The End of the Beginning

On July 22, Dez Bryant became the first first-round pick to sign. The Cowboys and their new wide receiver agreed to a five year, $11.8 million deal. It took just over two weeks for the rest of the first rounders to sign deals, capped off by C.J. Spiller and Russell Okung agreeing to contracts with their respective teams. The Hall of Fame Game between Cincinnati and Dallas is less than 24 hours away, and the actual preseason starts on August 12. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for football. The 2010 Draft class had some big headlines, and while the soon-to-be rookies have been the topic of discussion for the last week or so, here are some predictions for the upcoming season.

Offensive Rookie of the Year - Ryan Mathews
Here's the thing: in my opinion, Ryan Mathews will not be the most succesful pro in this draft class because there are a few other guys who have a lot of talent, but he is in a near perfect situation with the Chargers. He won't have too much pressure on him not only because it's nearly impossible to supplant someone like LaDainian Tomlinson but also because this is now Philip Rivers's team. Rivers is 28 and in his prime, so Mathews will be able to subtly strive as the teams new future running back. Dez Bryant was drafted into an already-stacked wide receiver core, so I don't think he'll have enough playing time to earn the award.

Other Contenders: Sam Bradford and C.J. Spiller
These two should have great seasons, but Bradford doesn't have too many weapons around him besides Steven Jackson and C.J. Spiller has two other solid running backs on his team, so this year he'll mostly be used in the return game. However, I think these guys are going to be all over the news in the years to come.

Defensive Rookie of the Year - Rolando McClain
I know this may be going out on a limb, but seven straight linebackers have won this award and I think he will come in and make an impact now that Kirk Morrison is in Jacksonville. The Raiders have a fairly weak linebacking core, and I think that the former Alabama standout can turn into the leader of this defense, much like Patrick Willis and DeMeco Ryans did with their teams. Without Morrison, the Raiders are going to need someone to step up, and I think this rookie is the guy they're looking for.

Other Contenders: Eric Berry and Derrick Morgan
Eric Berry is right up there with McClain and it would not surprise me one bit to see him earn the trophy. He'll have a huge impact in the NFL in years to come. Also, watch out for Derrick Morgan. Tennessee really needed a pass rusher and this guy could fit in well with the Titans defense.

Non-First-Rounder to Make an Impact - Brandon Spikes
When the Patriots drafted Jerod Mayo in 2008, they knew he was a terrific linebacker who could be a leader for the team in the future. Sure enough, the 2008 Rookie of the Year is the heart and sole of the Patriots linebacking core. New England needed the most help at cornerback and linebacker, the two positions they addressed first in the draft. Spikes slipped to the second round because of his questionable character, but boy did the Pats get a sleeper with the 62nd pick in the draft. If he can behave off the field, he'll be a big part of the Patriots defense in years to come.

Other Contender: Golden Tate
Golden Tate did win the Biletnikoff Award for College Football's best wide receiver, but I still think he doesn't get as much public recognition as he should. He could be the Seahawks' 3rd wide receiver and maybe even 2nd, and I expect him to have an impact if Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy.

First-Round Disappointment - Tyson Alualu
Now I know a lot of people may agree on this one, but I followed the NFL Draft and College Football very closely over the last year and when the 10th selection in the entire draft was someone I had never heard of, it seemed right that even the broadcasters were confused. Tim Tebow is a name that always comes up in this discussion, but he's the 3rd string quarterback for Denver as of right now so I don't expect a huge impact this year anyway. I think Alualu can have a decent NFL career, but I don't know if his rookie season will be what the Jaguars are hoping.