The NFL season is set to start on Thursday with the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens and with a number of exciting games on Sunday, here is a look at some of the best rookie players from last season and where they will stack up as the calendar hits 2013 and some breakout candidates include Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin III, Luke Kuechly, Kendall Wright, Rueben Randle and David Wilson.
Obviously Wilson and Griffin aren't exactly secrets at this point and had breakout years last season, but what the point means is that they were rookies and while last year was great, it won't mean much if they can't sustain it. Wilson threw for a rookie record amount of touchdowns (tied the record) while Griffin set the world on fire, but Wilson's yards weren't all that impressive and Griffin is coming back from a major knee injury. Both players will have the chance to lead this season and are considered two dark horses for MVP.
The Colts "lucked" out back in 2012 when they got the number one overall pick and selected Andrew Luck and now that the team has made it back to the playoffs, they are expecting even more from him as well as second round pick Coby Fleener. The team did a very good job on offense drafting players in 2012, taking Vick Ballard, Luck, TY Hilton as well as Fleener and all could put up better numbers this year.
The Redskins gave up a lot to move up to pick Robert Griffin III in the draft and it appears worth it, as he won rookie of the year and the division last season and their other draft pick in Alfred Morris didn't do so bad either, rushing for 1,613 yards a sixth round pick. The cowboys are expecting more from Morris Claiborne this season, while the Miami Dolphins want some very fast development from Ryan Tannehill after adding Mike Wallace to the offense.
The Panthers clearly have something special in Kuechly, who was a tackle machine last season and won Defensive Rookie of the Year and he could end up with defensive player this season if he keeps it up. The Cardinals feel that Michael Floyd is on the cusp, while the Jets have been disappointed in Stephen Hill and are expecting more this season. Alshon Jeffery has a chance with the Ears to do something special, while Kendall Wright could put up big numbers with the Titans. Griffin played with Wright in college and his speed makes him dangerous on the outside.
The Giants want big things from Randle and Wilson and if they get it, it could take them to the Super Bowl. Randle is being looked at as the third wideout option, while Wilson has been thrust into the starting role after Andre Brown was injured.