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Impact Rookies – Offense

(This is the first in a two-part series that focuses on the top six offensive and defensive rookies who will have the biggest impact in the NFL this season. Here we take a look at the offense.)

Which rookies will have the biggest impact on the field in 2007? The Football Fanatic 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) offensive rookies who will have the biggest impact next season.

1. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State: González will be a perfect fit for the Colts’ offense, replacing the late Brandon Stokely at the job. He is quick (4.44) and has decent hands. Ted Ginn Jr. got more starts at Ohio State, but Gonzalez was and is the better receiver. With Peyton Manning at his quarterback and Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai, expect Gonzalez to have a great rookie season in 2007.

2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson is the real deal as long as he can stay healthy. Despite having to share time with Chester Taylor, running backs often make the biggest impact as rookies. Peterson runs as Eric Dickerson and will be on the spot immediately. Second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and a weak Viking receiving corps will mean a lot of touches for Peterson.

3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions: Johnson is a physical monster at 6-5, 239 pounds, while running 4.3 in the 40. He catches everything thrown at him and will now play in an offense designed by the same madman, Mike Martz. You know Martz had to be drooling when the Lions selected him second overall. Mike Furrey caught 98 passes for Detroit last season, so imagine what CJ can do in this system. Sorry Jon Kitna, the Lions won’t win more than 10 games this season, but you have every right to be excited for a gun like Johnson.

4. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo Bills: For a rookie to have an impact, he needs playing time, and that’s something Lynch will get a lot of in Buffalo. Willis McGahee was sent packing to Baltimore, leaving Lynch to fight Anthony Thomas for the starting job. Although Thomas is a former 1,000-yard rusher, he is a straight runner without much drive or movement. Lynch is a constant big-play threat and has the makings of a prime-time player.

5. Ben Grubbs, G, Baltimore Ravens: Grubbs is a 6-3, 311-pound blocking machine who should jump into the starting lineup and stay for the next 10-12 years. Grubbs is very competitive and intense and moves well for his size. he is the perfect combination of size, strength and intensity you want in a guard. He also played center, tight end and defensive line in college, demonstrating his versatility. He will be great.

6. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears: The perfect place for Olsen to end up was Chicago. The Bears needed a snaring pass to the tight end to take the pressure off inconsistent QB Rex Grossman. Now Grossman has a way out if he’s in trouble. Olsen (6-6, 254 pounds) will allow Lovie Smith to run two sets of tight end with Desmond Clark and open up Chicago’s boring offense. Olsen is a big, strong physical receiver who will be dangerous underneath.