AFC Rookies to Watch

After watching the draft, I saw a lot of talent I hadn't really paid too close of attention to when they were in college. Some of it has to do with the lack of national exposure, and others just didn't stand out to me initially. I think that's why the draft coverage on ESPN is so valuable. Everyone knows who Sam Bradford and Ndamukong Suh are, but who knew how good Mike Iupati was at Idaho?

I don't want to go into tired topics like Jimmy Clausen dropping, Sam Bradford's shoulder and potentially $50 million guaranteed. So I'm going to break it down by division and give you my top three rookies to watch for in the 2010-2011 season.

First up is the AFC.

AFC East

Kyle Wilson - CB Boise State - Seems like it's been a while since I've watched draft coverage where the Jets fans in the house didn't boo at some point. Kyle Wilson looks to be a stud cornerback, and won't be thrown into the fire. He'll benefit from playing mostly nickelback while having Revis and Cromartie to help him out. He won't have the luxury of Kerry Rhodes over the top though, but regardless he's in a great situation.

C.J. Spiller - HB Clemson - Not much I can really say about this kid that hasn't already been said. Explosive is an understatement when describing Spiller's game. Like Wilson, he'll benefit from having veterans in front of him. He'll spell Fred Jackson, who is coming off of a career season. He will also be vital in the special teams for the Bills

Brandon Spikes - LB Florida - The much maligned linebacker from Florida comes into a situation where he may start as a rookie. New England recently released Adalius Thomas, which may open up a spot for the rookie to compete for. It will be interesting to see how he handles the pressures of the NFL and playing for Bill Belichick.

AFC North

Jermaine Gresham - TE Oklahoma - The Bengals, given they'll have Carson Palmer for all sixteen games, look poised to take the AFC North. Their pass game got better in a matter of two days, mainly because of Palmer's new big target, Jermaine Gresham. He's a huge, yet fast, and gives them a good checkdown and safe option in the pass game, as well as a large body to block for Benson. With Ochocinco being doubled mostly, look for Gresham to get quite a few catches as a rookie.

Terrence Cody - NG/DT Alabama - The man affectionately known as "Mount Cody" due to his sheer size, seemed to be an absolute steal in the late second round for Baltimore. He'll be able to make an impact from the get-go. He will most likely spell Haloti Ngata, and be able to plug the middle for Ray Lewis to roam free. He seems to have a great work ethic, and possesses a perfect body to play nose guard.

Carlos Dunlap - DE Florida - The end from Florida possesses all the physical skills to be an elite pass rusher at the professional level. The Bengals, despite his personal problems, decided to give him a chance. If he stays out of trouble, he promises to get his fair share of sacks, even as a rookie.

AFC West

Tim Tebow - QB Florida - I said this was a list of rookies to watch this year, not exactly predicting immediate success. I think he's an interesting player to watch due to his play style, the critics he'll want to prove wrong, and Josh McDaniels' promise that he's a quarterback only. Look to see him in the wildcat(or wildhorse?) formation they experimented with some last year. He'll be entertaining if nothing else.

Eric Berry - S Tennessee - A lot of experts talk about how teams shouldn't draft a safety or a defensive back with such a high pick. It's hard to blame the Chiefs for picking Berry so high. He's an incredibly gifted player, and possesses all the skills to be an elite safety with the likes of Polamalu, Reed, Rhodes, and (a healthy) Bob Sanders. He'll make an immediate impact with the Chiefs.

Rolando McClain - ILB Alabama- It seems like every year there is a middle linebacker from the SEC that is taken high and immediately becomes elite. This year is no different, Rolando McClain will become an impact player from snap number one, and will rack up over one hundred tackles, shoring up a run defense in much need of help.

AFC South

Jerry Hughes - DE TCU - A dream come true for the Indianapolis Colts was Hughes dropping to them in the late first round. He fits the mold for their system, and will be able to spell and emulate both Freeney and Mathis. With the departure of Raheem Brock, Hughes fits right in.

Derrick Morgan - DE Georgia Tech - Much like Hughes dropping to the Colts, Derrick Morgan dropped right into Tennessee's lap. With the departure of Kyle Vanden Bosch, Morgan will be able to step right in. He's a slightly short defensive end like Hughes, but possessed both pass rushing and run stopping skills. Look for him to make an immediate impact.

Ben Tate - HB Auburn - Some would say that Tate never lived up to the hype at Auburn, but he'll look to prove himself by helping a team who finished with the 30th best rush offense in the league. He's a bruising back, that will help Steve Slaton carry the load.

All links are to ESPN's draft profiles.