Breakout Players

[Antec]

I thought it would be fun to predict the breakout player on your team. It'd be nice to have some names to keep an eye on.

I'm talking about the Cedric Benson or Sidney Rice or Miles Austin of 2010. They don't have to be stars and pro bowl quality like those examples but just exceeding their expectations.

It has to be someone that hasn't lived up to the hype or has been constantly injured or just hasn't performed in the NFL yet. I don't want to see rookies.

My pick for the Patriots is Shawn Crable. He's an OLB with good size who was drafted in the 3rd round in 08. He still hasn't played in a regular season game due to injuries. I think with 3-years learning the Patriots system that he might finally be ready to shine.

I think this is the make or break year for him.

[Cyros]

It better be Darren McFadden.

[da ThRONe]

JaMarcus Russell!

Seriously Jo-Lonn Dunbar LB's for the Saints. With Fujita gone he should get his chance.

[CW McGraw]

Cameron Wake. He was arguably our most effective pass rusher last year and now with Porter and Taylor gone should be starting. Mike Nolan's defense made a player with a very similar skill set Elvis Dumerviille into a Pro Bowler. I think Wake should be getting double digit sacks this year.

[splff3000]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cyros

It better be Darren McFadden.

I second this. JaMarcus is gone now, so he's next on the bust radar.

On the defensive side, don't be surprised to see Michael Huff's name a lot this year. He finally started making plays for us last year. He was a little inconsistent though. If he can be more consistent this year, I think he can at least be mentioned in the same sentence as pro bowl.

You might hear Trevor Scott's name more than a few times as well. It seems like the Raiders are gonna try a couple of formations that look like a 5-2 and a 6-1???? 1 with Brayton on the line with the other 4 D-linemen and 1 with the 4 defensive linemen with 2 DE's playing outside LB. That didn't work too well with Brayton back there, but Scott is more athletic than Brayton. We'll see how it turns out. It could be really good or really bad for us. Either way, as long as Scott is rushing the QB and not in pass coverage, he has a good chance at making a big play.

[Kruza]

Cliff Avril. He has to show something this year now that major upgrades have been made all over the defensive line.

Kruza

[jeremym480]

I think Early Doucet could have a monster year now that Bouldin is gone. Well as long as Leinart can get him the ball anyway.

[splff3000]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeremym480

I think Early Doucet could have a monster year now that Bouldin is gone. Well as long as Leinart can get him the ball anyway.

Yep, the next Steve Breaston IMO.