5 NFC North Offensive ROY Candidates

It's apparent that the NFC North already has some of the best offensive players in the league.  For example, the Packers have a top-5 quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, Minnesota has one of the fiercest rushers of the 21st century in Adrian Peterson, the Lions have a matchup nightmare when Calvin Johnson is on the field, and the Bears possess what is most likely the deadliest wide receiver combo with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.  Even with all of these guys making incredible plays for their respected teams, there's always room for a few more stars to step into the limelight and excel on the professional stage.  Therefore, let's take a look at five rookies from the NFC North that could make an offensive difference in 2014.

Teddy Bridgewater- QB, Minnesota Vikings

Back in October, it looked like Bridgewater might unseat Jadeveon Clowney as the first overall pick.  As the last pick in the first round, Bridgewater has entered a wide-open competition at quarterback in Minnesota.  He'll have to fend off veteran Matt Cassel and former first rounder Christian Ponder, but I suspect that Teddy could be in the Twin Cities for the long haul. With Bridgewater reportedly looking great at camp, he's most likely the favorite to start week one for the Vikings.

Eric Ebron- TE, Detroit Lions

Watch out everybody, the Detroit Lions have another huge receiving threat.  Almost every NFL team is out looking for the next Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski at tight end, and I wouldn't be shocked one bit if Ebron was that man.  As the 10th overall pick in the draft, Ebron has already challenged Kyle Rudolph and Martellus Bennett as the best tight end in the division with his unique running ability with the ball.  He might not be the best blocker at his position, but his receiving skills make up for that and then some.

Davante Adams- WR, Green Bay Packers

In a wide receiver class oozing with depth, it seemed like Adams was either lost or forgotten in the mix.  As the 9th receiver selected, Davante Adams will most likely be filling the void of James Jones, who signed with Oakland this offseason.  Because Green Bay already has one of the most talented offenses in the league, it may take a while for Adams to stick his neck out.  However, as long as Aaron Rodgers is quarterback, there's a strong chance that he'll be the next big-name receiver in Green Bay.

Ka'Deem Carey- RB, Chicago Bears

Matt Forte has proven to be a stable starting running back for the Bears, but that doesn't mean he could be receiving some support from Carey.  In his previous two seasons with the Arizona Wildcats, Carey has over 4,000 combined yards and 44 touchdowns.  The running back position has been seriously devalued in the last few years in the draft, so Chicago might have gotten a steal out of Carey in the 4th round.  Although he most likely won't be starting this or next season, he could be taking over full-time once Forte begins to slow down.

 Richard Rodgers- TE, Green Bay Packers

I thought about putting Vikings Guard David Yankey here, but because he is in a non-skill position, it is unlikely that he'll win Offensive Rookie of the Year.  Last week, I wrote about how Rodgers has really made an impression on his teammates and coaches.  With Andrew Quarless recovering from injury and the tight end position being up-for-grabs, I will reiterate that Rodgers has a real shot at having a big impact in the Packers offense.  Yes, there's still a chance at Jermichael Finley making a return to the Pack, but Rodgers is a younger and less-expensive option.  It's a game of replacement, and Richard Rodgers, along with the other four I mentioned, will have to prove now and for the rest of their careers that they are irreplaceable.