NFL 2010 Preview: Michael Crabtree and 32 NFL Breakout Candidates
The NFL and its 32 teams have so many talented players and every year there are several who break out from obscurity and become a star for their team.
Not an easy thing to predict like all others things when it comes to the NFL, but I have taken the time to go around to many NFL featured columnists (FCs) and asked their opinions of who is to breakout in each of the 32 teams.
The following are their picks for 2010's breakouts.
Arizona Cardinals: Chris "Beanie" Wells
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"This could be a number of guys, considering they will be depending on players to step up and fill the shoes of the several players they lost during the past offseason.
"That being said, I'm going to go with second-year pro running back Beanie Wells. With Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin gone, the team is going to rely on the running game much more than they have in recent history. Wells played relatively well last season, amassing 793 rushing yards on a 4.5 YPC average along with 7 touchdowns.
"I expect him to take command of that featured back role and become an integral part of their offense. Also, look for wide receiver Steve Breaston to have a solid season."
My take:
I think this is a tough pick because defenses will be keying up on Wells and the running game forcing wither Derek Anderson or whoever the Cardinals starting quarterback will be to beat them with their arm.
Atlanta Falcons: Kroy Biermann, DE
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"Down in Atlanta, there are multiple players whom I expect to have breakout years including MLB Curtis Lofton, FS Thomas DeCoud. However, the one I've been most impressed with is DE Kroy Biermann.
Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco, QB
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Baltimore Ravens FC Matt Miselis says this:
"Really, the only one is Joe Flacco.
"With the improved weapons in the offense, Flacco should continue to make the stride as an elite quarterback.
"I can see Flacco hitting 4,000 passing yards, and 28 touchdowns on the year, leading the Ravens back to the playoffs."
My take:
With Anquan Boldin, Donte' Stallworth, Dennis Pitta, and Ed Dickson in the offense now, I can see a huge breakout for Flacco statistically too.
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Buffalo Bills: C.J. Spiller, RB
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Buffalo Bills FC Robert Quinn says this:
"Running back C.J. Spiller will be a breakout player for the Buffalo Bills in the 2010 season.
"The former Clemson Tiger was the only player in the NCAA to score a touchdown in each game of the 2009 season, and did so in every way possible; passing, rushing, receiving, returning a punt, and returning a kick.
"Spiller brings dynamic speed and game changing ability to a Buffalo Bills offense that has been lackluster for the past decade.
"At Clemson, Spiller scored 51 touchdowns, and his home run ability will be welcomed in Orchard Park"
My take:
Spiller brings new and hopeful life to the Bills offense and I can easily see how Bills fans are really excited to see him play this upcoming season due to his explosiveness.
Carolina Panthers: Matt Moore, QB
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"With a talented roster in place, it seemed like the only element holding the Panthers back from a trip to the playoffs was sufficient quarterback play.
Chicago Bears: Johnny Knox, WR
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"I'm going to say that the entire Bears' wide receiving corp will improve, and specifically the speedy Johnny Knox.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jordan Shipley, WR
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Cincinnati Bengals FC Ezri Silver says this:
"Shipley though is the obvious [choice]. He is the second coming of Chris Collinsworth (for the Bengals) and a the next Wes Welker."
My take:
Shipley is my dark horse to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year so I have nothing more to say about this pick.
Cleveland Browns: Eric Wright, CB
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Wright has steadily improved his play and performance on the field in each of his first three seasons.
Now going into 2010, which is Wright's final year of his rookie contract, he looks to play better than ever especially with the additions of veteran corner Sheldon Brown and rookie first rounder Joe Haden in the fold.
Competition brings out the best in players and so far during Browns training camp and in one preseason game, Wright has been spectacular in the face of the competition.
If Wright can up his game to the next level this year he will be one of the top young corners in the NFL and the Browns will most likely reward his play with a big new long-term contract with many zeroes at the end of the dollar amount too.
Dallas Cowboys: Martellus Bennett, TE
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"Yes, it seems like Bennett is hailed as a potential breakout player every season. And every season, he disappoints. I think 2010 is the year that bucks the trend.
"While Jason Witten is the clear No. 1 option at tight end, he's rarely targeted in the red zone, resulting in just six total touchdowns over the last two seasons. Very abnormal for a big guy with 175 catches in the last two years.
"Bennett should be able to capitalize on this anomaly. He has been solid throughout camp and the preseason, and is the big target that Tony Romo needs inside the 20."
Denver Broncos: Kyle Orton, QB
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Denver Broncos FC Reid Brooks says this:
"If I had been asked this question a few weeks ago, I would have said unequivocally the answer was Knowshon Moreno. Following some injury issues I have to confess I believe Moreno is headed for a dreaded sophomore slump.
"My answer here would probably surprise general audiences, but given all reports out of camp, the answer has to be Kyle Orton. He was just signed to a contract extension and has apparently mastered the Josh McDaniels offense very effectively (the second year in the offense has been a break-out mark for other quarterbacks). Orton is coming off of a career year as well.
"He has long been unappreciated, and most people fail to realize that if he had gone uninjured for the past two seasons (one in Denver and one in Chicago) he would have put up top-eight quarterback numbers. I'm not afraid of the competition at the position (Tim Tebow and to a lesser extent Brady Quinn) because he has dealt with that his entire professional career and always come out on top (though the competition hasn't been a lot).
"Orton is flying off of a lot of people's radars this year, and if you are a savvy fantasy player who wants a value pick at QB, take him as your third guy. You could get him there pretty easily, and trade him off later to someone who picked less wisely.
"Tebow will have his run of the offense one day, but as a rookie it isn't happening. He will come along, though."
My take:
I too would have gone with Moreno if he didn't get injured.
Detroit Lions: Jahvid Best, RB
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My take:
Best is highly explosive and his versatility is sure to help him break out in the NFL in his rookie season.
The Lions' offense is slowly developing into a potent attack as the years go buy and they continue to rebuild their roster to contend in the NFC North.
Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley, TE
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My take:
Finley is a talent that is about to explode for the Packers and in the NFL this upcoming season.
He is on one of the most high-powered offenses with one of the best young quarterback s in the league with Aaron Rodgers.
These two are a deadly combination for many years to come.
Houston Texans: Glover Quin, CB
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Houston Texans FC Shane Kirkpatrick says this:
"Sophomore corner Glover Quin will be in the conversation for best corners in the league by the end of the 2010 season.
"The kid has yet to be scored on in any of the NFL games he has had the opportunity to play in. He will come up and hit anybody."
Indianapolis Colts: Donald Brown, RB
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Indianapolis Colts FC Alek Frost says this:
"I've said it before and I'll say it again: Donald Brown is the best running back on the Colts' roster. He did not do anything overly spectacular last season but has looked solid after two preseason games. He didn't have a great game against the 49ers but averaged 5.8 yards a carry against the Bills and caught a seven-yard pass.
"Indy didn't draft Brown 27th overall in 2009 because they wanted a solid back-up. He was drafted because the Colts had a need at the position and although I fully expect Joseph Addai to be productive, I expect Brown to take over by 2011. He is very versatile and has the ability to be an every-down back in the NFL.
"Brown will have a breakout year as a sophomore, could potentially earn more carries and even the title of starter, this season."
My take:
I too think Brown will breakout in 2010 and be a big feature in the Colts' offense to help give them more balance.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcedes Lewis, TE
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Jacksonville Jaguars FC Jacks Harver says this:
"In 2010, watch for tight end Marcedes Lewis to be a breakout pass catcher for Jacksonville.
"At 6'6" and a lean 275 pounds, he has elite size for the position, but the Jaguars' rookie tackles forced him to stay in as a blocker more last season.
"This year, Lewis has been the most impressive player in Jacksonville's training camp. He'll be a big part of their passing game, challenging linebackers to stay with him and out-bodying safeties."
My take:
Jags quarterback David Garrard needs more reliable weapons on the offense and Lewis needs to step up his game this year to help not only win games but keep the team in Jacksonville too.
Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe, WR
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Kansas City Chiefs FC Bill Robbins says this:
"I would say one breakout player for the Chiefs would be Dwayne Bowe.
"He has had an excellent camp this year and has exhibited great hands while running crisp and precise routes as well. Bowe also looked very good in the Chiefs last preseason game against the Bucs, as he was seen breaking tackles and getting solid yards after each reception.
"Bowe has a strong chance to breakout this season because he has always had the talent, but it appears this season, he is putting it all together."
My take:
Dexter McCluster is sure to breakout with all the different ways the Chiefs can use him. He is a combo pack of both Wes Welker and Chris Johnson all in one in my eyes.
Miami Dolphins: Chad Henne, QB
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Miami Dolphins FC Robert Hoffman says this:
"Miami's almost has to be starting quarterback Chad Henne. A third-year player out of Michigan, Henne has a live arm and has enough experience that the Dolphins will look at him to be a game changer instead of a game manager.
"He has an elite receiver now in Brandon Marshall.
"The key for Henne will be to put touch on shorter to intermediate passes. If he accomplishes that you'll see more efforts like Miami's first game against the Jets in 2009 in which he dissected one of the NFL's best defenses."
My take:
I cannot argue with Robert's thought process here because Marshall's presence on the outside alone should help Henne develop into the next level as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings: Ray Edwards, DE
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"The Minnesota Vikings defensive line, highlighted by the powerful Williams Wall and the relentless Jared Allen, is arguably the best in the business. What many don't realize is that another strong piece of that unit is LE Ray Edwards.
New England Patriots: Julian Edelman, WR
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New England Patriots FC Erik Frenz says this:
"It's hard to believe that a little over a year ago, Julian Edelman had almost no experience as a wide receiver. But 'Wes Welker 2.0' has it in him to really make an impact for the Patriots this season. Edelman uses moves that were thought to be Wes Welker signature moves, i.e. an eye-popping stutter-step that often gets defenders to overpursue.
"He has already proven this preseason that he can make an impact as a punt returner, and has also done well when called upon as a receiver, reeling in the lone two touchdowns in New England's playoff loss to Baltimore in January.
"Some might argue that a loaded offense bodes poorly for Edelman, but it's clear to me that the Patriots plan on incorporating him into their offense any way possible, giving him plenty of opportunities to make an impact. They have put him in the backfield at times, testing his flexibility as a running back to perhaps take on a Kevin Faulk role."
My take:
Both Edelman and Taylor Price are very intriguing receiving option for the Pats' offense and Tom Brady this season.
New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, S
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NFL FC Brian DiTullio says this:
"A first-round draft pick last year, injuries to the position are giving him the window of opportunity he needs to show everybody why the Saints picked him in the first round last year."
My take:
With the Saints' 2009 first round pick switching positions in 2010, Jenkins will look to grow into his new spot quickly in order to produce and contribute in the Super Bowl Champions' secondary.
New York Jets: Shonn Greene, RB
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NY Jets FC Larry Kornweiss says this:
New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR
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NFL FC Brian DiTullio says this:
"With a year of experience under his belt, Nicks now is more familiar with the offense and how to be a WR in the NFL.
"Eli Manning to Nicks should be a familiar refrain for the NY Broadcasters."
My take:
Nicks was selected by the Giants in 2009 to become their eventual No. 1 receiving threat, but Steve Smith broke out last year.
Now with Nicks one year removed from being a rookie, the Nicks/Smith pairing will be just that much better this upcoming season.
Oakland Raiders: Zach Miller, TE
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Oakland Raiders FC Jay Dee says this:
"Zach Miller was able to get nearly 900 yards with JaMarcus 'are you gonna eat that' Russell throwing him the ball. With Campbell under center now, Miller is likely to be unstoppable.
"Campbell loves throwing to the tight end, and he turned Chris Cooley into a Pro Bowler and a household name. If Campbell can do that for Cooley, he'll make the much more talented Miller into a LEGEND!"
My take:
My thoughts exactly especially with that reference Jay made to the Campbell-Cooley combo when Campbell was in Washington.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jeremy Maclin, WR
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"He had a decent rookie year, totaling 56 catches for 773 yards and four touchdowns—but he was overshadowed by the Pro Bowler opposite him and the near-Pro Bowler on the end of the offensive line.
"This year, though, the Eagles passing game will be a lot closer to a true West Coast offense, and now that Maclin is firmly entrenched as the No. 2 receiver, he could have a big season just by racking up the YAC."
My take:
I agree with Lou's pick, but only if new starting quarterback Kevin Kolb has a good season.
Maclin cannot break out if Kolb struggles.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace, WR
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"If you're a fantasy football player, you've seen the sleeper tag applied to Wallace ad nauseam. Usually, this is not a good sign. But for Wallace, I think it is.
"The Steelers lost their most dynamic playmaker (Santonio Holmes) this offseason. They can't rely on the ancient Hines Ward or Heath Miller to make up for all that production.
"Enter Mike Wallace. After putting up 756 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, Wallace will be thrust into the 2nd receiver spot. And I think he has all the tools to succeed. His breakaway speed meshes well with Hines Ward's intermediate skills, and he shouldn't drop off too far from his league-leadng 19.4 yards per catch last season."
San Diego Chargers: Seyi Ajirotutu, WR
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San Diego Chargers FC Todd Kaufmann says this:
"He's an undrafted free agent and had his coming out party this past Saturday against Dallas. He caught three balls for 71 yards including a 56-yard strike, using his speed to get behind the defense.
San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree, WR
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San Francisco 49ers FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"I firmly believe that Michael Crabtree is in position for a huge breakout season in 2010.
"Not only does he possess the necessary skill set, but he's also in a great situation as the offense is expected to vastly improve and their scheduled opponents are very weak.
"Also note that, despite missing all of training camp and the first five games last year, he recorded 48 receptions for 625 yards. After a full year building a rapport with Alex Smith and working in the system, I could definitely see him surpass the 1,000 yard mark."
My take:
Crabtree was No. 5 in receiving yardage among rookies and he missed six games in 2009.
Just imagine how much better he will be this year playing a full season's worth of games. Scary.
Seattle Seahawks: John Carlson, TE
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"I see the potential for two breakout Seahawks this season in tight end John Carlson, and running back Justin Forsett.
St. Louis Rams: James Laurinaitis, LB
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"Many are going to say that middle linebacker James Laurinaitis already had a 'breakout' season in his rookie campaign last year. Still, if he replicates that performance this year as I project him to, he will be garnering the respect that he deserves. He's a great all-around talent and is the leader of that Rams' defense. Another name to keep an eye on is cornerback Ronald Bartell. "
My take:
I'm a Buckeye fan so I got nothing against this pick!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Williams, WR
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"Mike Williams slid all the way to the 4th round of the NFL draft, thanks in big part to him quitting Syracuse's football team in 2009. Williams is a very talented receiver with great hands, and above-average athleticism for his size (6'2" 215).
While Tampa Bay did spend a second-round pick on another receiver (Arrelious Benn), it's pretty clear that Williams is the better all-around player. He has already been named a starting receiver, and may end up being the steal of the 2010 draft."
My take:
Williams did fall far and he has a chip on his shoulder. Already being named a starter shows just that.
Tennessee Titans: Stephen Tulloch, LB
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Tennessee Titans FC Blaize Pennington says this:
"Stephen Tulloch has been in the shadow of Keith Bulluck the last couple of years. Even though Tulloch's tackle count rose, no one really noticed because Bulluck was the leader of the team.
Washington Redskins: Fred Davis, TE
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"Fred Davis had a mini-breakout season in 2009 after Chris Cooley went down with a broken ankle. He racked up nearly 500 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns over the last 10 weeks of the season.
"I know what you're thinking: Isn't Chris Cooley healthy? And isn't Cooley the clear No. 1 tight end in Washington? Yes, and yes. But Davis is so good that it won't matter.
"New QB Donovan McNabb is famous for spreading the football around, and with the lack of depth at receiver in Washington, there will be enough catches to go around for both Cooley and Davis."
Special Thanks
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I must send out a thank you to all the Bleacher Report writers, featured columnists, and staff members who helped out with this project!
Especially Mihir Bhagat (I wish you were in the AFC...).
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