NFL Defensive Impact Rookies Could Provide Playoff Boost

Several NFL teams in both conferences will be counting on their respective prized rookie draft picks to come in and contribute to their team's success either right away - or at some point in the early going of the 2009 NFL regular season.

While several rookies will play for playoff contenders and some for non-playoff participants, all of these rookie defensive players will see plenty of action for their respective teams and some could turn out to be game-changing difference-makers

Here then, is a look at a handful of NFL defensive rookies I expect to be impact players in 2009.

Malcolm Jenkins - DB - New Orleans Saints

Led by all-pro quarterback Drew Brees, everyone knows the New Orleans Saints can score the ball with any team in football. However, the Saints' defense couldn't stop running water the last couple of seasons and the club addressed its defensive secondary issues by nabbing Jenkins, a former Ohio State Buckeye, with the No. 14 overall draft pick. If Jenkins can help the saints improve their defense just a bit, it could result in a postseason appearance by New Orleans - and possibly more.

Vontae Davis - CB - Miami Dolphins

Davis could become one of the anchors in Miami's defensive secondary for years to come if he pans out. The No. 25 overall draft pick and former Illinois defensive back, could start as a rookie, though it's more likely the Dolphins will ease the talented rookie into their starting lineup during the regular season. If Davis helps the Dolphins improve their secondary, Miami could make its second straight postseason appearance while challenging to keep its unexpected AFC East title.

Aaron Curry - LB - Seattle Seahawks

Simply put, I believe that Curry, the No. 4 overall draft pick out of Wake Forest, has what it takes to become a perennial all-pro and should be a starter for the Seahawks on Opening Day. Curry is a do-it-all linebacker that can play the pass, stop the run and rush the passer equally well. A return to health from quarter Matt Hasselbeck and some improved defense from the Seahawks could mean a return to the playoffs in 2009.

Tyson Jackson - DE - Kansas City Chiefs

As the first defensive player taken in this year's draft, Jackson, the No. 3 overall draft pick out of LSU will have all eyes on him as the Chiefs begin to move in a new direction under new GM Scott Pioli and first-year head coach Todd Haley. The Chiefs have had a nearly non-existent pass rush ever since trading away former all-pro defensive end Jared Allen to the Minnesota Vikings but are counting on Jackson to make plays for them as the move to a 3-4 defense under Haley and Pioli.

B.J. Raji - DT - Green Bay Packers

The Packers needed a huge, run-stuffing nose tackle to anchor their new 3-4 defense and the massive Raji, the No. 9 overall draft pick out of Boston College, certainly fits the bill. If the Pack can improve a bit on the defensive side of the ball, I believe they could be back in the postseason under blossoming signal caller Aaron Rodgers, who has a fine season in 2008 as a first-time starter.

Aaron Maybin - LB - Buffalo Bills

Maybin, the No. 11 overall draft pick out of, my beloved Penn State, is a dynamic pass-rushing specialist that should help a Bills team that is absolutely desperate to improve its weak pass rush. The first-team All-American will need to improve against the run in the NFL, but should be a pass-rushing force that AFC East quarterbacks and offensive coordinators will have to deal with for years to come.