NFL Breakout 2008: Top Eleven Players Looking to Surprise This Year

Top Eleven players who have yet to prove themselves, that will fit the bill in their respective roles in 2008.

11. Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay Packers

With all the off season hype on this guy in the new post-Favre era, this guy has to be on this list. He has some pretty big shoes to fill in Green Bay, and his pretty big arm will help him with that.

The receiving corp is still intact, which allows him to utter a sigh of relief.

The under-rated defense along with the running of locomotive Ryan Grant, also will pave the way for Mr. Rodgers to wipe the tears away from Packer fans. And make them understand that it is possible for someone else to lead their team.

It sure isn't going to look right not seeing No. 4 under center in those wintry conditions late in the year.

10. James Hardy, WR Buffalo Bills

Big, physical, aggressive, with hops, are all words not describing Bills wide-outs in the past few seasons.

But this is exactly what once power-forward James Hardy brings to the table. We aren't looking at a Randy Moss-like rookie campaign, but his frame alone says he must put up some numbers right?

Look for Hardy to mostly show up in the Red Zone, and listen for the "Bills Shout Song" more in 2008.

9. JaMarcus Russell, QB Oakland Raiders

This is an obvious pick, and with the additions to the Raid'as, (thank you Al Davis for being yourself) it is deservedly so.

He won't break any records but the one-two punch of Justin Fargas and Run-DMC will make passing the ball not the first thing on opposing defense's minds.

The wide receivers Drew Carter, Ronald Curry, and Javon Walker are steady enough to consistently receive bullets from the former Bayou Bengal. Hopefully the line can hold up for the men in black.

8. Paul Posluszny, LB Buffalo Bills

Yet another Bill on the list, mainly because the expectations are so thick in the air throughout Western New York, it seems like a mid-summer blizzard.

He was one of the best tacklers coming out of Linebacker U, and his rookie season was chop blocked with an injury to his hand in week three.

If he can display leadership like he did at Penn State, the defense can then lead the Bills into the snow games in December that are always there, but this time with actual meaning.

7. DeSean Jackson, WR Philadelphia Eagles

Second rookie WR on this list and I know what your thinking; rookie pass catchers always have a tough time getting acclimated to the NFL.

In Jackson's case he won't need to be the most crisp route runner or separate from his defenders, as his impact will be felt on bubble screens, kickoffs, and short slants.

NCAA's most electric player a year ago, brings his lightning quickness to the Eagles and will shock the entire NFL.

6. Ronnie Brown, RB Miami Dolphins

Ok, he "kinda-sorta" has already proven himself as a solid running back in this league, but the question remains if he can endure and entire season in Miami.

Prior to his season ending injury in 2007, he was a great back on a Dolphin team that couldn't keep their heads above water.

With some good acquisitions in the off season, and titan Jake Long on the left side, he should swim right through defenses all year.

The only aspect that remains to be seen is if the Fins can throw the ball.

Because of his immense talent he lands at the six spot.

5. Early Doucet, WR Arizona Cardinals

What better a place to land yourself if your a rookie WR than Arizona. Ok, maybe Indy or New England.

Not only will he learn from high flying Anquan Boldin and consistent card Larry Fitzgerald but those wide-outs will give him plenty of free flight in the desert. A smaller, speedier version of last years rookie phenom Dwayne Bowe. Sleeper of the entire group.

4. Jerod Mayo, LB New England Patriots

Boy, do Patriot-haters really dislike the punishment handed out after SpyGate now. They took an insignificant hit in their pocket but still landed one of the best defensive players in this year's draft.

It seemed as if Mayo was around every play in the NFL's farm league, the SEC throughout his entire career. No other college ball gets you ready for the speed and pace of the NFL quite like that conference.

He will be under the tutelage of some great backers and should answer all questions regarding if the Patriots D can remain solid with a defiant, Yes!

3. Michael Turner, RB Atlanta Falcons

One of the biggest offensive names to move in the '08 off season, Turner is somewhat proven but has had to play in the magnificently huge shadow of LT for the past few seasons.

He can definitely run it, with a good combination of speed and persistence. The Falcons are trying to get off the ground and he will help their attack. A change of scenery and a new work load will motivate Turner as he is finally the opening day starter for a team.

2. Donte Stallworth, WR Cleveland Browns

Yes, Stallworth was a prime piece to the puzzle that was the New England Patriots offensive masterpiece in 2007. And Yes, I am a little skeptical that Derek Anderson will put up similar numbers this upcoming season.

But Dawg Pound don't you worry. The question you need to ask is; can he continue his slot receiver productivity with another team, or would any wide-out would have flourished in that system last season?

I find his situation in Cleveland to be eerily similar to what he had in New England, and  when defenses load up to stop Jamal Lewis, or double cover Braylon Edwards, Stallworth will be standing with the ball in the end zone, alone.

1. Devin Hester, "WR" Chicago Bears

The number one spot, has already more than solidified himself as a threat to put the ball in the end zone, but as many have stated, he needs to touch the ball more than just on punts and kickoffs.

Hopefully for Bears fans, the defense will rebound, therefore less kickoffs to Hester. Cross your fingers people of the Chicago-land area that Devin has worked on his route running and really focused on being a "receiver" in this league.

He makes returning look so ridiculously easy, he doesn't need to spend his time practicing that right? If he gets the ball a lot he will leave every corner, safety, nickle back, dime back...anyone, in the dust.