Predicting Breakout Stars for All 32 NFL Teams in 2012

Every single year in the NFL, there is a player from each team that jumps out and surprises everyone. 

Victor Cruz of the New York Giants is a perfect example. He didn't catch a single pass his rookie season and then smashed Amani Toomer's franchise receiving record in his second year.

My goal is to predict which under-the-radar players will be next year's breakout stars.

Arizona Cardinals

Sam Acho, Outside Linebacker

We already know Acho is going to be good based on what we've seen so far. The reason I'm choosing him as my breakout star for the Arizona Cardinals is that he's just scratching the surface of what he is capable of becoming.

Acho started 10 games for the Cardinals in 2011. He has now locked down the starting spot, and he will begin to find his groove as training camp and preseason games sharpen his knowledge and understanding of his role within the defense. 

I'm expecting Acho to build on his seven-sack performance of last year, and he will likely hit double digits in 2012. Combined with his ability to create turnovers off forced fumbles (he had four in 2011), Acho is quickly turning into the Cardinals version of Robert Mathis.

Atlanta Falcons

Jacquizz Rodgers, Running Back/Slot Receiver

The Atlanta Falcons have recently hired a new offensive coordinator. Dick Koetter has been brought in for his expertise in the passing game. 

This is great news for the Falcons. It's also great news for Rodgers.

Rodgers was poorly used in 2011. He is the type of player that demands a creative mind to best utilize his unique talents. He is a lot like Darren Sproles, and he can be just as dangerous in the right hands.

Rodgers can be a tough runner inside and outside the tackles, he can catch out of the backfield as well as any back in the league and he can line up and run routes as well as most receivers.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Koetter draws up in 2012 for Rodgers. Whatever it is, I'm sure I will like it.

Baltimore Ravens

Jimmy Smith, Cornerback

Smith was highly rated coming out of Colorado and was selected with the 27th-overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. 

Unfortunately, an ankle injury sidelined the young man for most of the first half of the 2011 season. Smith came on strong towards the end, starting in three games and picking off two passes.

"I’m going to have a great offseason so I can get that corner spot," Smith said when he was emptying out his locker at the end of the year.

He is going to be fighting for one of the starting spots on the Ravens' 2012 opening day roster, and I think he's going to earn it on his way to a breakout season. 

Buffalo Bills

Aaron Williams, Cornerback

According to BuffaloNews.com, Williams is a "favorite for a starting position next season." 

"

Aaron played fairly consistently for a rookie ... when he finally got his chance, coach Chan Gailey said. He battled injuries all year long, and that's always tough on a guy. That's the one thing that we've got to hopefully do is train him in the offseason and get him where he can make a whole season without the injuries. I thought he showed potential to be a very good corner in this league for a long time. He matches up well size-wise.

"

Williams was highly thought of coming out of Texas in last year's draft. His combination of size, speed, athleticism and leadership will serve him well in the years to come. 

Injuries prevented the former Texas Longhorn from fully coming out during his rookie campaign, but Williams should break out with a big season if he can stay healthy in 2012.

Carolina Panthers

Greg Hardy, Defensive End

Hardy hasn't yet shown signs of becoming a dominant pass-rusher in the NFL with only seven career sacks, but 2012 will be the year he shows up on the map.

Hardy will be entering into his third season next year. At 23 years old, he's but a pup. 

I'm betting he shows up to training camp with another 10 pounds of muscle on his large frame. He will be more powerful and more explosive off the whistle, allowing him to drive offensive tackles backwards and collapsing the pocket. 

Chicago Bears

Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle

Many fans in Chicago were wondering if Paea was a bust after failing to hit the field until Week 6. It was such a widely asked question that Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune featured it in one of his mailbags. In response to the question of whether he was a bust, Pompei said:

"

The only thing we can call Paea at this point is a slow starter. And it's not surprising considering he had a knee injury in January. It's way too early to judge him...Deep breath, everybody.

"

Paea ended up making minor contributions in the Bears rotation towards the end of the year, tallying 18 tackles and two sacks, including a safety of Donavan McNabb in Week 6. 

He should become a major part of the Bears defensive front, and I'm expecting big things in 2012 from this big man. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Jermaine Gresham, Tight End

I'll admit that Gresham isn't exactly going to surprise anyone in 2012. He's already shown an ability to become an integral part of Jay Gruden's offensive attack in Cincinnati, and with Andy Dalton's emergence, he should blossom into one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

At 6'5" and weighing 260 pounds, Gresham is roughly the same size as Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski. The biggest difference between Gresham and them is that both of them are benefiting from having two of the league's best quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Tom Brady, to get them the ball.

Gresham will become a red-zone monster as Dalton matures and grows under Gruden's guidance. Dalton will learn to utilize his incredible wing-span and soft hands to get him the ball up high, like Brees and Brady do for their monsters.

I'm expecting to see Gresham break through with a 10-plus touchdown season in 2012 as he, Dalton and A.J. Green grow up together and learn how to break defenses.

Cleveland Browns

Greg Little, Wide Receiver

Once Little learns how to get a proper handle on ball security, he's going to become a prolific pass-catcher for the Cleveland Browns. Of course, this is assuming the Browns quarterback play improves as well, whether it be Colt McCoy or Robert Griffin III slinging the rock.

Little was targeted 121 times in 2011, 18th in the NFL in that category. Unfortunately, he was only able to come away with 61 catches. That's a 50 percent completion rate, which is terrible.

Thankfully for Browns fans, I believe they will see better pass protection, quarterback play and a better running game in 2012. Little will benefit from the increased overall improvement, and I expect him to have a breakout year. 

Don't be surprised to see Little catch upwards of 90 passes in 2012. I also expect his touchdowns to increase, and I'm betting he catches at least eight.

Dallas Cowboys

Bruce Carter, Middle Linebacker

Jerry Jones wants to see Carter take over as the Dallas Cowboys second middle linebacker next to Sean Lee next year. 

"

We all watched Bowman, Jones said. We watched Willis out there for San Francisco, and boy, did those guys make a difference. Those guys and our Sean Lee and Carter, this is my dream: [they’re] not exactly the prototype for the makeup of the two guys you’d want in the middle—you might want more of a thumper, a big guy, to go along with Sean Lee. But if we can keep both those guys out there, adjust our defense, we might be going toward Willis and Bowman area like they have in San Francisco.

"

With an aging Keith Brookings hitting free agency and little other options, Jones will get his wish. Carter will have to prove he's more than just fast to become a great middle linebacker in the 3-4, but I think he's got all the tools to become a big-time playmaker for the Cowboys.

Denver Broncos

Quinton Carter, Free Safety

The Denver Broncos got a smoking deal when they landed Carter in the fourth round of last year's draft. 

After starting out the season 2-4, head coach Jon Fox opened up a competition for starting spots in the Broncos secondary, saying:

"

I've said all along and will always say competition makes players better. We want as much competition as we can possibly have at every spot. Everybody should know that, all of the players should know that and if for some reason they didn't—and that's unlikely because we tell them every day—they know now.

"

Carter ended up winning that competition after he outplayed fellow rookie Rahim Moore for playing time next to Brian Dawkins.

He is a big hitter with good instincts. His weakness is that he's not a burner, but he has a nose for the ball and rarely gets beat deep.

I expect Carter to become a big playmaker for the Broncos in 2012, as his knowledge and understanding of his role within the defense becomes further ingrained into his subconscious.

Detroit Lions

Mikel LeShoure, Running Back

2011 was a bad year for Detroit Lions running backs. Fans shouldn't forget about LeShoure, though.

Before shredding his Achilles tendon in the second week of training camp, folks were high on his potential to become the power back the Lions have been missing for so long.

This is an excerpt from one of LeShoure's scouting reports:

"

Leshoure is a tough runner with fast feet and a tremendous burst. He hits top speed very quickly and for his height, he is a powerful runner who can break through tackles. This running back draft class does not have many backs who could potentially carry a big workload, but Leshoure is one of them.

"

The Lions desperately need a workhorse that can handle starting duties, which is why they spent a second-round pick on LeShoure. He will get his chance to earn the job this summer, and his health shouldn't get in the way of that pursuit. 

I'm expecting LeShoure to become the missing piece for the Lions on offense, providing balance to Matthew Stafford and the passing game by pounding the rock.

Green Bay Packers

Davon House, Cornerback

House's 2011 rookie campaign was completely derailed by injuries in training camp. He really had no chance after that. Remember, it was a lockout-shortened season and rookies who got injured in training camp were the players hardest hit by the lack of time to learn playbooks.

The Packers haven't given up on him, though. Not by a long stretch. 

Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said this about House back in December:

"

This guy here has the skill set. I'm going to put it like this. If he wants to be great, he can be. It is up to him.

I'm going to make it very difficult for him to not be great. Because I'm going to put the pressure on him.

The offseason is where it will be told. Because my focus will be on getting him to play the way we play.

"

House was thought by many to have been a steal in the fourth round, but he was there for the taking and Ted Thompson didn't hesitate to snag him up. Thompson has had success in the past at finding diamonds in the rough, and I'm betting the farm that House is going to be one of those guys.

Houston Texans

Brandon Harris, Cornerback

By all accounts, Harris is a supremely talented young man with incredible natural abilities that should allow him to excel in the NFL. 

This is what NFL.com's scouting report on Harris says:

"

Harris is a true gamer that is at his best when the lights are on and he has the tools to become a starting cornerback at the next level. He excels in man coverage, as he is explosive with an elite closing burst and he has very fluid hips to maintain speed in transition. He also shows very good instincts when lined up one-on-one, but he seems confused at times in zone coverage and can get caught out of position. His press skills are still raw, but he is a strong kid with a tireless work ethic and he should be a mid-to-late first round pick.

"

Unfortunately, he was a victim of the lockout-shortened season last year and barely saw the field. I expect that to change in 2012.

Given a complete offseason to go along with the invaluable experience he gained in his rookie year, Harris should explode onto the scene for the Houston Texans to become an integral part of Wade Phillips' dynamic defense.

Indianapolis Colts

Jerry Hughes, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End

The Indianapolis Colts recently hired Chuck Pagano to become their defensive coordinator, and there are rumors he might switch things up in Indy with a 3-4 defense. 

Scouts were raving about Hughes' potential to convert to a 3-4 outside linebacker coming into the 2010 NFL draft. 

Hughes will finally prove he was worth a first-round pick with a breakout performance in 2012. His raw speed and quickness will be utilized to their full potential within Pagano's scheme.

Don't be surprised if Hughes breaks out with a 10-plus sack season.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback

Gabbert was terrible in 2011. There is no denying the facts. 

He didn't exactly have a strong supporting cast, though, and that can ruin a young quarterback (just ask Alex Smith). He was running for his life half the time, and I expect the Jacksonville Jaguars to upgrade the talent level around Gabbert in 2012 so he has a fighting chance of becoming a success.

Gabbert is an athletic, talented young man who has an NFL arm. He just needs pass-protection and better receivers. He should get both, and I expect him to have a much better season in 2012.

To be honest, there isn't any reason to think the Jaguars couldn't sneak up on the weak AFC South and take the division with a few key free agency signings, provided Gabbert does what I expect him to do and plays like a pro.

Kansas City Chiefs

Justin Houston, Outside Linebacker

The Kansas City Chiefs have some solid pieces in place to run a kick-butt 3-4 defense. Tamba Hali is one of the best pass-rushing outside linebackers in the league, and Houston promises to become a dual threat from the other side. 

In his rookie season, Houston started 10 games, collecting 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

I expect his sophomore campaign to produce roughly double those numbers. 

ESPN's Bill Williamson agrees, saying: "Potential stardom. I love his talent. He can be the goods and he is a big reason why there is so much excitement over this defense."

I'll have to consider the Chiefs defense as a strong candidate for my fantasy football team next year. They should be fun to watch.

Miami Dolphins

Jared Odrick, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End

OK, so maybe Jared Odrick isn't a complete unknown in the NFL like Victor Cruz was the year before last, but Odrick is just getting started.

The Miami Dolphins are switching from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3, a move that will allow Odrick to play his natural position as a 4-3 defensive tackle.

Jeff Ireland says that Odrick could also play the defensive end in this scheme, giving the Dolphins the kind of flexibility and maneuverability the New York Giants enjoy with their players.

I expect Odrick to surpass the 10-sack mark in 2012, and he should become a beast on that front four for years to come.

Minnesota Vikings

Kyle Rudolph, Tight End

If I were a Minnesota Vikings fan I'd be excited about the future of their offense. Kyle Rudolph is going to be a big part of that future, and things are looking brighter for him and the Vikings in 2012.

Rudolph has recently received some high praise from teammates who are just as high on him as I am. Percy Harvin had this to say: "Love him. He’s a freak athlete. He’s probably got the best hands as far as catching the ball that I’ve ever seen."

Christian Ponder showed some promise last year as well. He and Rudolph will develop some much-needed chemistry and timing over the course of the winter and into the summer. By the time training camp rolls around, the two of them should be well on their way to a beautiful relationship for years to come.

New England Patriots

Shane Vereen, Running Back

There is no guarantee the Patriots are going to keep BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and according to Rotoworld, he won't be a high priority in free agency. 

The Providence Journal is reporting:

"

The two rookies drafted last year, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, both should be ready to help. Both were slowed by injuries early in the season, but when healthy gave every indication they could be good NFL-level players.

Vereen, who has the same personable, outgoing character as Faulk, looks to fit in as a perfect replacement for his mentor this next season.

"

Don't forget why the Patriots drafted Vereen last year. He has blazing speed, and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield should make him the favorite to take over as the starting tailback.

I expect Vereen to break out with a huge season in 2012, rushing for over 1,000 yards and catching over 50 passes.

New Orleans Saints

Cameron Jordan, Defensive End

Jordan's first year in the league was unimpressive. He only compiled one sack all year long, despite the fact that he started 15 games for the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints are reportedly hoping Jordan can become a better pass-rusher next year. You think?

The recent hire of Steve Spagnuolo will certainly help. 

Spagnuolo has helped Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Chris Long become stellar pass-rushers in this league, and he will do the same for Jordan.

I don't know if he will hit double digits in sacks, but I believe Jordan will make significant strides towards becoming a big-time player on the Saints defensive line.

New York Giants

Prince Amukamara, Cornerback

The New York Giants, fresh off their Super Bowl triumph, are now tasked with trying to keep their team together.

Aaron Ross is one player who might not make his way back on the roster due to free agency, leaving the door wide open for Prince Amukamara to compete for and earn one of the starting cornerback spots on the roster.

Coming out of Nebraska, Amukamara was considered by many to be the second-best cornerback in the 2011 NFL draft class behind Patrick Peterson. His combination of size, speed, technique and hands will serve him nicely against the big, strong, fast receivers in the NFL.

I expect him to make his mark on the league next year on his way to a fruitful and profitable career.

New York Jets

Joe McKnight, Running Back

LaDainian Tomlinson hasn't been bashful about bashing the Jets locker room as "the worst I've ever been around," a comment that clearly signals he won't be back in 2012. 

Shonn Greene isn't the kind of running back that can handle a full load, either. 

According to NFL.com's Jason Smith:

"

56: Joe McKnight's touches this season. That number should nearly quadruple under Tony Sparano, with the Jets wanting to be a running team once again...McKnight is a Rex Ryan draft pick who showed flashes of potential this season. Right now, he's the closest thing to a game-breaker the Jets have on their offense.

"

New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano got the most out of Reggie Bush with the Miami Dolphins in 2011, and I expect him to figure out how to do the same with McKnight in 2012.

Oakland Raiders

Lamarr Houston, Defensive End

I admit that he is a boom-or-bust candidate, but Houston should recover from a second-year slump to rise up to his full potential in 2012. 

Houston's 2011 campaign was rather unremarkable. He only contributed 51 tackles and one sack. Then again, the entire unit was dysfunctional in 2011, so I'm not holding his performance against him. 

Instead, I'll point to his rookie year. Houston tallied 5.5 sacks in 2010, showing the spark the Oakland Raiders had hoped for when they drafted him in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. 

The Raiders may be running a hybrid defense in 2012, featuring both a 3-4 and and 4-3 front at various times. Houston is versatile and agile for his size. He will be able to contribute on both fronts, and I'm expecting big things from the young man.

Philadelphia Eagles

Nate Allen, Free Safety

The Philadelphia Eagles struggled to contain opponents passing attacks in the early parts of 2011, despite having one of the most talented stable of cornerbacks in the league. 

They began playing much better as the season wore on, and Allen's strong play had a lot to do with it. Since joining the team as a rookie in 2010, Allen has been the starter at free safety, and he's going to continue getting better.

I expect the entire Eagles secondary to play much better together in 2012. Allen should really take off as a playmaker as he gets more comfortable with his role within the defense. 

I predict that the Eagles, barring injuries, will become a top-five defense in 2012, and Allen's play will be a catalyst for their success.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Jonathan Dwyer, Running Back

Rashard Mendenhall suffered a season-ending ACL injury last year, and the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't counting on him to be available in 2012. 

Dwyer's sophomore campaign was also cut short due to injury, but the young man is now healing from his broken left foot and should be good to go when the Steelers hold their mini-camps and OTA sessions.

Dwyer is an explosive, downhill runner who has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two years, tallying a 6.0 career yards-per-carry average. I expect him to take advantage of Mendenhall's absence to become the main man for the Steelers in 2012.

San Diego Chargers

Vincent Brown, Wide Receiver

According to Dan McLellan of CBSSports.com, The San Diego Chargers won't be offering Patrick Crayton a contract for 2012, allowing Vincent Brown will take over for Crayton as the Chargers slot receiver

Brown actually outperformed Crayton in 2011, so this isn't exactly a surprise.

He will see plenty of action as the Chargers' third receiver, as Norv Turner loves to run three-receiver sets. 

I would expect Brown to haul in at least 50 catches and six touchdowns in 2012, and I'm betting he will quickly become one of Philip Rivers' favorite targets. 

San Francisco 49ers

Chris Culliver, Cornerback

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly expecting Culliver to be ready to become the team's full-time starter at cornerback in 2012 playing opposite of Carlos Rogers (provided the team re-signs Rogers).

Culliver put forth a solid effort in his rookie season, collecting 35 tackles and one interception without starting a single game. He showed an ability to stick to his man, especially downfield, and his ball skills are top-notch.

Culliver can play just as well in man coverage as he can in zone, making him ideal for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's multiple looks on defense. His quickness and instincts should serve him well playing with the fierce front seven who provide pressure from all angles, and I expect we'll see him come away with five or more interceptions in 2012.

Seattle Seahawks

Golden Tate, Wide Receiver

When the Seattle Seahawks drafted Tate at the bottom of the second round a couple of years ago, they hoped they were getting an explosive deep threat at the wide receiver position. 

So far, Tate hasn't lived up to expectations, only catching seven passes over 20 yards and three career touchdowns. Methinks next year will be different, though, and Tate will finally become the big-play receiver they hoped for in the first place.

One of the biggest reasons is going to be that his quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson, will have gotten more familiar with the playbook. Additionally, Sydney Rice will be healthy, making Tate's life a little easier. 

St. Louis Rams

Robert Quinn, Defensive End

The starting defensive ends for the St. Louis Rams in 2011 were Chris Long and James Hall. Long isn't going anywhere, but Hall is 35 years old and is in the last year of his contract. 

The Rams drafted Quinn 14th-overall in last year's draft, and I'm betting they would like to give him a chance to earn the starting position over Hall in training camp. 

Quinn managed to collect five sacks in limited action as a freshman, only one less than full-time starter Hall. He also contributed three blocked kicks in special teams, showing his amazing athleticism in the process.

Given a chance to start opposite Long, I would expect Quinn's numbers to at least double in 2012, giving him double-digit sacks and making the Long/Quinn duo one of the league's best.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End

Bowers got his chance to start at the end of the season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The questions about his knee never appeared to have any validity, though, and Bowers got stronger at the end of the year.

His skills were never in question, and until the knee issue cropped up in the middle of the evaluation process, he was slated to be a top-five pick in the 2011 NFL draft by many of the top experts.

Bowers' knee will continue getting stronger. He will be determined to prove he deserved to be picked in the first round, and that will drive him to become dominant. 

As an added bonus, the entire Buccaneers organization will benefit from the new leadership of Greg Schiano. 

Tennessee Titans

Jake Locker, Quarterback

According to NFL.com, "Locker showed promise in limited action and should push Hasselbeck for the starting job in 2012."

I happen to agree.

Locker brought instant explosion to the Tennessee Titans' offense in his brief exposure last year, and his God-given abilities were plain for all to see. His ability to drop dimes with his deep passes is glorious to behold.

If Chris Johnson ever gets back to playing the way he did a couple of years ago, this offense could become one of the best big-play units in the entire league with Locker pulling the trigger.

Washington Redskins

Leonard Hankerson, Wide Receiver

Provided the Redskins actually bring in an NFL quarterback in 2012, Hankerson should have a monster season in his second year.

He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign, his best performance coming in in Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins (his old stomping grounds from his record-setting days at Miami) totaling eight catches for 106 yards.

Unfortunately, his season was cut short on his eighth catch of that game as he tore his labrum, leading to surgery and a spot on the team's injured reserve list. He is in recovery now, and he should be good to go for training camp.

Hankerson is a productive receiver with speed and soft hands, and I'm expecting him to become an integral part of Mike Shanahan's offense for years to come with the Washington Redskins.