Team: Vikings
Pick: 1st round, 7th pick
Position: Running back
Breakdown: A can’t-miss player if everything around him is right. Peterson is a perfect combination of size, speed and attitude. The rookie running back compares favorably with Shaun Alexander and nearly measures up to Eric Dickerson, who dominated for the Rams in the 1980s. Similar to Dickerson, Peterson runs a bit too tall, leaving his 6-2, 217-pound frame as a target for tacklers. However, Peterson has the ability to deliver punishment, run away from tacklers and has moves to make them miss. He needs the Vikings to find a real NFL quarterback -- Tarvaris Jackson is not ready -- and he also has to stay healthy.";
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i++] = new Array("","Patrick Willis","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tony Avelar", "AP", "287", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i-1].body = "
Team: 49ers
Pick: 1st round, 11th pick
Position: Inside linebacker
A finely chiseled inside linebacker at 6-1 and 245 pounds, Willis is counted on becoming a leader and stopper. 49ers assistant coach Mike Singletary -- a Hall of Fame linebacker for the Bears – is working with him to ensure it happens. Willis is an impressive tackling machine -- 128 stops at Ole Miss last year -- and he is in a division known for its game-breaking running backs. Shaun Alexander in Seattle, Stephen Jackson in St. Louis and Edgerrin James in Arizona will challenge Willis six times this year and he is perfectly suited to stop those stars. Willis has maturity and excellent work ethic. He’s already looking at films to correct his own mistakes. If the 49ers are going to climb back up the NFL ladder this season, Willis will play a big role and should find himself in contention for defensive rookie of the year honors.";
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i++] = new Array("","Paul Posluszny","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Don Heupel", "AP", "274", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i-1].body = "
Team: Bills
Pick: 2nd round, 34th pick
Position: Middle linebacker
Breakdown: General manager Marv Levy came up with a nearly perfect player in Posluszny. After a stellar career at Penn State in which he was noted for his maturity and intelligence, Posluszny will be the Bills’ starting middle linebacker when they open Sept. 9 against the Broncos. He is a throwback player who is all about football and not interested in self-promotion, honors or awards. His teammates loved him at Penn State and he is sure to be a favorite in the Bills’ locker room as well. Posluszny flows to the football, can discard blockers and make the tackle.";
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i++] = new Array("","Amobi Okoye","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "David J. Phillip", "AP", "273", "380", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i-1].body = "
Team: Texans
Pick: 1st round, 10th pick
Position: Defensive tackle
Breakdown: This defensive tackle should give the Texans a presence in the middle of the defensive line and nobody will be happier than second-year DE Mario Williams. The first pick in the 2006 NFL draft needs somebody to share the burden on the defensive line, and Okoye is all business. The 19-year old from Louisville combines athletic grace with the tenacity of a veteran.";
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i++] = new Array("","Brandon Jackson","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Morry Gash", "AP", "273", "295", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i-1].body = "
Team: Packers
Pick: 2nd round, 63rd pick
Position: Running back
Breakdown: Jackson doesn’t have Peterson’s natural running ability, but he finds himself with a team that needs a running game badly following the loss of Ahman Green. Jackson understands the Packers’ blocking scheme and could be a key player in the mix from Week One. He could be the surprise of the year.";
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i++] = new Array("","Adam Carriker","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tom Gannam", "AP", "273", "419", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i-1].body = "
Team: Rams
Pick: 1st round, 13th pick
Position: Defensive line
Breakdown: This defensive lineman won’t stop working. Coach Scott Linehan knew that Carriker had talent, but his performance in the team’s minicamp told him he had a player who goes all-out on every play. Carriker was a defensive end at Nebraska, but he has the strength to take on huge guards and should excel at the tackle spot for a Ram team that needs physical players.";
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i++] = new Array("","Dwayne Jarrett","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i-1].body = "
Team: Panthers
Pick: 2nd round, 45th pick
Position: Receiver
Breakdown: He dropped on draft day, but the USC star fell to the right team. The Panthers need a receiver who can take pressure off Steve Smith and Jake Delhomme, and that’s Jarrett. Big, strong and determined, Jarrett can win the battle for the ball in the air. His strong hands make him an ideal fit for the Panthers because Delhomme is not always the most accurate passer.";
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i++] = new Array("","Greg Olsen","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "M. Spencer Green", "AP", "273", "420", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_rookies_to_watch[i-1].body = "
Team: Bears
Pick: 1st round, 31st pick
Position: Tight end
Breakdown: It only took the Bears about two decades to get a pass-catching threat at the tight end position. If Rex Grossman can improve his accuracy, the Bears could have a much improved passing game. Olsen should be able to run up the seam and get open and will not have to deal with double-coverage since the Bears have speed in Bernard Berrian and Devin Hester along with experience and know-how in Muhsin Muhammad. Olsen ends up in the perfect situation."; // END editorial data