Every NFL Team's Potential Secret Weapon for the 2016 Season
In this time of 24/7 observation in sports, is there really a secret weapon in regards to personnel in the NFL?
It all depends on the definition. How about a new face with a team—be it a veteran addition or a rookie? Could it be a performer ready to fill in immediately when called upon at a moment’s notice, or someone that has bided his time as a backup? Might it be a player buried deep on the depth chart that the coaches are anxious to unleash at the right time?
The answer to all three of these questions is a definite yes. Here are the choices for all 32 clubs. Some of these pros are more well-known than others. Nonetheless, each has the potential to give their respective teams a much-needed boost at the proper moment.
Arizona Cardinals: RB Kerwynn Williams
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Some would argue that the Arizona Cardinals running back combination of 24-year-old David Johnson and 30-year-old Chris Johnson is the best one-two punch in the league.
But in this day of backfields by committee, it takes more than just a talented tandem to get the job done. The Cards have their share of experienced reserves in Andre Ellington (a former starter), Stepfan Taylor and Kerwynn Williams.
It’s the latter name on the list who has proven to be very effective every time he’s gotten the opportunity to play. In 11 games with the team, the soon-to-be 25-year-old pro (June 9) has run for 388 yards and a score on just 80 carries and a healthy 4.9 yards per carry. He could be the fresh legs the team needs down the stretch and even in the playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons: DE Derrick Shelby
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Atlanta Falcons fans are probably tired of hearing about the team’s lack of a pass rush.
The facts are the facts. The club finished dead last in the NFL with 19 sacks. Dating back to 2013, Atlanta’s 73 quarterback traps are 20 fewer than the teams (San Diego and Dallas) with the second-worst totals in the league.
In March, head coach Dan Quinn liked what he saw in one of the club’s free-agent additions, courtesy of Vaughn McClure of ESPN.
"Derrick Shelby has real good versatility to play defensive tackle in our nickel package, defensive end. I see Derrick’s role as really increasing as a pass-rusher, especially on the inside. We’re going to play him both at end in our base package and tackle in our nickel package. Love his quickness for a guy who is 280 pounds. The length, I think he’s just right in the middle. So, I’m looking forward to working with him, physically, as a rusher.
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With 2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley, the team leader with four sacks in 2015, moving from left defensive end to outside linebacker, there’s even more need for someone to provide a push up front. Shelby’s nine sacks the past three seasons with the Miami Dolphins isn't exactly awe-inspiring. But Quinn’s ability to move the defender around will pay dividends.
Baltimore Ravens: TE Dennis Pitta
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Last spring, Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome used a second-round pick on University of Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams.
This offseason, the club added 35-year-old Benjamin Watson via free agency. He caught a career-high 74 passes with the New Orleans Saints this past season. In 2015, Crockett Gillmore led the team’s tight ends with 33 receptions, one more than Williams.
Dennis Pitta was gone in 2015 but apparently was not forgotten. Who recalls the impact the player had on the Baltimore offense when he was healthy? During the club’s Super Bowl season of 2012, he caught 61 passes for 669 and seven scores in the regular season. He added 14 receptions for 163 yards and three touchdown during the Ravens’ four-game playoff run.
However, Pitta has played in a total of seven games dating back to 2013, due mainly to hip issues. He missed all of 2015 but is on the comeback trail, as he discussed with Sarah Ellison of BaltimoreRavens.com. And the 30-year-old pro is determined to succeed:
"My expectations haven’t changed from four years ago, to two years ago, to now. My level of expectation is extremely high going into this year…To be honest, I feel really good physically out there. Obviously I haven’t played football in a while, so there are some things I’m getting back used to, but overall, I can’t complain. I feel great out there. I feel like I’m running like I want to and like I used to.
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A healthy Pitta would create a logjam at tight end. It would be a nice problem to have, especially late in the year.
Buffalo Bills: LB Zach Brown
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To say that the Buffalo Bills defense was a major disappointment would be a vast understatement.
You had a unit that finished fourth in fewest yards allowed and led the NFL with 54 sacks and combined it with the coaching prowess of Rex Ryan.
But the chicken wings at the fabled Anchor Bar brought a lot more heat than Buffalo’s pass rush in 2015. The Bills racked up only 21 sacks and finished 19th in the league in total defense.
Mario Williams was cut loose and now a member of the Miami Dolphins. A bigger issue was the play of Preston Brown, Pro Football Focus’ bottom-ranked inside linebacker in the league.
That’s why the free-agent addition of Zach Brown will eventually be eye-opening. He can play both inside and outside, and his versatility makes him capable of unseating Preston Brown. After missing nearly all of 2014 after tearing a pectoral muscle in Week 1, Zach Brown rebounded with 77 tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended for the Tennessee Titans this past year.
Carolina Panthers: RB Cameron Artis-Payne
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No team totaled more running plays in 2015 than the NFC champion Carolina Panthers.
That figure reads 526, almost half of those carries (242) by running back Jonathan Stewart and another 132 jaunts by quarterback Cam Newton. The former turned 29 years old in late March and hasn’t played a full season since 2011.
Cameron Artis-Payne got just 45 carries for 183 yards and one touchdown as a rookie in seven games this past year. The fifth-round pick from Auburn University also caught five passes for 58 yards. While he saw action in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, he was inactive for the conference title game and Super Bowl 50.
You can look for the 5’10”, 220-pound performer’s carries to increase while spelling Stewart more often than a year ago.
Don’t be shocked if the 25-year-old running back becomes a valuable part of the team’s goal line offense. That is assuming Artis-Payne isn’t in too much hot water following his arrest on charges of speeding and reckless driving back in late April. According to Bob Pockrass of ESPN.com, the second-year running back has a date in court on July 15.
Chicago Bears: G/C Manny Ramirez
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Thanks to general manager Ryan Pace, the Chicago Bears have put the pieces in place to have one of the most improved defensive units in the league.
But the team executive didn’t ignore another vital area and that’s the offensive line. Pace used a second-round pick on Kansas State Wildcats guard Cody Whitehair. Via free agency, the Bears added tackles Bobby Massie and Nate Chandler and guards Ted Larsen and Manny Ramirez.
The latter can also play center (as can Larsen) but the numbers show that Ramirez had a solid season with the Detroit Lions in 2015, starting a total of seven games at right guard (three), right guard (two) and center (two).
With a rookie in Whitehair and a second-year center in Hroniss Grasu, the 33-year-old Ramirez can be ready in a pinch if either player struggles mightily.
NOTE: Per Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, Ramirez announced his retirement on Wednesday evening, June 8.
Cincinnati Bengals: S Shawn Williams
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Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer states that the decision not to re-invest in 32-year-old Reggie Nelson had a lot to do with the emergence of safety Shawn Williams, who turned 25 years old on May 13.
That’s why the Bengals made sure they locked up the 2013 third-round draft choice. According to Spotrac, Williams signed a four-year, $20.185 million contract extension on May 17. Via a team statement (per Kevin Patra of NFL.com), Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis lauded the move.
"Shawn is one of our bright, young players, and we’re excited to have him as part of the team moving forward. He has been a physical player, and he has increased his value as a playmaker on the ball. This is just one more part of our plan, which is to draft the right players, develop them and retain them.
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Replacing Nelson’s leadership and his NFL-high 10 takeaways won’t be easy. But Lewis is apparently quite confident when it comes to Williams, who didn’t make his first NFL start until this past season.
Cleveland Browns: WR Taylor Gabriel
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In April, the Cleveland Browns tied the NFL record for most selections in a seven-round draft by picking 14 players. The team chose four wide receivers, five if you include the fourth-round choice of Princeton Tigers tight end Seth DeValve. But as Andrew Gribble of ClevelandBrowns.com, the Ivy Leaguer is being converted to tight end.
What about the wideouts who played for the club in 2015 who are still with the team? The list is somewhat short considering the Browns parted ways with Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, while Travis Benjamin signed with the San Diego Chargers. One-time Pro Bowler Josh Gordon, who hasn’t played since 2014, is still under indefinite suspension by the league. As Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com stated, he’s not eligible to apply for reinstatement until Aug. 1.
One of the 2015 returnees is 25-year-old Taylor Gabriel. A total of 29 contests in two seasons have added up to 64 catches for 862 and just one touchdown. It was in his first year that his 17.3 yards per reception on 36 grabs earned a bit of attention.
With all the onus on the newcomers on this team’s roster, Gabriel could quietly emerge as significant contributor to the offense. Especially if the team sorts out its starting quarterback situation sooner than later.
Dallas Cowboys: DE Benson Mayowa
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There’s an aura of excitement surrounding the Dallas Cowboys these days. The selection of running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in April’s draft is very good news for the offense.
But eventually, the defense is going to have to take the field.
The suspensions of defensive ends Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory for the first four games of 2016 have already put the team’s pass rush in dire straits. Lawrence totaled eight of the team’s 31 sacks this past season.
The Cowboys signed Oakland Raiders restricted free agent Benson Mayowa to a three-year, $8.25 million offer sheet. The Silver and Black opted not to match the deal and Dallas added a player with just two sacks in 30 games in the league.
In 12 contests with the Raiders in 2015, Mayowa totaled 16 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Modest numbers indeed. But that was before he was under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, also one of the best defensive line coaches in the league.
Call this a necessary secret weapon for the Cowboys.
Denver Broncos: ILB Todd Davis
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In 2016, people will have a tough time recognizing the Denver Broncos team that stifled the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
But with all the talk of retirements, free-agent defections and salary-cap cuts comes the fact that the league’s top-ranked defense still has most of its starting components.
One such loss was inside linebacker Danny Trevathan, reunited with former Broncos head coach John Fox in Chicago. In his spot is Todd Davis, who in 16 games in 2015 rolled up 21 tackles and a fumble recovery. He’s made a combined four starts for Denver over the past two seasons and the architect of last year’s No. 1 defensive unit likes the performer’s fire.
“He may not seem like it off the field, but he’s a really intense guy,” said defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post earlier this month. “He’s intense every play on the field.”
“It was my dream to be in this position," said the 24-year-old pro to Wolfe. “Now that I’m here, I’m taking full advantage. As an undrafted guy, you always have a need to prove yourself.”
While many continue to focus on the Broncos quarterback situation, the defense may not wind up losing much of a beat thanks to a former undrafted free-agent from Sacramento State.
Detroit Lions: WR Jeremy Kerley
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When you lose a mega-talent like six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Calvin Johnson, replacing him is easier said than done.
Is there such a thing as wideout by committee?
Yes, the Detroit Lions did add former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Marvin Jones in free agency. He comes off a season in which he totaled 65 catches for 816 yards and four touchdowns. New general manager Bob Quinn also signed free agents Andre Caldwell and Jeremy Kerley.
It wasn’t long ago that the latter was the New York Jets' top pass-catcher. Kerley paced the team in receptions in both 2012 and 2013. In five seasons with the club, he amassed 188 catches, nine for touchdowns. However, he took a back seat to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker this past year and instead, wound up leading the Jets in punt returns.
Kerley’s big-play ability is a huge plus for an offense that will certainly miss the talented Johnson.
Green Bay Packers: WR Ty Montgomery
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Stanford University’s Ty Montgomery was the Green Bay Packers’ third-round pick in 2015. He’s coming off a rookie season in which he was limited to just six games. Shelved with a high ankle sprain that would eventually require surgery, he finished the year with just 15 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
“It’s definitely frustrating to not be out there,” said Montgomery to Lori Nickel of the Journal Sentinel. “Injuries stink and they’re not fun—but there’s positivity and hope in the fact that you’re going to come back. And that’s what you look forward to.”
With Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis, the Packers have one of the deepest wide receiving corps in the National Football League.
Montgomery also saw action as a runner and on kickoff returns in his first season. He’s an all-purpose weapon that once healthy, could provide the team with a big-play spark. Perhaps those opportunities come later than sooner as he continues to recover, but he bears watching regardless of his role.
Houston Texans: QB Brandon Weeden
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The Houston Texans just shelled out a four-year, $72 million contract to former Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler. And the club’s potential secret weapon is a former first-round flop who has been on three NFL rosters in four seasons?
We have already seen what head coach Bill O’Brien has done with his numerous quarterbacks in his two seasons with the franchise. Eight signal-callers (including six different starters) have combined to throw nearly twice as many touchdown passes (49) as interceptions. The Texans own an 18-14 record over that span despite the many changes behind center.
Brandon Weeden was one of those half-dozen starters. Cut loose by the Dallas Cowboys during the season, he landed in Houston. In a relief role against Indianapolis and a start one week later against Tennessee—both resulting in wins—he combined to complete 61.9 percent of his passes (26-of-42) for 305 yards and three scores. He also ran for a touchdown in the victory over the Titans.
No one is implying that the 32-year-old journeyman will be the starter. But Weeden may be called upon on occasion should Osweiler go down. And he’s proven he can keep the Texans’ ship afloat.
Indianapolis Colts: RB Robert Turbin
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It’s not hard to point to what has ailed the Indianapolis Colts during quarterback Andrew Luck’s four-year stay with the club. A lack of balance and a subpar offensive line, combined with a struggling defense, has been good enough to make the team contenders. But the Colts have fallen short of a championship and at times, have looked bad against the better teams in the league.
The team thought it solved its running game issues with the free-agent addition of running back Frank Gore in 2015. But only three teams in the league gained fewer yards on the ground this past season. Some of that could be attributed to the absence of Luck for nine games. Despite missing more than half the season, he still wound up as the team’s second-leading rusher with 196 yards.
This offseason, general manager Ryan Grigson signed free-agent running backs Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman. It’s the former who will prove to be the better addition. The primary backup for Marshawn Lynch in three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, the 26-year-old performer gained a combined 199 yards rushing with the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys in 2015.
Turbin’s fresher legs will prove to be a big asset all year and especially down the stretch when it comes to spelling the 33-year-old Gore.
Jacksonville Jaguars: OLB Dan Skuta
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team on the rise. General manager David Caldwell saw the team’s offense start to come of age in 2015 and now the impetus is on fixing the defense.
The offseason free-agent haul included defensive end Malik Jackson, cornerback Prince Amukamara and free safety Tashaun Gipson. Caldwell selected cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack with his first two picks in April, then added defensive help with four of the club’s final five picks. And 2015 first-round defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. is back after missing all of his rookie season with a knee injury.
But it is 30-year-old outside linebacker Dan Skuta who could provide a spark for Gus Bradley’s defense in the midst of the club’s defensive youth movement. In his first season in Jacksonville, he made eight starts and earned his share of positive grades—the majority of those coming as a reserve. He was also hampered by a sports hernia in the second half of 2015.
Skuta could also prove to be a solid mentor for the 20-year-old Jack. It’s easy for this veteran to get lost in the shuffle of all of the new faces, but don’t be shocked if the versatile pro is used in a variety of roles this season.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Rod Streater
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One year after a Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver failed to catch a touchdown pass, the team’s wideouts reached the end zone a combined 12 times in 2015—eight of those by free-agent addition Jeremy Maclin.
But the team needs more production from the position, and the signing of a former starter from a divisional rival will prove to be a smart addition.
A foot injury in 2014 and a recent influx of talent made Rod Streater expendable in Oakland. He caught one pass for eight yards in 2015 despite being healthy all season. In his first two seasons with the Silver and Black, the former Temple University product pulled down 99 passes for 1,472 yards and seven scores.
He joined the Chiefs this offseason courtesy of a one-year contract. The 6’2”, 195-pounder might not unseat any of the team’s starters, but he’s a perfect third option and a player acquainted with the AFC West.
Los Angeles Rams: DE Quinton Coples
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Leave it to the Los Angeles Rams to keep a recent tradition of sorts by the franchise going strong.
A year ago, the team’s defensive line was anchored by five former first-round draft choices. The quartet of ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn and tackles Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers presented issues for plenty of opponents. Nick Fairley came over from the Detroit Lions and provided experienced depth.
But injuries limited Long to just 18 games the past two seasons (12 in 2015), and he was cut loose this offseason. Fairley took a free-agent deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Hence, general manager Les Snead added defensive end Quinton Coples and defensive tackle Dominique Easley, both former first-round picks. While the latter was a disappointment in his two seasons with the New England Patriots, Coples made 30 starts and totaled 16.5 sacks in his first three seasons with the New York Jets. He was a non-factor in 2015 under head coach Todd Bowles, was cut loose during the season and latched on with the Miami Dolphins.
Coples turns 26 years old on June 26. The 16th overall pick in the 2012 draft is now surrounded by the likes of Quinn, Donald and Brockers, as well as starting left defensive end Williams Hayes. And defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will get the most out of the 6’6”, 290-pound defender, who wasn’t necessarily a complete fit in the Jets’ 3-4 defense.
“It’s an opportunity to put my hand in the dirt and get after the quarterback again,” Coples said to Mark Whicker of the Los Angeles Daily News. “I’m going back to what I did in college. This is a great defensive front. There’s always somebody who can go in there and do just as good as you. That’s a blessing in disguise.”
Miami Dolphins: DT Jordan Phillips
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In May, the Miami Dolphins added versatile veteran Jason Jones to the defensive front, a player who can line up inside and outside.
But the real threat to starting defensive tackle Earl Mitchell’s job this offseason has been 23-year-old Jordan Phillips. He stands at an imposing 6’6” and 330 pounds, and the Dolphins head coach has high expectations for the second-year pro.
“We’re looking for him to make a big step this year,” said Adam Gase to Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel. “I think for a man his size, he’s pretty quick. He’s powerful. Our biggest thing with him is being able to keep him on the field and get him going and be productive on a consistent basis.”
Naturally, defensive line standouts such as Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake and newcomer Mario Williams get a lot more ink. But the massive Phillips may be the key to fixing the league’s 28th-ranked rushing defense in the NFL this past year.
Minnesota Vikings: S Michael Griffin
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Per Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune, Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith signed a five-year contract extension worth $51.25 million earlier this month.
The 27-year-old defender expressed his appreciation, via the team’s website:
"It’s very hard to put into words right now. Coming into the league, getting an opportunity after getting drafted by (general manager) Rick (Spielman) and being able to stay around here and just be a part of what we’re building here, what coach (Mike) Zimmer is building…It’s huge in every type of way I can think of, being able to stay in this building and chase a championship.
"
So how many Pro Bowl safeties have a former Pro Bowler backing them up? This offseason, Spielman picked up 31-year-old Michael Griffin. He was cut loose after nine seasons with the Tennessee Titans after starting at least 10 games each year with the club. His resume includes 25 interceptions, seven sacks and six fumble recoveries.
The Vikings are a team that has been recently revived thanks mainly to some smart drafting the last few years. The free-agent addition of Griffin didn’t get a lot of play this offseason, but his work on the field will speak for itself by year’s end.
New England Patriots: TE Clay Harbor
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With all the talk this offseason of double tight ends and Rob Gronkowski pairing with one-time Pro Bowler Martellus Bennett, the New England Patriots actually added another tight end this offseason.
In a combined six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and then the Jacksonville Jaguars, tight end Clay Harbor totaled a modest 111 catches for 1,151 yards and eight touchdowns. But how many people knew he was actually picked up by Bill Belichick’s team this offseason? His three-year stint with the Jaguars saw him average 11.4 yards per catch on 64 grabs while scoring four times.
With the onus on Gronkowski and Bennett, look for Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to put the 28-year-old performer in ideal situations to exploit opposing defenses. No team does it better.
New Orleans Saints: S Vonn Bell
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If the discussion regards the New Orleans Saints, odds are that the choice would come on the defensive side of the ball.
That’s no secret.
The team that allowed the most points in the league and set an NFL record by giving up 45 touchdown passes in a season remains busy when it comes to upgrading its secondary.
While Larry Holder of NOLA.com spoke about the return of strong safety Roman Harper after a two-year stint with the Carolina Panthers, it’s 2016 second-round pick Vonn Bell from the Ohio State Buckeyes who will prove to be the more productive pickup.
Former high-priced free-agent Jairus Byrd has been a disappointment since his arrival, as injuries have played a part in his lack of production. The 21-year-old playmaker totaled 11 takeaways and racked up four sacks in his three seasons with the Buckeyes. Those have been the kind of plays missing from the Saints’ arsenal the last few seasons.
New York Giants: WR Sterling Shepard
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There’s been a curiosity factor regarding the pairing of New York Giants wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz. What could the team do if both wideouts could stay on the field together for an entire season?
No one’s been fortunate to see that yet. In fact, the talented tandem has played only two games together. Barring something unforeseen, it should be fun watching this duo confound opposing secondaries in 2016.
But there’s also 2016 second-round pick Sterling Shepard, who comes off a monster year in his final season at the University of Oklahoma. In 13 games with the Sooners, he totaled 86 catches for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished his four-year stay at Norman with 233 receptions, 26 for scores.
It’s incredibly easy to stay somewhat obscure at wide receiver with the likes of Beckham and Cruz on this club. Just ask now-Philadelphia Eagles wideout Rueben Randle or even current Giants wideout Dwayne Harris.
Last season, the latter returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown. But he also quietly caught 36 passes for 396 yards and four touchdowns in his first season with the team. Shepard will have a say with the New York offense this year.
New York Jets: LB Bruce Carter
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It was an improved New York Jets defense that was a big factor in the team winning six more games in 2015 than they did the previous season.
General manager Mike Maccagnan addressed this side of the football in the first round of the draft with the addition of linebacker Darron Lee. Back in March, the Jets also added versatile linebacker Bruce Carter, late of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He totaled 47 tackles, two passes defended and a pair of sacks for the club this past season, but he was cut loose by the organization this offseason.
Giving underrated inside linebacker David Harris more help inside will prove to be an excellent move. Especially now that stud run-stopping nose tackle Damon Harrison is now a member of the New York Giants.
Carter is only two years removed from a season with the Dallas Cowboys, in which he managed five interceptions and 11 passes defensed in 2014. He gives the Jets a little proven insurance when it comes to outside linebackers Lorenzo Mauldin (one) and Trevor Reilly (zero), who have combined for one NFL start in their brief careers.
Oakland Raiders: SS Nate Allen
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Back in 2014, the Oakland Raiders were one of the league’s least opportunistic teams. In 16 games, the club managed a disappointing 14 takeaways. The club forced 11 more turnovers this past season (25) and looks to get even better in this department.
Nate Allen was coming off a 2014 season in Philadelphia in which he totaled seven takeaways. The Raiders inked him to a four-year, $23 million deal, but he proved to be a disappointment in his first season with the club, limited to just five games due in part to injury. After cutting him loose this year, general manager Reggie McKenzie re-signed the 28-year-old safety and saved some cap room in the process.
The Raiders added free safety Reggie Nelson (NFL-high 10 takeaways in 2015) this offseason and used a first-round pick on strong safety Karl Joseph. Allen will play a backup role in a revamped secondary, but it won’t be a shock when he returns to his ball-hawking ways this fall.
Philadelphia Eagles: QB Chase Daniel
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Will it be veteran Sam Bradford or rookie Carson Wentz at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016?
Regardless of who wins the starting job, it would be foolish to discount Chase Daniel in terms of helping this team this season.
New head coach Doug Pederson has declared Bradford the starter despite reports of Wentz’s significant progress the last few weeks. He has certainly earned the respect of offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who spoke recently on SiriusXM NFL Radio:
"I’m not sure I’ve been around a guy who has this high of an aptitude as him at this age. It’s really, really good. Then he has the work ethic to go along with it. But he also has a maturity and a class about him to understand his role and understand that he has to earn his stripes. He’s doing that, he’s got a great attitude about it.
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Bradford’s inability to remain healthy (he hasn’t played a full season since 2012) is a factor. And despite the glowing reviews, Wentz is still a rookie. Daniel came to Philadelphia with Pederson after the duo worked together in Kansas City. It’s safe to say he knows the offensive system better than the other two candidates, and he gives the Birds a safety blanket should the team’s plans fall through.
Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Ross Cockrell
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In 2015, only two teams in the league gave up more passing yards than the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite a pass rush that racked up 48 sacks, third-most in the league, the team still managed to give up 29 scores through the air.
In 2014, general manager Kevin Colbert used second- and fourth-round draft choices on cornerbacks Senquez Golson and Doran Grant, respectively. The former didn’t see the field as a rookie while Grant played in only three games. In April, the Steelers used a first-round pick on University of Miami corner Artie Burns.
Will he be able to contribute in his first season?
A year ago, Colbert grabbed Ross Cockrell after he was released by the Buffalo Bills. He responded with 44 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and 11 passes defensed. He’s in line for a starting job opposite William Gay this fall.
A starter as a secret weapon? Consider that the focus will be on Golson, Grant and Burns to contribute in a big way. In 2014, Cockrell was arguably the team’s biggest surprise and remains under the radar in a suspect Steelers secondary. But the 24-year-old pro could be sneaky good in a defense that needs to step it up.
San Diego Chargers: C Matt Slauson
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Over the past few seasons, the San Diego Chargers have seemingly gone through more centers than the entire NBA.
Last month, general manager Tom Telesco addressed the matter (again) with the addition of free-agent Matt Slauson. He was primarily a guard in six seasons with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, although he started five games at center for the latter in 2015.
According to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the 30-year-old offensive lineman has earned rave reviews from quarterback Philip Rivers to date.
In April, Telesco used a third-round pick on USC center Max Tuerk. He may one day prove to be the long-term solution. But the underrated Slauson (a 16-game starter in five of his six seasons) will provide stability to a spot that has plagued this team in recent years.
San Francisco 49ers: RB DuJuan Harris
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The team that scored the fewest points in the league this past season is still trying to sort things out.
While head coach Chip Kelly and the San Francisco 49ers figure out who will be their starting quarterback this season, the club is counting on an improved running game to aid the cause.
In his first season as the main man in the backfield, Carlos Hyde ran for only 490 yards and three touchdowns in seven games before going down with a foot injury. But it’s been so far and so good for the 2014 second-round pick.
“I’ve only seen one Carlos Hyde, and the Carlos Hyde I know has been healthy and full go,” said Kelly to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. “Our style and scheme adapts to whoever it is. But he certainly has the skillset to be an outstanding running back at this level, because he can do everything.”
Just in case he can’t do it all, don’t be shocked if DuJuan Harris emerges as the Niners’ jack-of-all-trades. He latched on with the club late in 2015 and totaled 237 yards from scrimmage in two games with the team. Harris also spent time with Seattle Seahawks this past year. In his previous lives with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers, he proved to be a versatile offensive threat and also a viable kickoff return artist.
If all goes well, Hyde will prove to be the workhorse for the Niners. But Harris could wind up being a sparkplug for a team that struggled to move the ball and score points this past year.
Seattle Seahawks: RB Alex Collins
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It’s over. Really.
There will be no more “Beast Mode” sightings in the Pacific Northwest. That is unless running back Marshawn Lynch plans on attending a Seattle Seahawks game this year.
Even with the punishing runner sidelined at times in 2015, only two teams in the NFL gained more yards rushing than the ‘Hawks. The ground attack was led by undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls, who gained 830 yards on just 147 carries. But the 22-year-old pro broke his ankle in December and his status for the start of the regular season is unknown.
Seattle general manager John Schneider used three of his 10 picks in April on running backs C.J. Prosise (Notre Dame Fighting Irish), Alex Collins (Arkansas Razorbacks) and Zac Brooks (Clemson Tigers). It will be the former Razorback, who ran for 1,577 yards and 13 scores in 2015, that’s the choice as a surprise starter to open the year.
“That’s what every running back hopes and dreams of, but everybody has to go day by day,” said Collins to Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times last month. “That’s what I want to be, that’s what I hope it is, but as far as now, I’m taking things day by day.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Daryl Smith
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The 6-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers tripled their wins off a 2014 campaign in which they won only two games.
But if the club is to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2007, then the defense needs to step it up. It’s a team that finished 26th in the NFL in points allowed this past year and one that has permitted 30-plus touchdown passes in four of the past five seasons.
Some will connect the dots between new defensive coordinator Mike Smith and new Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes, who played for the then-head coach in Atlanta for five seasons. But before taking over the Falcons, Mike Smith was with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Daryl Smith was one of his most productive players.
While the 34-year-old pro enters his 13th season, he started every game for the Baltimore Ravens the past three years. His familiarity with the coach and his system makes him a pseudo-assistant on the field.
Tennessee Titans: RB David Cobb
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When you have a former NFL Offensive Player of the Year and a 2015 Heisman Trophy winner as two of your running backs, it’s hard to believe you could need more help at the position.
The Tennessee Titans have been bottom feeders when it comes to the ground game the past two seasons. New general manager Jon Robinson is banking on the acquisition of DeMarco Murray and the second-round selection of Derrick Henry to revive a ground game that has averaged just 91.6 yards per game since 2014.
But 2015 fifth-round pick David Cobb will also make his presence felt when called upon. In his final two seasons at the University of Minnesota, he averaged just over 21 carries per game. In seven contests with the Titans as a rookie, Cobb finished fifth with 146 yards rushing but was third on the club with 52 attempts.
Call the 23-year-old running back a mini-workhorse. He’s a perfect fit should either Murray or Henry be sidelined for a short period of time.
Washington Redskins: SS David Bruton
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None of the 12 playoff teams in 2015 gave up more points than the Washington Redskins.
The team also finished 28th in the league in total yards allowed per game.
General manager Scot McCloughan dedicated the vast majority of his offseason work in free agency bolstering this side of the football. Cornerback Josh Norman and defensive end Kendall Reyes were among his top pickups.
Washington also used a second-round draft choice on talented Su’a Cravens. Mike Jones of the Washington Post has the latest on just where the 20-year-old could wind up this season—linebacker or safety?
One of McCloughan’s lesser-known free-agent signings this spring was safety David Bruton. There’s no confusing his position, one he played for the Denver Broncos the past seven seasons. He comes off an impressive year in which he totaled 49 stops, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, a pair of forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
No one is quite sure where Cravens will line up this fall. But count on Bruton making significant contributions this fall in a secondary that has upgraded its talent base.
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