by Adam Schein

We know the pressure is on QBs Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez in Detroit and New York respectively — quarterbacks are always under the spotlight. That said, neither young gun is expected to be a Pro Bowl field general in Year One.

Let's examine some other first-rounders and under-the-radar names who will feel similar pressure based upon expectations.

1. Evander "Ziggy" Hood, Steelers DT

This pick underwhelmed me. And when I talk about pressure, it's about Hood playing well for Pittsburgh and whom the Steelers passed up to take the Missouri tackle.

Perhaps, the Steelers fell in love with their own offensive line based upon how they played in the playoffs instead of looking at the season in total. I would have picked an offensive lineman, like Max Unger, Eben Britton or Phil Loadholt. It was too logical. I would have also considered Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis to replace Larry Foote, whom was cut by the Steelers this week. Laurinaitis thought Pittsburgh would pluck him. There also were cornerbacks available that I thought were better pro prospects than Hood.

Some scouts questioned his consistency and his motor. Others wondered if he was actually the third-best defensive tackle (B.J. Raji and Peria Jerry went off the board first) in the draft and deserved to be picked in the first round. I would have rated him the fifth-best defensive tackle and considered "Ziggy" a second-round pick.

Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert told us at the combine in February that he would draft a Day One defensive lineman only if he was convinced he could play right away. I am not convinced. It's rare that Pittsburgh makes mistakes. This is one to follow, especially if the offensive line plays like it did during the regular season. But I am betting on some regret with this pick.

2. Kenny Britt, Titans WR

Every year we guarantee that the Titans will pick a first-round receiver. And every year, we are wrong.

Thank you, Kenny Britt.

Jeff Fisher told us on Sirius NFL Radio that he had Britt ranked where we did, third among receivers. And Fisher agrees that Britt is ready-made to step in and produce.

I think Britt's skill-set mirrors Terrell Owens (as a receiver, that is).

But Tennessee didn't do anything in free agency at wideout and struck out in Cecil Fielder fashion by missing on Torry Holt, who joined the rival Jaguars.

Most rookie receivers ease into their first season. Tennessee might just need Britt to play at a Rookie of the Year clip to aid Kerry Collins in the passing attack and fill a gaping void. For the record, I think he gets it done as a rookie. He was a star at Rutgers. Britt was smart enough to work with Rod Smith in the months before the draft. In talking to Smith this week, he raved about Britt's work ethic, hands and route running. That's good enough for me, but the pressure's most definitely on.

3. Brian Cushing, Texans LB

Right after the draft, Texans owner Bob McNair told the Houston Chronicle that he fully expects to make the playoffs.

Now, Houston is dangerously close to getting over the hump, with a roster that features legit megastars-in-waiting WR Andre Johnson, LB DeMeco Ryans and DE Mario Williams. And the Texans were scorching hot down the stretch of the season.

But Cushing is being counted on to be the difference-maker. Known as a pure tackler coming from football factory USC, there is zero margin for error. I think Cushing will be a solid player. But I am not sure if he or second-round pick Connor Barwin, playing defensive end in the 4-3, will be the catalysts to get Houston into the playoffs.

4. Juaquin Iglesias, Bears WR

Jay Cutler is on board. But does he have the necessary targets in the passing attack? That's the burning question in Chicago.

Enter Iglesias, a third-round pick who had a second-round grade. In chatting up Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner on Sirius NFL Radio, he expects Iglesias to come in and make a difference, even as a Day 2 selection. And why not? Iglesias was a three-year starter in a big-time program at Oklahoma. He also has great hands and good speed. But his pre-draft resume won't help him escape the boo birds if he doesn't produce against the Vikings and Packers. I think Iglesias will make clutch catches and haul in around 60 passes this year.

5. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Cardinals RB

Quarterback Kurt Warner says he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from hip surgery. He is also close to his 76th birthday.

Look — Warner and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald are going to need some help and balance throughout the season. Ken Whisenhunt got it from his running attack in the playoffs last season, but to ensure a return trip it must happen for all 16 regular-season games.

Wells replaces Edgerrin James. It means he will be fed the ball early and often, teaming with Tim Hightower in the 'Zona offensive backfield.

Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm would like to establish attitude by running the football and Wells must produce early.

Plus, Wells needs to quiet the skeptics about his toughness and durability. It was a major knock on him during the draft process. I thought he was highly productive in college. I think Wells, who played in so many big games at Ohio State, delivers with the spotlight on him.

6. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders WR

It was almost possible that the Raiders' reach in Round 1 flew under the radar when Oakland stunned the world by picking someone named Michael Mitchell in Round 2.

Key word — almost.

Don't let the bizarre reach for a potential undrafted free agent fool you. Heyward-Bey, you could argue, was the goofier pick.

Seriously.

Oakland's receiver core is paper thin. It begged for Michael Crabtree. You say the Raiders like speed guys? Then pick Jeremy Maclin. How do you rate Heyward-Bey ahead of offensive tackle Eugene Monroe? Or Raji on the defensive side?

JaMarcus Russell can chuck it. Heyward-Bey can fly. The Raiders expect him to be Steve Smith. I think he's more Troy Williamson. That's failing under pressure.

7. Fili Moala, Colts DT

Everyone, including me, loved Bill Polian's first-round pick of Donald Brown. But the running back can't play defense.

Moala, in my opinion, was a perfect pickup. But in an offseason that screamed for change in the front seven, starting with defensive tackle, Moala will be counted on to be a semi-savior, fair or unfair.

8. Aaron Maybin, Bills DE

I thought Buffalo made an excellent pick, tabbing the Penn State pass rusher as the 11th overall pick. But there were skeptics who screamed that Brian Orakpo was the better player at the position and left tackle (Michael Oher was still on the board) was the bigger need.

It's a pressure-packed season in Buffalo. Dick Jauron, Trent Edwards, Marshawn Lynch and others all have pressure on them for a variety of reasons. And then there's Terrell Owens. The Buffalo pass rush was at times nonexistent last season. Based upon where he was drafted, whom he was taken in front of and what he was drafted to do, Maybin must deliver early. He can and he will.

9. Alfonso Smith, Broncos CB

This just isn't fair. Smith is a very good talent. And he should be a good fit in Denver playing for Mike Nolan. And Smith gushed about his meeting with Nolan and how he can't wait to play for him when we talked after Denver nabbed him in Round 2.

But Smith isn't your ordinary second-round cornerback.

He must play like a first-rounder, since Denver dealt a first-round pick to Seattle to acquire him.

I like Smith. He will likely start soon for Denver. He was a very good player at Wake Forest.

But is a top-10 talent in next year's draft? That's where I believe Denver will pick. I don't see how Smith lives up to that.

Adam Schein has joined the Twitter craze at twitter.com/AdamSchein.