fgssand

As we countdown to camp....let's hear who you think will be a surprisingly good rookie from this years crop.

I would say that a surprise would be a rookie that steps up and either starts or contributes heavily.

While I would love to see that honor go to Meriweather (and he certainly could step right in and start from day one) - I am going to go out on a limb and pick the big "O" #49 Oscar Lua.

I think he will be a huge force on special teams and a solid back up in the middle, especially in goal line and short yardage situations.

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fair catch fryar

I like Lua too, but a really nice surprise would be to see Mike Richardson step in and make a contribution, along with Meriweather of course.

chowder

Kareem Brown

KDPpatsfan

Lua, I doubt...he couldn't even start in college over a sophomore, and Pete Carrol is, if nothing else, a very solid defensive coach who clearly didn't see much in the kid.

Richardson would be great...but not holding my breath

My prediction, however, is Justice Hairston...the key will be how he looks on special teams.

Merriweather cannot be in this category because he is a #1 pick and thus expected to contribute in a big way early. It would not be a surprise for him to do well.

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fair catch fryar

Good point! I'm so fixated on the D right now that I forgot about Hairston. As far as Lua, I really haven't read much about him except that BB drafted him and Reiss reported that he looked pretty impressive in mini-camp. I'm just basing my hope that Richardson would be a great surprise considering the state of our secondary. I'm certainly not banking on him either.

Box_O_Rocks

Oh drat, I was going to say Adalius Thomas, but you meant the kids.

DB Larry Anam
LB Kyle Bissinger
DL Kareem Brown
WR Chris Dunlap
OL Mike Elgin
QB Matt Gutierrez
RB Justise Hairston
OL Corey Hilliard
ILB Oscar Lua
DB Brandon Meriweather
OL Clint Oldenburg
CB Mike Richardson
OLB Justin Rogers
RB Quinton Smith - Even more than Bissinger & Dunlap, this kid gets the least love. I pick you Quinton, to be the Pats' most surprising rookie.
DL Zach West

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italian pat patriot

i say Hairston

sparrow

Lua lost out to one of the finest sophmore LB's in USC history so I wouldn't hold that against him too much. Maualuga is grade A prime cut beef in the middle for USC, no shame losing a starting job to that kid. Still not getting my hopes up but best to keep an open mind with the youngins.

I gotta think there's something more to the Oldenburg kid. Every single draft site had our second rookie tackle (Hilliard) ranked much higher then they did Clint yet we took him a full round and 3 picks later.

Harriston I like. Buried behind Brian Leonard and Ray Rice on Rutgers after showing real well early in his career. Decieded to transfer to a school barely on the map (no offense, CCSU alum) and proceeded to lead the nation in rushing. Good a choice as any at this point for a breakthrough.

Mike the Brit

I'll put two cents on Elgin.

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They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Well, Pats fans should be invincible by now. [Fitzy, 16 November 2009]

Still here to learn

FarScapeR

Meriweather's a 1st rounder, but he'd it'd be a pleasant surprise if he stepped into Asante's spot and grabbed 20 interceptions.

Realistically, though, I think Rogers becoming a sack machine would be a real pleasant surprise.