NFL's Breakout Players in 2008

Kevin Smith, who has a slender frame, had 450 carries in college last year and he’ll be their starter.

But the main reason Johnson is No. 2 on my list is because he is Calvin Johnson.

He is the man, that, at 6’5" and 230 pounds, ran a 4.35 forty. He’s the man that had 48 receptions, 756 yards, and four touchdowns as a rookie. He’s the same guy who had five catches and 102 yards against San Diego’s elite secondary in Week 15. He’s the man hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime prospect.

He’s too good to not become an elite player this season and in the next 12 alike.

1) Gaines Adams, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The No. 4-overall pick in last year’s draft was very sub-par in his rookie season.

That is, until about Week Eight, after which he started every game and notched 38 total tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections, not to mention sacking Eli Manning in the playoffs.

Another reason he’ll become a star this year is the combination of his 6’5", 260-pound frame and a 4.66 forty.

On top of all of that, his style of play is tailor-made for Tampa Bay’s defense. He’s an intense pass-rusher and applies consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Tampa’s secondary is one of the best in the NFL ,with Ronde Barber and the emergence of Tanard Jackson.

Oh, one more thing. I looked up his sacks on downs and 3.5 of them were on third down, which is crucial.

So take a secondary that covers well and add a pass rusher who had six sacks in eight games, which projects to 12 sacks in 16 games, and you get a perfect storm. He will make the Pro Bowl this year and be feared by all quarterbacks soon enough.

So when you’re talking to your buddy about who will become the next Greg Jennings or Mario Williams in terms of breaking out, mention these players and you will look very smart by season’s end.

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