Caleb Lomu and Gabe Jacas are both expected to make an impact as rookies.

It is hard to believe that it has already been a week since the NFL Draft. Folks are wondering how much this year’s draft class will help the Patriots? We believe this draft class can make an immediate impact.

Here is how they will do that.

1-28: OT Caleb Lomu (Utah): Lomu should step in and make an immediate impact as a swing tackle and as a back up to both Morgan Moses and Will Campbell. He could also get some reps at guard as he will be cross trained to play both positions but long term, he is a tackle. Lomu started 22 games at left tackle during his time at Utah. Expect him to stay at tackle long term.

2-55: Edge Gabe Jacas (Illinois): Jacas will make the biggest impact of any rookie in this class. He will immediately play a prominent role in the edge rotation and do not be surprised if he is starting by the end of next season. He is a three down player who is stout against the run but also offers high end pass rushing ability. Jacas will be a difference maker.

3-95: TE Eli Raridon (Notre Dame): Raridon has a chance to make an immediate impact in 12 and 13 personnel. He will make more of an impact than people think. His size and ability to be a factor in the red zone as a potential target is going to be a factor in how much he plays. Josh McDaniels is masterful at using his tight ends, especially in the middle of the field. Raridon will have a role this season.

5-171: CB Karon Prunty (Wake Forest): Prunty is long and athletic and that is what appealed to the Patriots. He is not going to make much of an impact in the secondary unless the Patriots deal with injuries but if given time to develop, he has the physical tools to develop into a starting cornerback. For now, Prunty will have to carve out a role on special teams.

6-196: OT Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M): Crownover is massive and he has the size and athleticism to develop into an elite right tackle. He will need to develop this upcoming season but if the Patriots are patient, they have a player who will make an impact in the next two years. Crownover has played a lot of football in his college career so he is far from raw and with some good coaching out of the gate, he should play sooner than later.

6-212: LB Namdi Obiazor (TCU): Big fan of this pick. Obiazor had a good body of work at TCU as a three down linebacker who can excel in coverage and stopping the run. Athletic and long, he will step in as a primary back up and special teamer this season with the potential to eventually start down the road. I am that bullish on Obiazor.

7-234: QB Behren Morton (Texas Tech): Morton was a two time captain at Texas Tech and has the intangibles you want in a quarterback. He does not do anything elite physically but he has the tools to be a good developmental third quarterback who will learn the offense and run it in a pinch if need be. Morton could be a good long term back up.

7-245: RB Jam Miller (Alabama): The thing I like about Miller is, he does not have a lot of tread on the tires. He played primarily in a time share at Alabama so he could absorb more carries in the NFL. Physically well built and he is a slashing one cut runner who hits the hole quick and runs with good contact balance while displaying some wiggle in space. He is a good receiver too who competes in pass protection.

7-247: Edge Quintayvious Hutchins (Boston College): Hutchins has upside as a situational pass rusher and as a special teamer. He has high end physical traits that will allow him to develop into a good player who can contribute on an NFL roster and stick for a while.