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Every year a player will come out of nowhere and put up huge numbers. Sometimes they are an expected source of big numbers and take that next step to stardom, and others realize their potential and pull out of mediocrity...

NFL's Breakout Players in 2008

by Angelo Carriero (Scribe)

19

1,365 reads

Rankings/List

July 25, 2008


Every year a player will come out of nowhere and put up huge numbers.

 

Sometimes they are an expected source of big numbers and take that next step to stardom, and others realize their potential and pull out of mediocrity.

 

This list contains both. Seven players that will break out from mediocrity, or improve to pro bowl caliber.

 

 

7) Ray Edwards, DE, Minnesota Vikings

 

As a former fourth-round pick with character concerns, Edwards has yet to prove himself.

 

I don’t know if he’s noticed that yet.

 

He has been quoted as saying he is going to break Michael Strahan's single-season sack record. I wouldn't go that far, but don't sleep on him.

 

With Erasmus James gone to Washington and Kenechi Udeze fighting Leukemia, Edwards will be the starter opposite of newly acquired Jared Allen.

 

He’s a physical specimen at 6’5" and 270 pounds, with a good pass-rush set, and with all of the attention being paid to Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, and Allen on the line, he should be able to break out with anywhere from eight to double-digit sacks.

 

 

 

6) Michael Huff, FS, Oakland Raiders

 

Finally, the Raiders have realized this guy was born to play free safety.

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19 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Cody Stoots 11 months ago

    Reggie will not break out. He is too small to play RB and was over-hyped out of college.

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    • Stan Theman 11 months ago

      Dude, are you stupid? Too small? He is 6'0", 203. Brian Westbrook is 5'10", 203. In fact, very few running backs get over 6'0", and average around 210 lbs.

      Think I am lying? Look it up and you will find that Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson, Ladainian Tomlinson, Emmitt Smith, Terrell Davis, and many, many other greats are all around Reggie's size.

      Oh, and he was not "overhyped" in college. The dude broke just about every record at USC, and set many all-time records. Just watch any of his USC highlight reels on youtube, and you'll see that the boy has got serious skills.

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    • Spenser T. Harrison 11 months ago

      How bout the fact that Reggie is a bum. Is that good enough for you stan?

      You say he broke about every record but fail to mention that Lendale White finished with more rushing yards and touchdowns. Please, Reggie will never be a true NFL rb. Maybe a flanker or WR, but not an RB.

      All i have to say is MARIO WILLIAMS

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  2. Robert Lewis 11 months ago

    If Gaines Adams stays healthy, he could be the next (Michael) Strahan.

    Great Article!

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  3. Jimbo 11 months ago

    Very good article! And I respectfully disagree with Cody above. I think this year the Saints will have a better handle on Bush's talent and use him accordingly.

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  4. Eian Bell 11 months ago

    Great article, nice to see someone recognizes the positive changes in the Raiders' lineup. I think Oakland TE Zach Miller will have a breakout season as well.

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  5. Charles Cole 11 months ago

    Here's a sleeper for y'all to watch as a breakout guy in '08. The Browns have an OLB who is fit, in the best shape of his career, and motivated beyond belief. Watch Cleveland's #56, Linebacker Antwaan Peek. The guy can be a beast coming off the edge. He's a perfect fit for their 3-4 scheme and should have a super season.

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  6. Angelo Carriero 11 months ago

    Thank you both Eian and Jim.

    I agree, Zach Miller almost made my list but he's a tight end and I don't think his numbers will drastically improve from last year nor do I believe he'll become one of the league's top tight end's next season. Season 3 or 4 defenitly.

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  7. Jonathon Loughridge 11 months ago

    Watch out for Dwayne Bowe next season. After a sparkling 1st season, he's gonna be the Chiefs #1 option this year. He'll get to 1,000 yards and at least 6 tds, and probably more.

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  8. David Cohen 11 months ago

    Watch for the other Steve Smith, NYG.

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  9. Angel Navedo 11 months ago

    I'm a fan of what Tamba Hali can do out in Kansas City. That defense needs to be built on his back. I enjoyed the read.

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  10. Bill San Antonio 11 months ago

    oh my god
    it really did just hit me that oakland has a nasty secondary
    if mcfadden pans out, could they be a dark horse team on the rise?
    possibly a la minnesota (but flip flop the defense strengths)?

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  11. Brandon Heshee 11 months ago

    Good read, Angelo.

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  12. Spenser T. Harrison 11 months ago

    AMOBI OKOYE! son.

    Will smoke everyone on this list, not named Calvin Johnson. That's all i gotta say. Good article though.

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  13. Keith Quaranto 11 months ago

    Calvin won't breakout he will be another lions bust.

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    • Angelo Carriero 11 months ago

      I love the sarcasm, unless you're serious.

      If serious: Yeah right. 48 catches, 756 yards, and 4 touchdowns as a rookie with a back injury. Larry Fitzgerald had 58 catches, 780 yards, and 8 touchdowns as a rookie. Johnson would have far surpassed Fitz's rookie year in terms of yards if healthy. He's too good to bust and last year he proved it was only a sign of things to come (except for some of those dropped balls).

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  14. Alex Head 5 months ago

    yo what up splungent

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