ravens as they will have the capacity to win the Super Bowl primarily on defense.

RB Jahvid Best (Lions): Best is reminiscent of Barry Sanders in terms of elusiveness and burst, but Best is better between the tackles.  His presence alone will be helpful to Matthew Stafford if his talent eventually reaches fruition.  Best is the most instinctive running back in the draft with the most potential to be a star.  The likeliness of an injury is a major concern with Best, but at pick #30, he was a steal for an offense in need of a major threat besides Calvin Johnson.

QB Jimmy Clausen (Panthers): Clausen will be in competition with Matt Moore for the starting job in Carolina and it is my assertion that he will win that job easily.  He knows the pro-style offense playing under Charlie Weis and has a quick release that will serve him well in the pro game.  Clausen made his NFL career a possibility in the 4^th quarter at Notre Dame as he led many comebacks in hostile environments.  Questions about his character led to his plummeting stock on draft day, but he lands in a great situation in Carolina and I expect his career to be a rousing success.

DT Gerald McCoy (Buccaneers): The combination of power and a quick first step will make McCoy a great player at the next level.  Tampa Bay finally found a Warren Sapp type player who will fit perfectly into a complex scheme that they run on defense.  A move to defensive end from tackle may take place for McCoy because of a lack in bulk, but in either position, I feel as though McCoy will be a difference maker.

LB Rolando McClain (Raiders): McClain may have been a reach at the 8^th overall pick, but he serves a purpose for a Oakland defense who struggles against the run.  McClain is a great tackler and is able to keep running backs in check because of his great understanding of the angles between the hash marks.  He may be a liability in coverage, but if he stops the run, it can be overlooked.  If Oakland can give McClain some help in the front seven, the expectation is that Oakland’s defense will be respectable.

DT Ndamukong Suh (Lions): I make this selection with some hesitation as I don’t believe Suh will dominate the stat line as double teams will be a constant.  However, he will be able to open gaps for Detroit linebackers to shoot through as he will clog up the middle consistently.  Detroit ranked 32^nd in total defense last season, so any type of contribution will help.  I like Suh, don’t love him.  His presence will be felt, but to the degree that experts predict (the next Reggie White), I don’t think so.