Bold Predictions for Cam Newton and NFL Stars Entering Sophomore Season

After starring for their respective NFL teams in their much-hyped rookie seasons, many want to know how Cam Newton, A.J. Green and Von Miller will fare in their sophomore campaigns. 

Those three, along with a few other standout members of the 2011 draft class, will be looking to avoid the dreaded "sophomore slump" and will attempt to make considerable strides in 2012.

Many of the young phenoms have been placed in environments conducive to success, as many organizations have started to build around their budding stars. 

A.J. Green

Conventional wisdom tells us receivers take a year or two to acclimate to the NFL game.

Not A.J. Green.

With a body reminiscent of Randy Moss, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 draft had no trouble transitioning to the professional ranks last season.

He reeled in 65 passes for 1,057 yards with seven touchdowns, and was undoubtedly the most dangerous "safety valve" in the AFC. 

Fellow rookie Andy Dalton lofted a bomb Green's way in many precarious situations, and the elite ball skills of the decorated high-school recruit and Georgia star rarely let him down.

Cincinnati added wideouts Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones and tight end Orson Charles in the draft to take pressure and coverage away from their No. 1 pass-catcher. 

While Dalton may spread the ball around more frequently with the added receiving talent, Green will remain his go-to target, and we'll see a slight statistical progression for the emerging deep threat. 

Stat projection: 70 catches, 1,150 yards, 8 TDs

Bold prediction: Bengals advance to second round of playoffs

Von Miller

When Von Miller was drafted, many questioned where he'd fit in the Broncos' 4-3 defensive alignment. No one's questioning that anymore. 

The 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year attacked opposing quarterbacks with unstoppable reckless abandon to the tune of 11.5 sacks last year.

He battled a hand injury during his debut season, but only missed one game. 

The opposition sent double teams his way toward the end of the season, hindering his sack numbers, but the Texas A&M standout still created a great deal of quarterback pressures. 

In his second year with Denver, the energetic edge-rusher will be more effective and well-rounded as a defender, though he may not get to 11.5 sacks again. 

Stat projection: 70 tackles, 10 sacks

Bold prediction: He and Elvis Dumervil combine for over 20 sacks

Julio Jones

The Falcons sold the farm to select Julio Jones in the 2011 draft, and although they were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual champion New York Giants, Matt Ryan's newest receiving threat had a superb regular season. 

He caught 54 passes for 959 yards with eight touchdowns and was held without a catch on only one occasion. 

His combination of size, speed and, most importantly, strength made him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks last year. 

During the last three games of 2011, Jones had a ridiculous stat line of 17 catches for 289 yards with four touchdowns. 

Expect him to start 2012 where he left off, though Roddy White will most likely lead the team in targets once again.

Stat projection: 75 catches, 1,250 yards, 9 TDs

Bold prediction: Falcons win division by two games

Marcell Dareus

Though the Bills dealt with a rash of injuries and severely underwhelmed in the second half of the 2011 season, No. 3 overall pick Marcell Dareus completed a fine rookie campaign. 

He had 5.5 sacks (2.5 in one game against the Redskins), 11 tackles for loss and was a dominant force on Buffalo's defensive line. 

Unfortunately for Dareus, he saw a variety of double teams after established teammate Kyle Williams was lost for the season after a mere five games. 

With Williams returning from injury and Mario Williams added to the mix, expect a rather giant leap for this giant man in 2012. 

If offensive lines game-plan to limit Mario on the outside, Dareus will have a much easier time penetrating into opposing backfields. 

Stat projection: 55 tackles, 7 sacks, 17 tackles for loss

Bold prediction: Bills challenge for wild-card spot in postseason, Dareus named to All-Pro team

Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith surprised many in 2011, as he accumulated 14.0 sacks from his outside linebacker position on a intimidating 49ers defense. 

The nonstop motor and brute strength of teammate Justin Smith created many pass-rushing paths for Aldon, and the rookie from Missouri rarely squandered an opportunity to make a big play on the quarterback. 

Unfortunately, Smith has endured a troubling offseason. 

He was arrested for DUI in Miami in late January, and was stabbed while trying to break up a fight at a house party in June, according to CSNBayArea.com. 

While it's hard to say Smith will drastically regress in 2012, it's not unfair to predict a slight drop in his production based on his offseason and the fact that teams now have a year of tape to scheme against. 

Stat projection: 40 tackles, 11 sacks

Bold prediction: He and Justin Smith combine for 20 sacks

Patrick Peterson

It took Peterson time to become comfortable as a cover man in his rookie season, but he was as dangerous in the return game for Arizona as he was during his illustrious collegiate career at LSU for the entire year.

He returned a punt for a touchdown in the season-opening win against Cam Newton's Carolina Panthers, and he had three other return TDs in 2011. 

The ultra-athletic, physical corner should improve in coverage in 2012. It's difficult to envision a drop off in his return prowess, though he set the bar high last year with four touchdowns. 

Stat projection: 70 tackles, 3 INTs, 2 return TDs

Bold prediction: Cardinals challenge for wild-card spot in postseason, Peterson garners All-Pro consideration

Cam Newton

Cam Newton, the No. 1 overall pick from a year ago, proved his myriad of doubters wrong in a major way last season.

He burst onto the scene with a 422-yard passing performance in his professional debut, but as the year progressed, he saw more team success when his throwing numbers weren't as gaudy. 

The former Heisman Trophy winner had a rookie season for the ages. He threw for 4,051 yards and set the rookie record with an astounding 35 total touchdowns (14 rushing). 

A 6'5'', 250-pound freak athlete, Newton represents the future of dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. 

The Panthers added Mike Tolbert this offseason, a punishing runner who'll likely take away a few of Newton's goal-line carries. 

However, there's no reason to project less than 30 total touchdowns in 2012 for the Panthers franchise quarterback. 

With an added emphasis on managing games through the air, while still doing damage with his legs, Newton's sophomore numbers will win countless fantasy leagues across the country.

Stat projection: 3,850 passing yards, 24 passing TDs, 14 INTs, 12 rushing TDs

Bold prediction: Panthers make postseason as wild card