NFL Depth Chart Predictions: 5 Underrated Offseason Pickups That Will Start

When NFL teams started courting free agents this offseason, all eyes turned toward the big names, such as Peyton Manning and Mario Williams, and for good reason. Both are immediate impact players who instantly make their teams better and could even push their teams deep into the playoffs.

But Manning and Williams are not the only players who could have effect on the upcoming season by switching teams. Many of these players flew under the radar and the average fan may have lost track of them.

What follows is five underrated offseason pickups that could end up starting for their new teams this season.

RB Michael Bush, Chicago Bears

Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat: Matt Forte is still the top dog in Chicago.

But Forte has made it clear he intends to hold out, and the Bears got a steal when the signed the former Oakland Raider as an insurance policy. But even if Forte reports on time, Bush will have plenty of chances to get his hands on the ball.

As good as Forte is, he’s not a short-yardage back, unlike Bush. Bush excels in the red zone, having scored 14 touchdowns from less than seven yards out over the past two seasons. Forte, on the other hand, has only three over that same span.

Still, Forte is the man and his game should improve even more this season thanks to an upgraded Bears passing attack. But Bush is just a holdout or injury away from taking over the position.

WR Andre Caldwell, Denver Broncos

As you may have heard, there is a new quarterback in Denver this season. And the Broncos didn’t waste much getting him some new weapons to play with.

While his signing didn’t cause many ripples nationally, Andre Caldwell is the kind of receiver that Peyton Manning loves. He’s smart, he runs correct routes and he delivers in the red zone. He’s also not a talker, but one that does what his QB asks of him—always a plus.

Caldwell’s best seasons in Cincinnati came during Carson Palmer’s prime, and he could have that kind of impact with the Broncos. Like Pierre Garcon and Brandon Stokley did before him, Caldwell could emerge as that unknown receiver that flourishes while playing with Manning to put up monster numbers.

DE Jonathan Fanene, New England Patriots

Whether as a pass-rusher or a run-stopper, Jonathan Fanene did a little of everything for the Cincinnati Bengals over the past couple of seasons. Now he takes that versatility to the New England Patriots and arguably the most creative defensive mind in the game, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Never a star in Cincinnati, Fanene nevertheless was a solid player who showed up day in and day out and was equally adept at either end of tackle. Belichick will know how to get the most out of a player with Fanene’s skill set, and he could emerge as one of the best lineman in the NFC East.

CB William Gay, Arizona Cardinals

If you need a corner that can blanket the opposing receiver and take away half the field, William Gay is not your man. But if want you a corner that can punish a receiver for coming through the middle with a big hit or to provide solid support in the run game, Gay is the man for you.

Gay’s coverage abilities were questioned in Pittsburgh, but in Arizona he could emerge as a solid No. 2 guy on the opposite side of the field from Patrick Patterson. Plus, he brings that Steeler toughness to an Arizona defense that sorely needs the boost.

TE Jacob Tamme, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos brought in receiver Brandon Stokley to give their new quarterback a familiar face to throw to, but it will be the addition of tight end Jacob Tamme that will make the bigger impact.

In 2010, when he got to play with Manning in Indianapolis, Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns, and that was sharing time with Dallas Clark. Reunited with Manning, Tamme could have a monster year and emerge as one of the Colts’ top pass-catching threats.