Authors Note: Every once in a while we CDS guys write some stuff for fantasyplayers.com and the majority of you (I guess) never see it. So, from now on I'm going to make sure it gets posted somewhere for you, our users. Here is my current article, feel free to comment at will.

Every year in the NFL there are some guys taken late in the draft who end up making an impact as a rookie and can make a difference to their team. Indeed, in 2007, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants had some prime examples of this on their roster in the form of TE Kevin Boss and RB Ahmad Bradshaw, and without DT Derek Landri the Jacksonville Jaguars may not have advanced in the playoffs. In 2006 the Saints found WR Marques Colston late in the seventh round and the Ravens picked S Dawan Landry in the fifth, so it shows that key players can be found in later rounds. Here, we’re going to look at players who were drafted in later rounds in the 2008 draft and could well have a similar sort of impact as a rookie. Remember, we’re not looking for rookie Pro Bowlers here, just guys who can help make a difference on their team.

Pick #139: Ryan Torain, RB, Denver Broncos

OK, this first pick of mine may well be a bit of a cop out since we all know that Denver consistently produces 1000-yard rushers. However, when you consider the other guys Denver currently has on their roster, namely Travis Henry and Selvin Young, you see a guy with several career 1000-yard seasons and another who ran for over 700 yards in just 8 starts. However, Henry has been experiencing some off-field problems of late and was also blighted by injury in his first season as a Bronco. Torain, therefore, has a good chance of seeing action as a rookie and once he gets his hands on the ball and shows the power he was renowned for in college, it might be very difficult for Mike Shanahan to bench him.

Pick #199: Robert Henderson, DE, New York Giants

I’ve got two key reasons for this pick: 1) We saw last year just how good the Giants front office is at finding late-round difference makers and, 2) Steve Spagnuolo. As I mentioned, the Giants found Kevin Boss and Ahmad Bradshaw late last year and they were both key contributors down the stretch in the playoffs. Also, the Giants defensive system is designed to put pressure on the quarterback so any defensive end is going to have a good chance to make an impression. Of course, if Michael Strahan decides to retire, Henderson’s chances will go up even more.

Pick #210: Brian Johnston, DE, Kansas City Chiefs

As well as the Chiefs did in the 2008 draft, many commentators and fans alike were left surprised by their apparent failure to draft a defensive end early in the draft. That, however, paves the way for Brian Johnston to have an impact as a rookie as the Chiefs were reportedly not entirely convinced by the play of Turk McBride last year, the guy who has now been anointed as a starter in KC after the departure of Jared Allen. If this continues, Johnston could well see action sooner rather than later and on a defensive line already improved thanks to the addition of Glenn Dorsey, Johnston could find himself in a position to effect games.

Pick #247: Kirk Barton, OG, Chicago Bears

In 2007 the Bears entire offensive line struggled, partly due to age and partly due to a lack of quality depth. Adding a true LT in the first round was a good pick for Chicago, but getting a guy who I believe can be a solid LG in the seventh round might turn out to be an even better move. Barton has the athleticism to play on the left side of the line and to help create holes for Matt Forte (sorry, Cedric Benson) to run through. Also, if the Bears get an injury on the line, Barton could well be the guy to step in and could then help this line protect whoever their QB might be.

Pick #252: David Vobora, LB, St Louis Rams

I think a lot of people were surprised to see Vobora fall all the way to the Mr Irrelevant spot and he could well have a decent impact as a rookie. The Rams certainly needed some help at linebacker and were one of their starters to get injured, Vobora is a renowned tackling machine who could be thrown in and asked to make plays for the defense. Vobora is also a very intelligent football player and that should help him learn the playbook and he could also be a special teams standout from day one.

Of course, trying to figure out the future is about as accurate as a Rex Grossman pass attempt, but these guys seem to me to be the ones who have the right character to impress their coaches, the ability to be good players and the right situation to help them make a difference as a rookie. And besides, where would we be at this time of year if people like me didn’t make some foolish predictions every now and again, eh?

Love to see the rams love, i liked the vobora pick because the rams needed some linebacker depth and he provides it.

I actually like Vince Hall more then Vobora. He just seems like the type of LB who will rack 100+ tackles every year.