2011 NFL Preview: 30 Under-the-Radar Players to Monitor During Training Camp
This one is for the unsung heroes, the Friday All-Stars and the players on the brink of greatness. Only, you've never heard of them unless you are a diehard fan.
On every roster there are loads of players who are this close to breaking out. Maybe they are stuck behind an established starter or just waiting for a better supporting cast or even something as small as playing time to impress the coaching staff.
This is a list, in no particular order, of 30 players who we will be watching this offseason and expecting big things from in 2011.
Henry Melton, Defensive End, Chicago Bears
1 of 30
Henry Melton is not a complete unknown, but he's certaintly not a household name outside of Chicago and Austin, Texas.
Melton burst on the scene in Austin as part of a rotating backfield with Jamaal Charles at the University of Texas. Melton was the bruiser, Charles the speed back.
The former running back is now playing defensive end and will have first dibs on replacing free agent Israel Idonije.
Alphonso Smith, Cornerback, Detroit Lions
2 of 30
For an NFL cornerback with five interceptions in the 2010 season, Alphonso Smith is not highly regarded among NFL columnists and fans.
But he should be.
The Lions secondary is weak, and because of that, the team will give Smith many opportunities to become their No. 1 cornerback.
As Detroit moves from joke to contender, look for Smith to emerge as the team's best cornerback.
Kerry Meier, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
3 of 30
Kerry Meier missed the entire 2010 season with injury, but we haven't forgotten him.
Meier has a great chance to step in to the Falcons offense in 2011 as a slot receiver, return man and multi-purpose player.
At Kansas Meier lined up at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end and even punter.
Atlanta will find a way to work this talented athlete on to the field.
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Mike Johnson, Guard, Atlanta Falcons
4 of 30
Should the Atlanta Falcons lose either Justin Blalock or Harvey Dahl to free agency, the team will turn to a rookie guard who played zero snaps during the 2010 regular season.
Mike Johnson may not have done much during the season, but his play during the preseason of his rookie season was encouraging enough for the team to trust him at left or right guard should Dahl and/or Blalock need replaced.
Johnson's play in the preseason and training camp is definitely worth watching.
Mike Goodson, Running Back, Carolina Panthers
5 of 30
OK, fantasy football fans, this one is for you.
The Carolina Panthers are all but sure to lose running back DeAngelo Williams to free agency. While Jonathan Stewart will take the bulk of Williams' carries, the team will look to shift some of those duties to running back Mike Goodson.
Quietly, Goodson had a good year in 2010 as a complementary back to Stewart. He could have a big impact as a runner or receiver on passing downs for Carolina.
Myron Lewis, Cornerback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6 of 30
Myron Lewis saw spot duty for the Buccaneers during the 2010 season, but he could play a major role in the future of the Bucs and of fellow cornerback Aqib Talib.
Should the Buccaneers decide to cut Talib after an offseason that saw him indicted by a grand jury, Lewis is the player who will be asked to step up and fill his starting role opposite veteran Ronde Barber.
Lewis must prove himself quickly, and he may need to show enough in training camp to make the Buccaneers coaching staff confident in playing the 2011 season sans Talib.
O'Brien Schofield, Linebacker, Arizona Cardinals
7 of 30
The Cardinals are expected to let outside linebacker Joey Porter go once the NFL lockout ends, opening up a starting position in the Cardinals' hybrid 3-4 defense.
Who will be there to take Porter's spot?
We believe it will be linebacker O'Brien Schofield.
Schofield played sparingly during his rookie season in 2010 but produced 12 tackles and two sacks in spot duty. Schofield, a fourth-round pick last year, has the speed and strength to start in the NFL.
Charles Brown, Tackle, New Orleans Saints
8 of 30
Starting left tackle Jermon Bushrod is an unrestricted free agent and may not be back with the team next year, putting the pressure of protecting Drew Brees' blindside on second-year player Charles Brown.
Brown was a solid pass blocker at USC and has the tools that NFL coaches love, but he is largely untested.
Should Bushrod leave, the Saints' training camp will be focused on the progress of Brown at left tackle.
Donovan Warren, Cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers
9 of 30
A late signee after being cut by the New York Jets, Donovan Warren is an interesting prospect worth watching.
While at Michigan he flashed brilliance at times while looking horrible at others. His decision to leave Michigan after his junior year proved to be a bad one, as he was not drafted.
That has not stopped other players from emerging as starters. Warren will have the chance to get reps at cornerback on a weak Steelers secondary.
Matt Lawrence, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens
10 of 30
Who?
Yes, Matt Lawrence. Of the Baltimore Ravens.
Willis McGahee is expected to be cut in Baltimore this summer, opening up a hole behind Ray Rice as the team's No. 2 back.
The only other back on the roster worth watching is Lawrence.
Jarron Gilbert, Defensive End, New York Jets
11 of 30
Jarron Gilbert has bounced around the NFL a decent amount in his two seasons. Drafted by the Chicago Bears, he was waived after the 2009 season and signed by the Jets. After a few roster moves the Jets eventually placed him on the practice squad.
Why then, is Gilbert worth watching?
The Jets lack defensive ends for their 3-4 defense and Gilbert is an ideal fit at the position. He has the speed to rush the passer and the size to control the gaps at the edge.
We're not expecting a Hall of Fame career, but there is enough talent here to watch.
Danario Alexander, Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams
12 of 30
So many experts predicted the St. Louis Rams would draft a No. 1 wide receiver early in the NFL draft. When they didn't, those experts were left scratching their heads.
Who then will fill the role as a No. 1 wide out for young star Sam Bradford?
Mr. Danario Alexander.
Coming off of a February surgery to repair a torn ACL, Alexander was never at full speed during the 2010 season. With a full year of rehab under his belt, he will be ready to star in the Rams offense.
David Hawthorne, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks
13 of 30
For a player who has started 27 games in his NFL career, no one talks about Seahawks' linebacker David Hawthorne.
We think they should be.
Hawthorne will likely take over a starting job when free agent and resident troublemaker Leroy Hill leaves the team this offseason.
This is Hawthorne's chance to shine on a defense that needs solid play from the linebackers to succeed.
Adrian Arrington, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
14 of 30
The New Orleans Saints have an established playmaker at wide receiver in Marques Colston, but the supporting cast is a little inconsistent.
Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem play well enough to keep their minutes on the field, but if a fourth receiver came along, he could see plenty of chances in four-wide sets and in spelling tired players.
That is why Adrian Arrington is a player worth watching at Camp Brees during the lockout and then again once the NFL lockout is over.
Eric Norwood, Defensive End, Carolina Panthers
15 of 30
The Carolina Panthers have a group of defensive ends who are all capable of becoming consistent starters. The trouble is, no one has stepped up to date.
Charles Johnson has promise, but he is also scheduled to be a free agent and might head for a winning team.
This leaves guys like Everette Brown, Hilee Taylor, Greg Hardy and Eric Norwood to fight for playing time.
Norwood has always had an intriguing combination of speed and athleticism. Keep an eye on him this offseason.
Jordy Nelson, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
16 of 30
Jordy Nelson is not an unknown, but he is certainly under the radar in Green Bay and elsewhere.
Nelson will be the first man up to replace the catches lost when James Jones signs elsewhere this summer. He will also be asked to take on a larger role in the return game.
Nelson has loads of talent and could position himself well to be the No. 2 wide receiver as Donald Driver ages.
James Davis, Running Back, Washington Redskins
17 of 30
Before most of James Davis' rookie season was lost after then coach Eric Mangini decided to let a linebacker tackle him without pads on, Davis fell off the radar.
Most expected big things of him in the right system, and Mike Shanahan's zone blocking scheme is perfect for the "one-cut" runner.
Davis will compete with Ryan Torain for carries, but Shanahan has never been shy about rotating his backs in and out without regard.
Cornelius Ingram, Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles
18 of 30
The NFL is on the brink of going to a two tight end system, and when the other NFL teams starting following this trend started by the New England Patriots it will be guys like Cornelius Ingram who benefit.
Ingram is not a classic tight end. He's lean, athletic and best in a "move" position versus your classic in-line tight end.
Ingram is fully recovered from a knee injury that slowed him down early in his career. This offseason will be huge for him.
Victor Cruz, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
19 of 30
Oh, Victor Cruz.
Fans of the NFL preseason will remember Cruz for his six-catch, 145-yard, three-touchdown game on Monday Night Football versus the Jets.
What is unfortunate is that he was never able to duplicate his success, as his season was lost to injury.
Cruz will be back in 2011, the Giants wisely held on to his rights and will be on a mission to prove he was not a one-night wonder.
Alan Ball, Cornerback, Dallas Cowboys
20 of 30
The Cowboys may look to replace both of their 2010 starting cornerbacks this offseason.
Mike Jenkins went from Pro Bowl player to malcontent, and Terence Newman is a veteran who is not a great fit in the Cowboys' new 3-4 scheme.
Should either play leave town, Alan Ball will be there to pick up where they left off.
Lex Hilliard, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
21 of 30
The Miami Dolphins are likely to lose both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown to free agency this summer, something they do not seem too upset about.
To replace the two-headed backfield the Dolphins drafted Daniel Thomas from Kansas State and plan to plug-in Lex Hilliard at the other spot if they are not able to sign a marquee free agent.
Trouble is, signing a free agent may be a waste. Hilliard has NFL talent if he's given a chance.
Jordan Shipley, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
22 of 30
Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley will all compete for the opportunity to line up opposite 2011 first-round pick A.J. Green in the Bengals' starting lineup.
Replacing Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens may not be easy to do, but Shipley has the skills to get open against NFL coverage and could become an excellent number two option in the West Coast offense that Jay Gruden will install as offensive coordinator.
Tashard Choice, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys
23 of 30
As of this writing the Dallas Cowboys have four running backs who could all be the featured back in 2011.
Marion Barber III is the most likely to be cut or traded, as he has slowed down considerably over the last two seasons. Felix Jones is still the speed back of the group, but he is not an every down back and neither is 2011 rookie DeMarco Murray.
Tashard Choice is.
Choice will have the chance to take the starting job in training camp and never look back.
Rusty Smith, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
24 of 30
The Titans will be without a veteran quarterback this season unless they sign someone to compete with rookie Jake Locker.
The starting job until Locker is ready to take over could be Rusty Smith's to have.
Smith has shown absolutely nothing to show that he belongs as a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he is at least worth watching this offseason.
Donald Butler, Linebacker, San Diego Chargers
25 of 30
When you are on a team with five free agents at inside linebacker, there is a good chance that as one of the remaining players who is not a free agent, you'll have a shot at a starting job.
That's the situation Donald Butler will be in during the 2011 season.
San Diego has shown no desire to re-sign any of the other five free agents, leaving a starting job for Butler and rookie Jonas Mouton.
Kendrick Lewis, Free Safety, Kansas City Chiefs
26 of 30
Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers might get the most attention from fans and writers in the Kansas City Chiefs' secondary, but Kenrick Lewis is worth watching in his own right.
Lewis was the one making sure Eric Berry was lined up correctly. Lewis was the one making tackles in run support and showing the potential to be a long-term starter in Kansas City.
Watch Lewis this offseason as he becomes a leader on the Kansas City defense.
John Skelton, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
27 of 30
Unless the Cardinals sign or trade for a free agent once the NFL offseason officially begins, John Skelton will enter the season as the starting quarterback.
While Arizona is expected to make a play for another quarterback, there remains a chance that the team sees enough in Skelton to hold off on adding a young quarterback.
How Skelton performs this year will say much about his future in Arizona and in the NFL in general.
Jacoby Ford, Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders
28 of 30
The Oakland Raiders are not a team loaded with superstars at this point in their franchise history, but there is at least one player on offense worth remembering when it comes time for your fantasy football draft.
Wide receiver Jacoby Ford.
Ford's speed and open field moves make him incredibly dangerous, especially in the secondary-weak AFC West.
Ford will move from under the radar to Pro Bowler in 2011.
Austen Lane, Defensive End, Jacksonville Jaguars
29 of 30
To date, Austen Lane is best known as a rare Murray State alum in the NFL and the player who has beaten out former first-round pick and draft-bust Derrick Harvey.
In 2011, we expect Lane to move even further up the NFL ladder.
Lane has 20 tackles and zero sacks in his one season in the NFL, but he has shown enough promise to excite fans and coaches in Jacksonville.
Ben Tate, Running Back, Houston Texans
30 of 30
Before the 2010 season most experts believed it would be Ben Tate taking over as the featured back in Houston.
A broken ankle in the preseason ended the rookie season of the second-round pick.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Arian Foster went from undrafted rookie to 1,500-yard rusher and has the future of the Texans resting on his shoulders.
Ben Tate is still a worthy complementary back. A good preseason for Tate will allow the Texans to trade No. 3 back Steve Slaton.
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