SI's "Unheralded Rookies Who Can Make An Impact"

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Link:http://nfl.si.com/2012/08/01/unheralded-rookies-who-could-make-big-impacts-in-2012/?sct=nfl_wr_a3

Sports Illustrated seems to be drinking the Josh Norman Kool-Aid as well.

Until we see this year’s crop of rookies in any sort of game action, it is tricky to predict how big of an impact each guy can make (unless you’re talking, say, Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III — rookies who will start barring stunning developments).

Despite that reality there are, as always, quite a few rookies with shots to break into their teams’ lineups come the regular season. The fight for that playing time begins in earnest in training camp, then continues to an even higher degree during the preseason. And many of those rookies will be names that were called after the draft’s first two days.

Let’s take a quick glance at 10 lesser-known first-year players who could be on the field plenty come Week 1 and beyond:

Josh Norman, CB, Panthers (5, 143): Norman came out flying at OTAs earlier this offseason, but a recent hamstring pull has cost him some time and might hamper his ability to make an impact early in the season. Still, the Panthers’ coaching staff loves Norman, and considering the competition in front of him (Darius Butler, Brandon Hogan, Captain Munnerlyn) is not exactly Pro Bowl material, Norman could regain the inside track to playing time quickly.

It will be nice when Norman gets back out on the field, the number two cornerback job is his to lose.

[carolina-chuck]

Whats the real deal on Norman?

I hear goods in OTAs, now bad in TC.

[Marguide]

Whats the real deal on Norman?

I hear goods in OTAs, now bad in TC.

He's been good in TC too, it is just that he had to go on the shelf due to his hamstring.

Rivera, like all of us, is just impatient to see him get back on the field.

[carolina-chuck]

He's been good in TC too, it is just that he had to go on the shelf due to his hamstring.

Rivera, like all of us, is just impatient to see him get back on the field.

been hearing hes been getting beat multiple times in TC. True?

Whos been looking like the no.2 cb so far?

[JawnyBlaze]

been hearing hes been getting beat multiple times in TC. True?

Whos been looking like the no.2 cb so far?

From what I've been reading, he's just been burned by Smitty a few times but that's nothing to be concerned about. Smitty's burned Gamble a couple times too. Smitty'll burn anyone. When he starts getting burned by Lafell or Edwards, then I'll be concerned.

[Rubi]

Every CB gets beat at some point or another.

[csx]

It's his to win. He hasn't played a single down in a preseason game yet and has only practiced like two days.

[Montie_0123]

I do believe in the end he will win the job, but he needs to get back to lock up the position. Because all it takes is someone wanting it more then him for the coaches to start looking else where.

[PntherPryd]

CB is our biggest gamble (pun intended) in stocking this team for what some believe is a Super Bowl quality contender.

Yes, kudos to players believing in each other. But we are hanging our hopes on the performance of a 5th rounder from Coastal friggen' Carolina to be a starter. All I can say is we damn well better have a pass rush this year.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I really hope Norman can come back soon, going up against Smith will only make him better and I really think Norman will be at the least an average corner possibly a very good corner.

I just don't have much faith in Hogan and Munnerlyn to get the job done.

I do however like Darius Butler to pick up the slack if Norman doesn't.

[Proudiddy]

<----League leader in "I told you so's."

[Keep Pounding]

not to worried about Norman getting burned by Smith, put it this way, Stevie Johnson burned Revis Island, it happens but if he can lock up #2 WR while Gamble handles the #1's we will be in good shape in the secondary...

[LinvilleGorge]

I hope the hammy issue doesn't linger. I'd love for him to finally solve our issue at #2 CB.

[MrBubba]

^{Part of the recent stuff is simple, Norman talk some trash earlier this year and now Smitty was making him eat some humble pie and his words a little. I think when all is said and done the starter opposite Gamble will be Butler, he came in late last year and had family issues during the season. Give him a full camp; and while he might not be the greatest, he might be the best of what's left.}