While some rookies may get more time to watch and learn from the sidelines, others are expected to contribute from Day 1.

Expectations are certainly high for offensive lineman Tate Ratledge. The 57th overall pick from Georgia has a big job ahead of him filling the once top-rated Detroit Lions offensive line.

“Winning up front is a big part of their identity, but for the first time in a while, Detroit is facing some serious questions in the blocking department, specifically on the interior,” writes NFL.com’s Dan Parr.

By that, of course, he means former center Frank Ragnow’s retirement and former right guard Kevin Zeitler’s free-agent departure. The analyst selected the most pivotal rookie for each NFL team, deciding which first-year’s play may have the biggest hand in their team’s fate.

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