Which NFL rookie will make the biggest contribution this season? [Updated]

Writers from around the Tribune Co. look at which first-year players will have the most productive NFL season in 2011. Weigh in with your comment.

[Updated at 12:56 p.m.: Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

As much as I like Atlanta’s Julio Jones, I think another rookie from the NFC South will make a bigger impact. New Orleans running back Mark Ingram gives the Saints everything Reggie Bush didn’t -- an underrated workhorse back who can run with power, blast through holes instead of dancing behind them, and do it all with more force than flash. Ingram, who will probably split carries with Pierre Thomas, has already been impressive. He had a smooth 14-yard touchdown run against San Francisco (with a nifty spin move) and scored on the goal line against Houston on consecutive plays (the first over-the-top plunge was nullified by a timeout). Ingram was the only running back taken in the first round. This season we’ll find out why.

Mike Berardino, Orlando Sun Sentinel

Cam Newton might have a great future in the NFL, but having watched the No. 1 overall draft pick in person over the weekend, I assure you that future is not now.

Julio Jones (Falcons), Mike Pouncey (Dolphins), Nick Fairley (Lions) and Tyron Smith (Cowboys) should all make an instant splash.

However, if it’s high-end rookie impact you’re looking for, fix your gaze on the desert, where the revamped Cardinals have handed a starting job to former LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.

If not for the odd draft bias against corners, Peterson might have gone first overall instead of fifth. He’s that freakishly talented as an athlete, and he’ll get a chance to return punts as well.

Green Bay’s Greg Jennings burned Peterson for a back-shoulder touchdown in the second preseason game, but there won’t be many of those moments against him this year.]