Jacksonville Jaguars' William Middleton Ready to Hit 'the Next Level'

The 2011 Jacksonville Jaguars were crushed by injuries, and the loss of corner William Middleton was easy to overlook.

The fourth-year corner out of Furman would be easy to dismiss as a journeyman nickleback, but he could quietly make the leap in his fourth NFL season. He started a career-high six games in 2011, earning serious playing time before losing the final four games of the year to a knee injury.

Middleton isn't a big corner, but that doesn't mean he isn't physical. He's proven effective in the run game without being a liability in coverage.

The Jaguars thought enough of him to tender the restricted-rights free agent at a fifth-round level. It's uncommon for other teams to give up draft picks to sign restricted-rights free agents, so the Jags get him back at a bargain price in 2012.

Middleton has seen steady improvement each year he's been in the league, garnering more responsibility and playing time as he's gotten more comfortable. Jacksonville has a stack of corners on the roster, but there are still questions as to who will start. Rashean Mathis will be battling to recover from injury and keep a roster spot. Aaron Ross is a veteran, but new to the Jags. There is definitely room for Middleton to play a significant role.

For some players, "The Next Level" is stardom. For others, like Middleton, it represents the chance to establish themselves as viable NFL starters. If he can hold down a role as a starting corner and play like he did last year for Jacksonville, he'll find himself on the receiving end of a fat new contract after the 2012 season.

He's gone from a special teams, end-of-the roster player to solid backup, to part-time starter. Now it's time for Middleton to reach The Next Level.