2011 NFL Draft 4th Round Immediate Impact Players

by Jon Dove on May 7, 2011 12:00 PM EDT

The 2011 NFL Draft is over and many of us are hoping the selected players will be able to provide an immediate impact. With free agency on hold, the only hope we have for an immediate improvement are the rookies. Free agency will take place but without knowing the specifics we have no choice but to rely on the draft selections. Below is my list of the top 5 4th round players I expect to have an immediate impact.

1. Sam Acho- OLB- Arizona Cardinals

- Arizona is moving on from Joey Porter and don't have many replacement options. Acho has good quickness off the edge and a high motor which help him rush the quarterback. I expect Acho to work his way on the field as a pass rush specialist.

2. Roy Helu- RB- Nebraska

- Mike Shananhan does a good job identifying late round running backs that fit his system. With the likely departure of Clinton Portis, Helu has an opportunity to fight for carries and develop into the Redskins top back.

3. Edmund Gates- WR- Abliene Christian

- Since trading Ted Ginn Jr., Miami doesn't have a real speed threat at the receiver position. Gates has speed to burn and can be the guy the Dolphins use to stretch the field. I also expect him to be in the mix as a punt and kickoff returner.

4. Casey Matthews- LB- Philadelphia Eagles

- Steward Bradley is a good linebacker but has been injury prone. With the limited depth and constant injury issues, Matthews figures to get his share of snaps.

5. James Brewer- OT- New York Giants

- Brewer is in the same situation as Matthews as he lands on a team that has injury problems at his position. Brewer could be asked to fill several rolls on the offensive line should the injury bug strike again.

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Colin McCarthy and Jamie Harper may get a ton of playing time depending on the guys ahead of them get cut or not

"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU

by nolesbroncos3456 on May 7, 2011 12:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

ummm….where’s the player on my team? Obviously he’s going to have a bigger impact. Duh!

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on May 7, 2011 12:48 PM EDT reply actions

casey matthews,mmm

i can’t wait to see him torched against the cowboys, he’s mediocre, he’s gonna get abused in both run and pass defense

by ratware on May 7, 2011 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Torched…oh you mean like someone throwing a 91 yard TD against him on Sunday Night Football? That kind of torched?

by Fenton_Hardy on May 9, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

keep living in the past my friend

yeah torched, as that three games on 2009…you should thank me for not bringing up the SB trophy count

by ratware on May 9, 2011 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Acho was a good pick up for the Cards in the 4th

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on May 7, 2011 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

What no Ballard?

With Pat Williams more than likely moving on, and Kevin facing a 4 game suspension, Ballard will be asked to produce early and often, and he has the talent to do so.

by nmvikesfan on May 8, 2011 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Heluuu,

Helu Heluuu,
I don’t know why you say good-bye I say Heluuuuuu!

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

by Omaha Sun on May 8, 2011 1:58 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

BTW, this wasn't my quote.

Someone actually called in to a local radio show and sang this.

How many 4th round players have people singing about them?

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

by Omaha Sun on May 8, 2011 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I would be on here pimping the Lion's fourth round pick but we traded it away.

Since Martin Mayhew is never wrong, the entire fourth round must suck. LOL

"I read one article, I said, 'This guy doesn't know what he's talking about,' " Mayhew said. "Then I read another one, and I thought, 'Wait a minute, they're all saying the same thing.' -Martin Mayhew 2011 regarding Draft Gurus.

by NorthLeft12 on May 8, 2011 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

Helu, just the way Shanny likes 'em

Can’t wait to see R Helu in a Redskins uniform. He’s got the speed, power, decisiveness and hands to be very effective in Shanahans scheme. If he quickly learns the playbook and runs with a consistently lower pad level, I seriously think he can be a big time contributor

by ACBENALAL on May 8, 2011 5:37 PM EDT reply actions