Fbkid's Breakout Players: Defensive Backs

Last year Cortland Finnegan and Darrelle Revis emerged as all pro caliber corners and should be Pro Bowl frequenters for years to come. Just like the linemen up front, defensive backs are becoming even more important as the quality of the passing game around the league increases. Here are some defensive backs that I think will breakout this year.


Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Cardinals: Rodgers-Cromartie showed tons of potential in his first season. He has excellent range and speed along with very good instincts. If Rodgers-Cromartie continues to improve on his performance he should be a Pro Bowl caliber corner for years to come.

Leodis McKelvin Bills: When quarterbacks go up against the Bills, they are going to have to pick their poison. The Bills have one of the league's most underrated and fastest cornerback tandems in McKelvin alongside Terrance McGee. McKelvin got better as the year went on and should continue to improve on his rookie performance. Don't be surprised if he makes the Pro Bowl in the next year or two.

Brandon Flowers Chiefs: Coming out of Virginia Tech, some scouts were doubting how Flowers could transition to the pro game. He is off to a good start in proving them wrong. Flowers was one of the bright spots on a defense that struggled last year and along with Brandon Carr forms one of the league's up and coming cornerback tandems.

Aqib Talib Buccaneers: Talib only started two games in his rookie season, but he was very impressive recording four interceptions and showing a never back down attitude that teams want to see in corners. With the departure of Phillip Buchanon, Talib will be starting opposite Ronde Barber and should learn many tips that could help develop into one of the top young corners in the game.

Leon Hall Bengals: The Bengals defense is improving and Hall is one of the main reasons. Hall and Johnathan Joseph are a very good pair of corners who are both very good in coverage and have good instincts. Hall is also a very good tackler and if the Bengals show that they are a sleeper team, he should start getting the attention he deserves.

Brandon Meriweather Patriots: Meriweather had a huge impact in his second season recording 83 tackles along with four interceptions and two sacks. Now that Rodney Harrison is retired, Meriweather can now take over the starting role and show what he has learned from one of the best to ever play the position. The Patriots defense is mainly consisted of older players so when they start going for a youth movement, look for Meriweather and Jerod Mayo to be two of the building blocks.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Linebackers

Last year linebackers such as LaMarr Woodley and D'Qwell Jackson emerged as some of the better young linebackers in the league. Woodley was one of the key components of a strong Steelers defense that went on to win the Super Bowl while Jackson had an excellent year and was one of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs. Here are some linebackers that I think will breakout this year.


Lawrence Timmons Steelers: Like his teammate Woodley last year, Timmons has the chance to really breakout into the national spotlight. He only started two games last year and was very effective with 65 tackles and five sacks. Timmons should start this season after the departure of Larry Foote and it wouldn't be surprising if he had double digit sacks on the year.

Keith Rivers Bengals: Rivers is best known for being the receipent of a Hines Ward block that broke his jaw but if it didn't happen, there is a very good chance he could have won rookie of the year. Rivers has great range and is very instinctive and should be one of the building blocks for a Bengals defense that is silently becoming a very good unit.

Anthony Spencer Cowboys: With the departure of Greg Ellis, Spencer now gets to show everybody why the Cowboys took him with a first round pick in 2007. He is very fast off the edge and has learned a lot playing alongside the vetran Ellis. Don't be surprised if he has a season similar to what Woodley did last year.

Tavares Gooden Ravens: Gooden only played in four games last season before suffering a season ending injury, but he now has an excellent opportunity. He has the opportunity to start alongside another former Miami Hurricane who will go down as one of the all time greats in Ray Lewis. Along side Lewis, Gooden should really learn many key tips in how to succeed at the position in the NFL. In other words, this could only be the beginning for him.

Omar Gaither Eagles: Last year Gaither played outside linebacker and was solid with 59 tackles and 2.5 sacks in ten starts. He will now move to the middle as Stewart Bradley suffered a season ending injury and has the opportunity to show everybody his talents. The departure of Bradley for the Eagles defense is a huge one and if Gaither can fill in without any problems, the Eagles have the potential to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Defensive Linemen

Last year defensive linemen such as Jay Ratliff and Mathias Kiwanuka emerged and showed that they could be disruptive forces up front. As the league continues to become more passing oriented, it is very important to get young talent to rush the quarterback. Here are some defensive linemen that I think could breakout this year.


Derrick Harvey Jaguars: Due to the long holdout through training camp, Harvey didn't get to show all of his talent in his rookie season. He showed lots of potential but it was very hard to makeup all of the lost practice time. Harvey now has a year of the playbook under his belt and will be depended on to give the Jaguars a consistent pass rusher off the edge. Don't be surprised if he has around 8 sacks this year.

Chris Long Rams: Long played well in his rookie season but should make great strides under Steve Spagnuolo this year. Spagnuolo during his time as defensive coordinator for the Giants was surrounded by great pass rushers such as Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Look for this to only be the beginning for Long as he will become one of the premiere defensive ends in the league.

Cliff Avril Lions: The Lions defense wasn't very good last year, but Avril's second half performance was a bright spot. In his last six games, Avril had four of his five sacks and showed some of his potential. He is very fast off the edge and should be one of the building blocks as the Lions defense improves.

Jason Jones Titans: After drawing heavy criticism after being drafted in the second round, Jones is showing how he could prove them all wrong. He will be needed to fill the very large shoes that Albert Haynesworth left as the Titans are a team that is dedicated to stopping the run. Jones showed that he can also rush the passer and could become one of the league's better young player's upfront.

Sedrick Ellis Saints: Ellis showed lots of potential in his rookie year and is one of the key component's on an improving Saints defense. He has a very big frame and showed that he can stop the run and rush the passer. Now that Ellis is fully healthy from his arthroscopic surgery, look for him to emerge into one of the top run stoppers in the league.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Tight Ends

Last year tight ends such as Vishante Shiancoe and Anthony Fasano broke out and became key targets in the passing game. Both Shiancoe and Fasano emerged on teams that weren't very deep at receiver and should continue to contribute. Here are some tight ends that I think will breakout this year.

John Carlson Seahawks: Carlson had a very impressive rookie season recording 627 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers should improve this year as the Seahawks receiving corps is finally healthy and got stronger with the addition of TJ Houshmandzadeh. Don't be surprised if Carlson has around 800 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

Greg Olsen Bears: Olsen was on my breakout list last season, but he should truly breakout in his third season. He now has a reliable quarterback who can get him the ball in Jay Cutler and the Bears don't have many receivers who will take opportunities away from him. It wouldn't be surprising if Olsen made his first Pro Bowl appearence this season.

Brent Celek Eagles: Celek showed flashes of potential last season catching ten passes along with two touchdowns in the NFC Championship. Now that LJ Smith is gone, Celek will be the starter and could have a very big impact. He is a large target with soft hands who will become one of Donovan McNabb's favorite weapons in the red zone.

Dustin Keller Jets: By the end of last year, Keller started showing the potential that could make him a great tight end. Regardless of who starts between Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez, a young quarterback will be throwing him the ball and Keller is an excellent safety option. Keller is already one of the better young tight ends in the game and it wouldn't be surprising if he goes to the Pro Bowl this year.

Kevin Boss Giants: Coming out of a school such as Western Oregon, not many fans know who Boss is. That's about to change this year. Even though the receiving corps was addressed this offseason through the draft, the position is still very weak going into the year. As hard as it is to believe, Boss led the team with six touchdown catches last season. Boss should get even more looks this year and will be Eli Manning's primary target until somebody else steps up.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Wide Receivers

Last year, receivers such as Antonio Bryant, Lance Moore and Steve Breaston all had breakout seasons. Bryant stepped onto the national scene after he didn't even play football in the 2007 season while Moore and Breaston both came out of the shadows for high passing attacks. Here are some receivers who I think will breakout this year.


Donnie Avery Rams: Last year was a very rough one for the Rams but Avery was one of the bright spots. Avery showed during the later part of the season that he could emerge into one of the league's premiere deep threats. Now that Torry Holt is gone, Avery should be the number one receiver and considering the Rams will be playing from behind most of the time, he should put up numbers.

Earl Bennett Bears: Bennett didn't play much in his rookie season, but being reunited with his old college quarterback Jay Cutler has reason for optimism. Bennett and Cutler only played together for one season at Vanderbilt, but they hooked up for 876 yards and nine touchdowns. Considering the lack of depth the Bears have at receiver, it wouldn't be surprising if Bennett emerges as a reliable receiver opposite Devin Hester.

DeSean Jackson Eagles: Jackson had a very solid rookie campaign recording over 900 yards but he sould be an even bigger threat this year. Jackson now has a year under his belt with the offense and with the Eagles looking to throw the ball more, look for Jackson to emerge as a number one receiver. Don't be surprised if he has more then 1200 yards this year.

Mike Walker Jaguars: I am very high on Walker as he was on this list last year as well. If it weren't for injuries and other setbacks there is a very good chance that Walker could have had his breakout season last year. Now Walker should be the starting receiver opposite Torry Holt and doesn't have anyone in his way. Look for Walker's string of bad luck to end and start to emerge in his third season.

Mark Clayton Ravens: Up until last year, the Ravens had really struggled with the passing attack and Clayton showed signs he could be a vertical threat. One play that really stands out is his one handed catch against the Bengals where he went 70 yards for a touchdown. Now that Derrick Mason has retired, look for Clayton to become Joe Flacco's number one target and surpass 1000 yards for the first time in his career.

Chris Henry Bengals: Henry is best known for his trouble making antics, but he has turned the corner and is now ready to become a big time playmaker. He is currently getting rave reviews from everyone in the Bengals organization and is even being called "Randy Moss Jr" by Carson Palmer. With the loss of TJ Houshmandzadeh, look for Henry to possibly develop into the number two receiver and have a career year.

Nate Washington Titans: Washington never got to show his big play potential as a starter with the Steelers and now with the Titans, should get more balls thrown his way then ever. Even though the Titans will focus on running the ball, they will open up for play action and let Washington lose. Don't be surprised if he has over 800 yards and 6 touchdowns this season.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Running Backs

Running back is a position where players breakout every year. Last year backs such as Michael Turner, Pierre Thomas and Derrick Ward brokeout and became names that were known by the common fan. Here are my predictions for running backs who will breakout this year and possibly make their first Pro Bowl.

Felix Jones Cowboys: Before his season ending injury, Jones showed the potential that could make him one of the game's most explosive backs. Now that Jones is healthy and the lack of depth in the Cowboys receiving corps, look for Jones to get lots of carries this year and considering that he will be doing kickoffs as well don't be surprised if he has over 2000 total yards.


Kevin Smith Lions: Smith had a very good rookie season but the thing that sticks out the most is that as the season went on and he earned more carries, he played better. Even though he played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Smith still managed to have 938 yards and 8 touchdowns. Regardless of who starts at quarterback between Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper, Smith should face less eight man fronts and improve on his rookie totals. Don't be surprised if he runs for over 1100 yards this year.


Ray Rice Ravens: Even though the Ravens have Willis McGahee, there is a very good chance that Rice will be the starting running back when the season starts. Rice has fresh legs and proved during his time at Rutgers that he is a very durable back. Now that Derrick Mason has retired, the Ravens will be looking to run more on offense and Rice who is also a good receiver out of the backfield, should get the majority of those carries. It wouldn't be surprising if Rice runs for over 1,000 yards this year.

Jerious Norwood Falcons: Considering he averages 5.8 yards a carry for his career, it's hard to believe the Falcons don't get Norwood the ball more. Even though the Falcons have Michael Turner ahead of Norwood, he should get lots of playing time this year. Turner had over 370 carries last year and most backs who have that heavy a workload either decline or get hurt the next year. Just ask Shaun Alexander or Larry Johnson. Considering that, Norwood should get plenty of opportunities this year and if he is as impressive as he has been with his chances so far, he should be fun to watch.

Jamaal Charles Chiefs: Charles is in a situation very similar to Norwood's. Both are very explosive and should get a lot of playing time this year as they are both behind backs who have had heavy workloads. In Charles' case, it is Larry Johnson who while he has still been productive, hasn't been the same since his 2006 season where he had 416 carries. With Todd Haley coming in as the new coach, the Chiefs will also be looking to pass the ball more and Charles is a better receiver out of the backfield. While Charles won't get tons of touches, don't be surprised if he breaks some highlight reel runs and has over 1000 total yards.

Fred Jackson Bills: Most fans don't know who Jackson is, but he is one of the league's best kept secrets. He is one of the best backup running backs in the league and is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. Due to Marshawn Lynch's three game suspension to start the season, Jackson should get lots of carries and will be able to showcase his skills in a starter's role. While the starting gig won't last the whole season, look for Jackson to still get 10-12 touches a game even when he resorts back to being Lynch's backup.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Cornerbacks and Safeties

As the NFL becomes more pass oriented, cornerbacks and safeties have even bigger impacts on games. Without solid corners, teams don't stand a chance against a team with a high powered offense while safeties have to defend the pass and are critical in run support. All of the players on this list will make big impacts on their respective teams and could possibly be considered among the leagues elite by the end of this year.


Cornerback:



Eric Wright Browns: Wright had a very good rookie year as he had 76 tackles and one interception. By the end of the year, he was playing like a Pro Bowl caliber corner as teams were avoiding his side of the field. Look for Wright to continue his progress this year and possibly make his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

Fred Bennett Texans: With injuries in the secondary, Bennett came in and started as a rookie and showed that he has the potential to be one of the best corners in the league. Bennett only started 8 games but ended up with 62 tackles 2 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. Look for him to have an even bigger impact this season.

Darrelle Revis Jets: Out of all the corners on the list, Revis has the best chance to be a premier corner for years to come. He showed great coverage skills as a rookie and ended up with 87 tackles and 3 interceptions. With that kind of play, Revis has a great chance of making the Pro Bowl in his second season.

Johnathan Joseph Bengals: In his second season, Joseph had 62 tackles and 4 interceptions. Joseph has the potential to be a very good corner as he has good size and excellent speed. As Leon Hall develops, look for Joseph to have an even bigger impact this year as he and Hall have the potential to be a great cornerback tandem in a couple years.


Cortland Finnegan Titans: Finnegan was very impressive in his second season as he had 95 tackles along with one interception. He was very impressive as he shut down many of the leagues top receivers last year. Look for him to develop into one of the leagues top corners this year.

Safeties:

Antrel Rolle Cardinals: Rolle may have had 5 interceptions last year, but lots of people around the league say he didn't have the mechanics to play corner. So Rolle now moves to safety where he and Adrian Wilson are both rangy play makers who will strike fear into opposing offenses.

LaRon Landry Redskins: Landry had a very good rookie year as he had 95 tackles and showed that he can be one of the best safties in the game. Look for him to have an even better second season as he will have more opportunities with the Redskins improved pass rush.

Chris Harris Panthers: Everyone around the league knows who Harris is the only reason he is on the list is because, the majority of fans don't. Harris last year had 95 tackles and forced an incredible 8 fumbles. He also had 1 interception. Look for him to have another great season this year and if he puts up those kind of numbers, he should be headed for the Pro Bowl.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Linebackers

Linebackers are the heart and soul of many defenses and can change the course of games. Whether it's a tackle that prevents a first down, a pass deflection or a forced fumble, linebackers can make their presence felt in many ways. The players on this list have the potential to do all of those things.

LaMarr Woodley Steelers: Woodley didn't start a game in his rookie season but still managed to get 4 sacks. Now that Clark Haggans left for the Cardinals. Woodley has his chance to start for the Steelers and show why he has the upside to be one of the best pass rushers in the league. Woodley has the potential and opportunity to put up a Pro Bowl season in his first full year as a starter.

Ernie Sims Lions: Sims has already established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league as he has 258 tackles in his first two seasons. So why is Sims on this list? That's because he plays for the Lions. Other than Thanksgiving day, football fans around the country don't get to watch Sims and they are missing out. He has already shown what he is capable of and is similar to a young Derrick Brooks. Another good season and Sims should be headed to Hawaii for his first Pro Bowl.

Jon Beason Panthers: If not for Patrick Willis, Beason would have been talked about for his incredible rookie season. Beason had 140 tackles and 1 interception. He is in a similar boat as Sims as the Panthers don't get much national attention either. But if Beason keeps putting up numbers like that, it will be hard for most football fans to not pay attention.

David Harris Jets: As a rookie, Harris only started 9 games. But he was a tackling machine as he had 127 on the year. Harris also had 5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. With a full year starting, Harris could prove to be one of the best young linebackers in the league.

Paul Posluszny Bills: If Posluszny didn't have a season ending arm injury in week 3, he would be in the same discussion as Willis and Beason. In 3 games, he had 26 tackles which would have put him on pace for 139 tackles. Now Posluszny is healthy and with the Bills poised to make the playoffs, Posluszny has the chance to become a star in his second year.

D'Qwell Jackson Browns: In his second season,Jackson showed flashes of his potential as he had 101 tackles, 1 sack and an interception. But because he plays for the Browns, nobody knows who he is yet. That should change this year as the Browns have 5 prime time games this season and with the additions of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams up front, Jackson could be even better this year.

Thomas Howard Raiders: Howard has all the makings to turn into a star in his 3rd season. He had 95 tackles last year and is one of the best linebackers in the league in pass coverage as he had 6 interceptions. With his 4.4 speed, Howard ended up taking two of those for touchdowns. With the Raiders improved defense, look for Howard to make his first Pro Bowl appearance in the near future.

Justin Durant Jaguars: When Mike Peterson went down with an injury, the unknown Durant stepped in as a rookie and had 49 tackles and 1 interception. The most impressive part was how in his first playoff game against the Steelers, he stepped in and had 12 tackles. With Peterson returning to the middle, Durant will most likely move to the outside where he can utilize his speed and has the opportunity to be a game changing linebacker for years to come.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Defensive Linemen

On many occasions a defensive lineman could have a huge effect on the outcome of the game. If the ends get a pass rush on the quarterback, it will slow down the passing game and if the tackles do their job and stop the run, your team has a good chance at winning. Breakout defensive linemen such as Mario Williams and Albert Haynesworth had huge impacts on their teams last year. Here are some players who I think are capable of doing that this year.

Gaines Adams Buccaneers: Adams had a solid rookie year as he had 38 tackles and 6 sacks but at the end of the year, he showed why he was a top 5 pick in the draft. Adams started to get off the edge faster and learned how to use his great size and speed to create mismatches for his opponents. If Adams continues to improve, he could be in for a trip to Hawaii in the near future. Don't be surprised if Adams gets at least 10 sacks this year.

Ray Edwards Vikings: Edwards has the skill set to be a dominant defensive end in the league. He is 6'5 268 pounds and has 4.8 speed. Last year Edwards had 5 sacks but now with Jared Allen across from him and Kenechi Udeze out for the year, Edwards has a chance to shine. Don't be surprised if Edwards gets at least 10 sacks.

Brodrick Bunkley Eagles: Bunkley started to show in his second year why he was worthy of a 1st round pick in 2006. He has incredible strength and the size to clog up the middle of the line. Bunkley has lost some weight this offseason and with the additions on the Eagles defense of Chris Clemons and Asante Samuel, Bunkley could develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player very soon.

Jovan Haye Buccaneers: In his first year starting, Haye was very impressive as he had 68 tackles and 6 sacks. With the development of Adams and the core of the Bucs defense intact, there is no reason to doubt that Haye could have an even better season in 2008.

Marcus Thomas Broncos: If not for legal troubles, Thomas would have been a first round pick in 2007. Instead he fell to the Broncos in the 4th round and if he lives up to the first round hype, the Broncos will be very happy. Thomas impressed at times last year as he had 19 tackles and a sack in 5 starts. Thomas should show lots of flashes of stardom this year, but look for him to really breakout in 2009.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Each year, receiver is a position where many players breakout. People around the league think that the 3rd year is the breakout year for a receiver and the theory was proven true last year as players like Roddy White and Braylon Edwards had great seasons. Edwards even made it to the Pro Bowl as he had 16 touchdowns. Tight Ends are harder to predict but every year, somebody like Donald Lee burst on to the scene and has a big impact in the passing game.



Wide Receiver:


Calvin Johnson Lions: Johnson had a solid rookie year as he had 756 yards and 4 touchdowns. But compared to his hype coming in, that was a disappointment. Johnson has great size at 6'5 and with 4.3 speed and a 40' inch vertical, many people thought he would come right in and be an elite receiver. Johnson was bothered by a back injury last year which slowed him down so now that he is healthy and the Lions will be running a more balanced attack, don't be surprised if he has more than 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns.


Sidney Rice Vikings: Rice had a solid rookie season as he had 396 yards and 4 touchdowns. Now he has added 8 pounds of muscle this offseason and with his 6'4 frame, it was important for him to fill out. Now with Bernard Berrian on the other side, Rice will have single coverage on smaller corners and become one of the best red zone targets in the league.


Santonio Holmes Steelers: Holmes had a very good sophomore campaign as he averaged over 18 yards a catch and had 8 touchdowns. But he should be even better this year as he has a great connection with Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward is starting to decline. Don't be surprised if Holmes gets at least 1200 yards this year and makes the Pro Bowl.


Mike Walker Jaguars: I was very high on Walker last year until the Jaguars put him on injured reserve. Now he is fully healthy and with Jerry Porter missing preseason, Walker might come in to training camp as the Jaguars number one receiver. Don't be surprised if Walker becomes one of the better players from the receiver heavy 2007 draft class.


Anthony Gonzalez Colts: Gonzalez had a solid rookie season as he had 576 yards and 3 touchdowns. But with Marvin Harrison declining and his health a factor, Gonzalez could be starting for one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Gonzalez probably won't become a number one receiver but he has the potential to be an elite number two. Don't be surprised if he gets around 1000 yards and 6 touchdowns this year.


Chansi Stuckey Jets: Like Walker, Stuckey was placed on injured reserve for his whole rookie season. Stuckey though could come in this year and right away be the slot receiver for the Jets and with his speed, gives them another deep threat. With the quarterback situation still unsettled, Stuckey should show glimpses this year but should really start hitting his stride in 2009.



Tight End:


Ben Utecht Bengals: Utecht is a pass catching tight end and he now gives Carson Palmer a dimension he has never had during his time in Cincinnati. Utecht has great size at 6'6 and has experience in pass oriented offenses as he was previously with the Colts. Utecht could end up with around 55 catches and 5 touchdowns in his first year with the Bengals.


Marcedes Lewis Jaguars: Lewis has great size and soft hands and with the Jaguars low risk passing attack could have a career year in his 3rd season. Last year Lewis had 391 yards and 2 touchdowns. Don't be surprised if that touchdown total at least doubles this year.


Zach Miller Raiders: Miller had a very good rookie year as he caught 44 passes and 3 touchdowns. Miller has a growing connection with JaMarcus Russell and if Javon Walker isn't fully healthy, could have a big year. Don't be surprised if Miller catches at least 60 passes this year.


Brent Celek Eagles: Celek may have only caught 16 passes last year, but he showed lots of potential at the end of the year and with his great size and L.J. Smith's injury history, Celek could get a very good chance to start and could put up big numbers.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Quarterbacks and Running Backs

Each year in the NFL, many players break out. Some come out of nowhere like Ryan Grant and some were good but just got better like Braylon Edwards. Either way, both occur commonly and some of these players could end up making it to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl when the seasons over. I'm going to do my breakout players by day at different positions. Today its quarterback and running back where players like Derek Anderson and Grant could affect a whole team's season.


Quarterback:


Jay Cutler Broncos: Cutler may have thrown 20 touchdowns last year, but he is only reaching his potential. The Broncos acquired some new targets for Cutler in Keary Colbert and Darrell Jackson and if Brandon Marshall is suspended, it will soften the blow. Plus he always has Tony Scheffler to throw the ball to and he is on the verge of becoming an elite tight end. Don't be surprised if Cutler throws 30 touchdowns this year.


Trent Edwards Bills: Edwards was solid as a rookie last year as he was a very good game manager and ended up throwing 7 touchdowns. Now that he has a full year of the offense under his belt along with a 6'6 red zone threat in James Hardy, don't be surprised if Edwards throws 20 touchdowns this year.


Drew Stanton Lions: Many people forgot about Stanton last year as he went on injured reserve with a knee injury during preseason. But he is a name you want to remember this year. If the Lions struggle out of the gate, Stanton should see some playing time and with the targets he has in Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, he could put up some big numbers. That and the fact the Lions usually play from behind, it wouldn't be surprising if Stanton threw at least 15 touchdowns.


JaMarcus Russell Raiders: The Raiders got some new weapons on offense this offseason and nobody benefits more than Russell. Russell now has a year of learning the offense and has a good group of receivers led by Javon Walker and Ronald Curry. When the Raiders start pulling it together later on in the season, people will be talking about how well Russell is performing and how he could lead them to the playoffs in 2009.


Troy Smith Ravens: If you've read my previous posts, you can see that I am very high on Smith and think he should be the starter in Baltimore. He was solid in limited playing time last year and could thrive under new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron as he will take pressure off of him by getting a ground game going. Joe Flacco might be the long term answer for the Ravens, but don't be surprised if Smith shines when he gets his chance.


Tyler Thigpen Chiefs: When most people see this, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Who?" but Thigpen could have a big impact this season. Thigpen has already impressed the Chiefs as he passed Damon Huard for 2nd on the depth chart entering training camp. Thigpen has a strong arm, good mechanics and 4.7 speed which is solid for a quarterback. He's only a few bad games from Brodie Croyle from starting and if Croyle plays anything like last year, Thigpen could be playing quickly.



Running Back:


Marshawn Lynch Bills: In his rookie season, Lynch ended up with over 1100 rushing yards to go along with 7 touchdowns. The scary part is, he missed 3 games. If Lynch played the whole season, Adrian Peterson might not have ended up with the rookie of the year award. Lynch's sophomore campaign should be even better as he now has a year of the offense under his belt and it doesn't hurt that he plays the Dolphins and Jets a combined 4 times. By the end of this year, Lynch could be mentioned in the same breath as the elite running backs in the league.


Selvin Young Broncos: With Travis Henry gone, Young is now the starting back for one of the best rushing attacks in the league. He had a solid rookie year averaging over 5 yards a carry for 729 yards. WIth all of that in mind, Young looks like he's ready to put up big rushing numbers in typical Broncos fashion. Don't be surprised if he has over 1300 rushing yards this year.


LenDale White Titans: Many people bash White for his weight, but last year he had a career best 1110 yards in the starting role with 7 touchdowns. But if those numbers sound impressive, get this, he played all of last season on a torn meniscus. Now with Chris Johnson in the backfield to help carry the load, White could be even more productive this season. 1200 yards and double digit touchdowns isn't out of the question.


Pierre Thomas Saints: When people think of Thomas, two questions come to mind. First, who names their son Pierre and the other is who is this guy? Well, I can only answer one of those questions but it should help. When Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush both went down with injuries, Thomas had his first career start in week 17 against the Bears where he had both 100 rushing and receiving yards. He is a north south runner and a good receiver. So basically he is what you get when you combine McAllister and Bush. With McAllister and Bush's health issues, Thomas could get some starts for the Saints this year and it wouldn't be surprising if he had over 1000 all purpose yards.