The Schottey Six: NFL Sophomore Sensations

Sophomore slump?

Not these guys.

Not every NFL rookie goes through a sophomore slump. Some fabulous first-year players continue to get better. Other athletes get over the rookie wobbles and break out in their second year.

Either way, not every sophomore should be overlooked. Here are six guys who are having tremendous years. The NFL Sophomore Sensations!

On to the Schottey Six!

6) Curtis Lofton (LB—Atlanta Falcons)

When the Atlanta Falcons grabbed Lofton in the second round of the 2008 draft, team management knew they had a gem—a defensive star to put across from Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and the rest of the young offense.

In his rookie year, Lofton led all Falcons rookies with 94 tackles—fourth on the team. Among all rookies, he sat behind only Jerod Mayo.

If Curtis Lofton had simply matched his rookie stats in his sophomore season, not a single coach would have been disappointed.

Through Week 12, Curtis Lofton leads all NFL defenders with 109 tackles—on pace for over 150. He is considered a lock, by many, to be in this year's Pro Bowl.

No teammate is within twenty tackles, and Lofton's two forced fumbles are tied for his team lead.

Curtis Lofton has become a cornerstone for the Atlanta Falcons franchise and is quickly emerging as one of the premier middle linebackers in the entire NFL.

5) Mario Manningham (WR—New York Giants)

Harry Douglas...Limus Sweed...Dexter Jackson...Donnie Avery...Devin Thomas...

Those are just some of the receivers drafted before "Super" Mario Manningham in the 2008 NFL Draft.

In fact, Manningham lasted all the way to the third round, going to the New York Giants at 95th overall—a pick after Kevin O'Connell, a backup QB, was drafted by the Patriots.

When you're drafted after a guy who has since been on three NFL teams, including being waived by the Detroit Lions, it can cause a bit of a complex.

In his rookie year, Manningham disappointed even for a late third rounder. He was active in seven games and managed only four receptions with a longest of eleven yards.

Cue up the sophomore season. A year under the offense, a year without Plaxico Burress, a year with Eli Manning—whatever it was, Mario Manningham has become a new man.

In his first game of 2009, Manningham caught three balls, including a 30-yard touchdown scamper. He added a 150-yard game the next week.

In his second season, Manningham's yards-per-catch has increased from 6.5 to 14.8—an average better than receivers like Wes Welker, Reggie Wayne, or Larry Fitzgerald.

Overall, Manningham is ranked in the top 30 NFL receivers, and has become a capable target across from Steve Smith.

4) Joe Flacco (QB—Baltimore Ravens)

In their respective rookie years, Joe Flacco took a backseat to just about everything Matt Ryan did. His stats weren't as good, his nickname wasn't as good, some pundits worried if Flacco would ever be able to exist outside of Matt Ryan's shadow.

It didn't take long.

2009 began with Joe Flacco guiding his team to three straight wins through remarkable passing performances.

Flacco has been proficient, accurate, and dynamic this year. Most importantly, he's been gutsy. He took five sacks in an overtime win against Pittsburgh this past week—pretty much cementing his city's man-crush with him.

Joe Flacco has done all of this without many weapons. Derrick Mason came out of retirement to be his top wide receiver. He has needed to rely on Ray Rice and Todd Heap for many of his yards.

In his sophomore seasons, Flacco showed that he's no average Joe, he's one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL.

3) DeSean Jackson (WR—Philadelphia Eagles)

The man who was once considered too small to play in the NFL is making big fools out of his one-time critics.

With 44 catches and 769 yards, DeSean Jackson has gone off on the NFL—posting three 100-yard games in his second year. His six touchdowns are second among sophomores.

DeSean Jackson is more than just stats.

His speed changes the way teams defend the Philadelphia Eagles. As chemistry between he and Donovan McNabb increases, even more of his 83 targets will become completions.

2) Ray Rice (RB—Baltimore Ravens)

Speaking of too small...

The 5'8" Rice has been big time for the Baltimore Ravens. The team's leading rusher and second leading receiver is leading all NFL backs with 582 receiving yards and is 10th in rushing with 821.

Only one non-quarterback in the NFL has more total yards than Rice.

Rice hasn't fumbled this year and has only one fumble for his entire career.

So, while Ray Rice may be smaller than the typical NFL running back, lack the breakaway speed of a Darren Sproles or Leon Washington, and not even help out in the returning game, he is quickly becoming one of the top NFL backs.

1) Chris Johnson (RB—Tennessee Titans)

Chris Johnson isn't just the best sophomore in the NFL.

Chris Johnson has inserted himself in the conversation of the most dynamic players in the entire league.

His 1396 rushing yards leads the NFL, and is more than 250 yards better than second-place Steven Jackson. He has 10 total touchdowns and 294 receiving yards to go with that gaudy rushing number.

Johnson is on pace to challenge Eric Dickerson's 25-year-old single-season rushing record.

All of this after a slow start to the season. Since Vince Young took over the Titans, Johnson has increased his yards per game from 99 to 160.

In all, Chris Johnson has made a case for MVP (although he is on a losing team) and established himself as one of the top NFL running backs.

Sophomore Slump?

Not even close.

Just Missed the List

Rashard Mendenhall—The Steeler runner bounced back from a rookie injury to take over the Pittsburgh backfield. Currently on pace for a 1000 yard season.

Earl Bennett—Jay Cutler's college teammate has been one of his most steady NFL targets as well. Stepped up to become one of Chicago's top threats after no rookie production.

Dan Carpenter—Don't see too many kickers on lists like this now do ya? The Miami booter has only missed 1 of 17 kicks this season, a 49-yarder. That percentage is good for third in the NFL.

Aqib Talib— Tied for fifth in the entire NFL with five interceptions, the Tampa Bay star has had legal trouble, but not many difficulties in coverage.

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him at Twitter.com/Schottey