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NFL Power Rankings: Manziel, Clowney and 20 impact rookies for 2014

By Patrick Schmidt

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates after making a sack during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates after making a sack during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) is defended by Atlanta Falcons tackle Sam Baker (72) as Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) drops back to pass at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) is defended by Atlanta Falcons tackle Sam Baker (72) as Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) drops back to pass at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookies can be the difference between a team finishing 6-10 or finishing 10-6 and playing in the postseason. This year’s rookie class will be no different as I have identified 20 players from the 2014 NFL Draft that will have a big impact on their teams and on the NFC and AFC playoff picture.

With the likes of Jadeveon Clowney, Sammy Watkins and Johnny Manziel dominating the coverage before, during and after the draft this year’s class may be the best group of talent to enter the league since the 2011 class.

That year saw the likes of J.J. Watt, Cam Newton, Von Miller, Richard Sherman, Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Robert Quinn and Justin Houston make an instant impact on their teams and influence the playoff picture and now they are among the very best at their positions in the NFL.

Can Clowney live up to the hype? Will Manziel even be the best rookie quarterback? Can Watkins overcome a shaky quarterback situation in Buffalo?

Without further ado, here are the top 20 rookies I believe will make the biggest impact in the 2014 NFL season.

After reading through the list, please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below with who you believe I have ranked too high or too low and who you believe should be ranked among the top 20.

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